[TimM]

Can somebody tell me what the difference between a Smith & Wesson 19-1, 19-3, 19-4, etc is. What does the number following the dash indicate?

Thanks

If you have to fight, fight to win!

[Brian Williams]

The Dash number is the way S&W shows the engineering changes that they have done.

from wikipedia

Engineering changes were designated with a "dash-" number after the model number. The engineering changes are as follows:

* 19 - 1957: Stamping of model number.
* 19-1 - 1959: Change extractor rod, right to left-hand thread.
* 19-2 - 1961: Cylinder stop changed, delete triggerguard screw.
o 1963: Introduce 6" barrel.
o 1963: 50 manufactured with 2.5" barrel, serial range K544672-K544721.
o 1966: Introduce 2.5" barrel as standard.
* 19-3 - 1967: Relocation of rear sight leaf screw.
o 1968: Delete diamond-insert grip.
* 19-4 - 1977: Change gas ring from yoke to cylinder. (not really an "improvement". It did make it slightly easier to clean if there was heavy leading, but basically was a cost-cutting measure.)
* 19-5 - 1982: Eliminate cylinder counterbore.

[TimM]

Thanks for the info. Is anyone of these models more desirable than the others?

[10X]

A S&W that is pinned and recessed (cylinder counterbore) is more desirable than later versions.

[Jim K]

Brian is correct. Note that those engineering changes affect parts interchangeability, so when ordering any part, make sure to give the serial number, Model and change numbers (e.g., Model 19-3). If there is no change number, state "Model 19, no change number".

Jim

[The Bushmaster]

When did they stop pinning the barrel?

[Thaddeus Jones]

They stopped pinning the barrels in 1982.

They stopped making the model 19 in 1999.

They stopped making revolvers I would buy in 2001 :)

TJ

[bakert]

They stopped making revolvers I would buy in 2001

Ditto+1

[Pistol Toter]

Tim,
If you are collecting for collecting sake earlier is generally better provided the gun is in very good to excellent condition. If you're intent is to carry and or use the gun on the range, it won't much matter. Also in that case I would want one produced after the extract rod thread change as they did tned to back themselves out causeing problems with open and closing the cylinder. Some will disagree here but if you buy a "K" frame .357, fire the heavier 147 to 158 grain projectile in the .357 loading. The lighter bullet tended to cause problems in the forcing cone; a point you may want to familiarize yourself with. The "K" frame gun was developed to fire the .38 spl but was expanded for the law enfocement officer to fire the .357. This was OK until the .125 grn came along which seems to be the culpret when the problem reveals it ugly head. Not to scare you away from your model 19 for it is an excellent gun. I own several. P.T.


READ THIS: http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=1430

[Pistol Toter]

Quote:
They stopped making revolvers I would buy in 2001


Essentially true, or at least that I have much interest in. They make a serviceable gun but the advent of the lock, MIM, two piece barrel, the Buck Rodgers materials and such have pretty much turned me off. To each his on but I can't possibly picture a need or desire for the "X" frame guns. I own one plastic gun, a Glock 21. It's a fine tool but other than that has no redeeming features. If it ain't made from steel, beautifully polished and fitted and blue is better, with gorgeous wood stocks then it is has little appeal to me.

[rodinal220]

They stopped making revolvers I would buy in 2001

TJ

+3

I recently had the chance to pop the sideplate on a new S&W 442.Being a former S&W amourer I was horrified:barf:.The new lock work reminded me of a Matchbox car. :(

[Walkalong]

They stopped making revolvers I would buy in 2001
If you can overlook the lock, S&W is making some cool stuff these days. I have stopped saying, " man, if that didn't have a lock", because they do, and will continue to do so. :barf:

[Pistol Toter]

" man, if that didn't have a lock", because they do, and will continue to do so.

That is the reason I'll continue to buy older guns.

[pete f]

actually if you look around they are still making guns without the lock, look at Lew Horten's web page.