A little help with a model *&* 19-4

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PigPen

New member
Today I stopped by a little out of the way gun shop and they had consigned a near mint 2 1/2" model 19-4. It had the pinned barrel and recessed chambers. It was rolled ever so slightly but not shot much at all. The had it marked $329.00. The actin was ever so smooth on DA and it had a great trigger in SA.

Guess what! I think I'm in love but I really want a 4" -5 " 629-3 or later. Is a 2 1/2" really long enough for a .357 mag......course I could shoot .38 spl.

I've read the archive and the opinions are vague and mixed on Model 19's Anybody know when this piece was made. It has to be early 70s or earlier with a pinned barrel and recessed chambers doesn't it?

PigPen

Opinions please.
 
I gather the asterisks refer to the Smith & Wesson revolver!! :rolleyes:
That is a good price on a fine gun, and yes, it was made prior to 1972. With a serial number, it could be dated.
 
A Smith & Wesson model 19-4 would date from around 1977. In the condition you describe $329 would be an average "book" price.

.357 works just fine in a short barrel and accuracy may supprise you. I've owned a 6" 19-4 for a few years and really enjoy it.

Good Luck... BTW: I don't think I'd buy ANY gun I could call by it's proper name, but maybe that's just me.

Joe
 
Go back and read my posts on the Model 19, Pigpen.

You'll be left with absolutely no doubt in your mind of the greatness of the Model 19.

I frequently carry a 19 2.5" in a shoulder holster during the winter.
 
PigPen...

A 2.5" M19 is, as others have said, is a great firearm, especially in the shape you describe. I suggest that (if you can) you head back there with cash and offer him $300. See if he bites. Try to talk him into it, but if not, spend the extra money and buy it before some other lucky person does buy it.
 
GREAT carry gun.
Loaded wt with 125gr magnums is 36oz.
Joy to shoot.
With practice, a very accurate and fast gun.

Sam
 
Okay...now I'll cast a dark shadow. First of all a model 19 snubbie is one of my all time favorites. In the past two years I've had three S&W double actions that I purchased from individuals or pawn shops that had "light hits". I WAS SCREWED!
If you're dealing with a "gunshop" look at the guy behind the counter and ask him straight up...."if I have light hits can I bring it back and you'll make it right, correct?"
I just went shoppin' a couple days ago and passed up S&W's for a used Taurus model 431 44 special. Shoots just fine thank you. Lesson? Just because it's a used S&W doesn't mean it'll work when you get it home.:(
 
It has that dark, high polish bluing that is in perfect condition except for the light turn mark. It's tight and smooth as butter. It has adjustible sights. I can't remember the grips except that they had finger grooves so they must have been rubber.

I think the most appealing thing to me about this pistol is the condition for age. The guy who owned the shop said that if they had a box they could almost sell it for new........He's right.

I was considering a J frame .357 (as in 649 for example) before finding this M19......but after feeling the M19 action, I know a late model J frame wouldn't have the same workmanship............I can't have a new *&*anyway.....(you know why) but from what I have seen, they are nowhere near the quality of this pistol anyway.

Given that it's a .357, shooting 38 spl. +P woundn't be an issue would it? Sorry but I don't know a lot about a revolver.......I only have a couple, a 6" anaconda and a *&* 649.

PigPen
 
PigPen...

"Given that it's a .357, shooting 38 spl. +P woundn't be an issue would it?"

Nope. Not at all. Some people may claim a "slight" accuracy decrease because of the longer (all of 1/10 of an inch) additional travel of the bullet before it engages the forcing cone and barrel but I think that is unfounded. Or so minimal at best as to be a non-issue unless you are a world-class bullseye shooter.

The only issue i can think of is that if you fire a lot of .38Spl's and do not clean the charge holes well, you may experience a slight build-up of crud which could make extraction of .357 cases more difficult. But this can be avoided by good hygiene habits. For the pistol, not for YOU! :D

PigPen...this pistol is calling your name...can't you hear it??? It is saying, "Take me home....take me home.".
 
I've got the 2.5" model 66 and love it. There's nothing I don't like about it (well..the short ejector rod is not ideal maybe..but not an issue for me). Mine's very accurate and controllable with .38+P LSWCHP.
Many consignment guns have 10% built into the price for negotiating, so you could probably get it for $300. You can always pick up a 4" later.
 
Let's try again. Her she is: M19-4 serial number 78KXXXX.

As you can see, WO rear sight (adjustable), RR front sight, I think a TT and TH. Hogue grips which i may change.
 
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