S&W model 19-3 K-frame

[Nynvolt]

Any smith revolver fans? My dad gave me his model 19-3 6" .357 mag back in 1989. It has the pinned barrel and recessed cylinder. It is all original except for the hand inlaid stock grips. The bluing is still beautiful with some minor holster wear. I have narrowed the production date to be between 1967-1976. Would like to narrow the date further but can't find any free sources of info.

Anyway, it's a great gun, very accurate and fun to shoot. Because of fear of damaging it, I am considering retiring it so eventually I can pass it down as my dad did.

357SWJPG.jpg

[rkt88edmo]

From my readings, there seems to be some evidence to just stick with 158gr loads that aren't super hot and it should have a long shootable life.

[Black Majik]

Nice M19!

I'd stick with .38 spl or some occasional 158 gr 357 mag.

125 gr. 357 magnum from what I understand can lead to flame cutting, cracked forcing cone or make the gun go out of time.

[den888]

Very nice M-19, I love S&W revolvers.

[kurac]

It can be narrowed down more if the serial number is know

[Nynvolt]

Thanks for the compliments.

Yea I've always shot only the 158 grainers and .38 special through it. The k frame was designed for .38 special and the was not noticeably beefed up for the .357 (so far as I can tell anyway). Would be very cool to get ahold of one of the old 4" police trade in model 19's in good condition some day.

The serial is (4)K90XXX.

There is a book I can buy online for $40.00 to date it or pay $30-$50 to buy a paper from S&W. Both options seem a little expensive for curiosity but may eventually get the paper. Would make a nice functional display I think.

[BigDogatPlay]

For the OP....

I own several K frame S&W's, and have owned many others. So long as you shoot .38 ammo through it the gun will last just about indefinitely. Unless you drop it or use it as a hammer, it's awfully hard to break. I've put something around 10K rounds through my 19-3 four inch. The barrel is still sharp, the blue is deep and it has only a bit of holster wear. Another of mine, a 19-4, was my holster gun for many years. While the finish is a bit worn, it still shoots great after at least 25K rounds on my part, and I was not the original owner.

I would shoot it, keep it clean and I'd wager you'll be able to pass it along to the next generation in due time in nearly the shape it is in now. The grips you have on it are quite unique. I'd swap those out and put them in the safe.

[Grumpyoldretiredcop]

My former agency issued Model 19's (various dash numbers) before switching to the Model 66. Many of those weapons were subjected to long term use of 110 grain +P+ loads with only minor failures. Some exhibited frame stretching and flame cutting by the time they were retired (but I'm happy to say that the one I managed to grab onto did not). Stick with .38 Special or light .357 handloads and that revolver will last for many, many years. I agree with BigDogatPlay, I'd swap out those grips and put them away - they're nice looking and shouldn't be bunged up with use.

As to the manufacture date question, I suspect you're stuck either finding a copy of "The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson" or paying S&W for a letter (I think it's $50 - ouch!).

You've got a great weapon from your dad. Treasure it, but use it also.

[Black_Talon]

According to the SCSW, 4K90xxx is 1974.

[B Strong]

Any smith revolver fans? My dad gave me his model 19-3 6" .357 mag back in 1989. It has the pinned barrel and recessed cylinder. It is all original except for the hand inlaid stock grips. The bluing is still beautiful with some minor holster wear. I have narrowed the production date to be between 1967-1976. Would like to narrow the date further but can't find any free sources of info.

Anyway, it's a great gun, very accurate and fun to shoot. Because of fear of damaging it, I am considering retiring it so eventually I can pass it down as my dad did.

[ATTACH]35187[/ATTACH]

If you handload, you can tailor a .357 158 grain lead round that will allow you to fire that 19 until the day you'd want to hand it down, and it will last a lifetime for your son, too.

[Katana]

Remington Golden Saber .357 125 gr should be OK. It's about 200 fps slower than standard 125 gr .357.

[gbarbo001]

I bought a model 19 NIB back in 1974 and still have it. About all I've ever fired through it are 158 grain .357 mags - - hundreds and hundreds of them. And it's still the most accurate center fire revolver I own.

[Nynvolt]

Black Talon, thanks so much for the date! Appreciate that.

Glad to hear others have also enjoyed this model, it really is a great gun. Also glad to hear about the durability.

The grips are stock, they were hand inlaid at some point. The person carved out the checkering and put in the individual pieces, turquoise, abalone and some brown colored rock. I actually have a set of grips for it, with the intention I was going to put the originals away but they give it such a unique look and I kind of like showing them off when shooting it.