WTK: best vintage
- Thread starter SPR1
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
Art Doc
SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
Prior to serial 165,000 or so non-tempered cylinder.
Prior to 1945 hammer block not as good as later one.
Prior to 1982 pinned barrel.
After 1982 you start seeing cast parts, synthetic stocks, and the dreaded "I'll never own one because I am so pissed" lock.
Pick your poison.
Prior to 1945 hammer block not as good as later one.
Prior to 1982 pinned barrel.
After 1982 you start seeing cast parts, synthetic stocks, and the dreaded "I'll never own one because I am so pissed" lock.
Pick your poison.
19-3 or early 19-4 would be my best "guess". From any manufacturing era, you have great and not so great guns made. 19-4 was the last of the pinned barrel recessed chambers guns. I have a 2 1/2" that is one of the tightest gun I own, great shooter. Almost any 19 will serve you well. Since they are discontinued, look over closely before you buy a used one.
The serial number that I have always heard as a cutoff for non-tempered cylinder has been 316648. Otherwise, Saxon Pig summed it pretty well. In addition, QC went to **** some time in the mid 60's, certainly by 1967 or 1968. Probably others on the forum could tell you the date a little better. If you have a choice, you should probably set a limit at the early 60's, although I would probably specifically go for a 10-3 (1961 HB) or later to get the LH extractor rod and .125" front sight, or, in std bbl, 10-5 for the same.
I'm not sure, but I think that QC became reasonable again at some point. Others can advise. But 10-3 thru 10-6 in the early 60's should certainly be OK.
Now that I think about it, I bought a 19 in the mid-60's, and it was fine, but I think that they may have been watched a little more closely. It's probably best to do your own QC.
Good luck!
BTW, you are not particularly likely to get a nice old 4" 19 RB, unless you put a 4" bbl on a frame originally sold with a 2.5" bbl.
I'm not sure, but I think that QC became reasonable again at some point. Others can advise. But 10-3 thru 10-6 in the early 60's should certainly be OK.
Now that I think about it, I bought a 19 in the mid-60's, and it was fine, but I think that they may have been watched a little more closely. It's probably best to do your own QC.
Good luck!
BTW, you are not particularly likely to get a nice old 4" 19 RB, unless you put a 4" bbl on a frame originally sold with a 2.5" bbl.
