S&W model 19 with cracked forcing cone

Status
Not open for further replies.
gila_dog1

gila_dog1

Member
Joined
Jun 5, 2022
Messages
86
Location
New Mexico
I have an old model 19 that has been in the family for many years. I recently heard about these guns developing a cracked forcing cone if too much .357 ammo was shot thru them. I looked at mine, and sure enough, I can see a very faint little crack at the bottom edge of the barrel. I have to hold it just right, in good light, to see it. But there it is. I've looked around, including S&W's forum, and found some reference to this problem. In the old days S&W would replace the barrel, but apparently they've stopped doing this. So, here's my question. Is this gun safe to shoot with standard pressure .38 special ammo? I would hate to retire it because it is such an accurate gun, and very pleasant to shoot with .38s. But is it safe?
 
If it were mine, I'd call S&W customer service and discuss it with them and see what they will do. I would also take good close pictures of the forcing cone in case they ask for pictures. I don't think anyone will want to tell you it is safe or not, but again, if it were mine, I would not shoot it until I had it evaluated professionally.
 
When the forcing cone cracked on my Model 19, the barrel dragged on a part on the front of the cylinder that shields the extractor rod. The gun was difficult to cycle at that point.

I do not know if the forcing cone had been cracked for a while and had gotten progressively worse over time or if the failure happened all at once.

Since you discovered the crack, I would not recommend shooting the gun.

Serviceable barrels may show up at some of the surplus parts dealers from time to time if S&W is no help.

S&W replaced my barrel on their dime in 1982. I've been easy on the gun since.
 
There are slim pickin’s pretty much everywhere for model 19 barrels.
Currently there are a few on EBay they may or may not be what you’re looking for. Most are 2-2 1/2” barrels but if you check on occasion you may find what you need.

There is also Gun Parts Corp. Check there occasionally. They may get some in.
https://www.gunpartscorp.com/gun-manufacturer/smith-wesson/revolvers-sw/19-sw

I do not know the differences, if any, between dash numbers on model 19s in regards to barrels. Perhaps someone with more knowledge on that might be able to let you know what barrels are compatible.

What is the dash number on your model 19?
I am assuming you may not know as you didn’t mention it.

If you don’t know where that number is it can be found at this location.
1B246D69-D597-4594-AE57-26FA64665575.jpeg
photo from https://www.smith-wesson.com/safety/recalls/performance-center-model-329-safety-recall

This is obviously not a model 19, but that is where you will find your model number: 19 and then there may be a dash (-) with a single digit after the “19”. That will be your dash number.
I have a 19-4.

I hope you can find a replacement barrel. I would not shoot it until you get it replaced.
 
That's all pretty discouraging advice. It's a model 19-3. I've looked around a bit and not seen any 4" blue barrels. I've seen some short ones and nickel or SS ones on ebay, but I want the 4" blue barrel. I'll contact S&W but I don't expect to hear any good news. Thanks everybody for the info.

Could a different K frame barrel be used? The model 19 barrel has a shroud around the extractor rod. But I see other K frame barrels that don't. Would that work?
 
Does you have other K frames? If so, just
retire it and keep it around for parts that may
be needed in other models, i.e. trigger, hammer,
the screws, etc. The gun has already paid for
itself many times over. Weigh this advice
to the possibility a barrel will be found and
cost plus installation is not nightmarish.
 
ArchAngelCD said:
I just checked Numrich and it seems the M19 no dash through the M19-8 all use the same barrels.
Click to expand...

I would not bet on a Numrich ad.
The 19-5 lost the pinned barrel (and recessed chambers).
Are the threads the same?
Is the fit the same? There was discussion of "torqued" barrels at the time.
I don't know but would ask on the S&W board.

Could a different K frame barrel be used? The model 19 barrel has a shroud around the extractor rod. But I see other K frame barrels that don't. Would that work?
Click to expand...

Theoretically, but not practically. Another K barrel would screw in but if off a .38 would have a longer tenon that would have to be cut back. Rib profiles are different, sight heights are different, and you are into a big(er) gunsmithing job. Get the right one.
 
Safe? Yes, it's not dangerous.

Will it last indefinitely? No, the crack is fatal. Shoot soft reloads and it might last for a very long time.

OE Model 19 barrels have been out of production and in high demand for decades, so you're unlikely to find one. A competent revolver Smith could make you a barrel from non-OE source stock, but it'll cost more than a new M19 would.
 
Jim Watson said:
I would not bet on a Numrich ad.
The 19-5 lost the pinned barrel (and recessed chambers).
Are the threads the same?
Is the fit the same? There was discussion of "torqued" barrels at the time.
I don't know but would ask on the S&W board.

Theoretically, but not practically. Another K barrel would screw in but if off a .38 would have a longer tenon that would have to be cut back. Rib profiles are different, sight heights are different, and you are into a big(er) gunsmithing job. Get the right one.
Click to expand...
You are correct Jim. I should have added the warning to check with S&W or at least a good gunsmith if the barrels are compatible. I should not assume everyone know this.
 
edwardware said:
Safe? Yes, it's not dangerous.

Will it last indefinitely? No, the crack is fatal. Shoot soft reloads and it might last for a very long time.

OE Model 19 barrels have been out of production and in high demand for decades, so you're unlikely to find one. A competent revolver Smith could make you a barrel from non-OE source stock, but it'll cost more than a new M19 would.
Click to expand...

I never knew anyone who continued shooting once they found a cracked forcing cone. I would be leery of a piece of metal cracking off and poking my eye out. I would agree chances are remote, but, people do win the loser lottery.

My philosophy has been, once a metal piece fails:replace it, or discard the mechanism.
 
I would look at a factory replacement for "awhile"(set some time limit),with the idea that if one doesn't show up.....

Would snag a custom brrl(posted above) and either buy,or more likely make a sight/rib for it,and not look back. Another possibility is a Python barrel but dang,could have a custom for the price.... not to mention the effort to fit.

Good luck with your project.
 
For a long time the forcing cone problem was kind of a myth for recreational shooters. Service revolvers was another story. I guess as the revolvers get longer in the tooth it’s popping up more. My K frames always get very few full power .357’s through them not because I am worried about breakage but that I like .38 much more than .357. Bottom line that sucks. I would just take my time and keep an eye out for the right barrel. Not sure if Williams or other companies still make PPC style barrels for the K frames. That was a big thing once upon a time and a common conversion.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

mesinge2
  • Locked
Smith & Model 19-4 and cracked forcing cone
Replies
20
Views
6K
roaddog28
R
K
  • Locked
S&W Model 66 and cracking forcing cones
Replies
16
Views
5K
dfariswheel
D
MMCSRET
  • Locked
S&W K forcing cone ??????
Replies
9
Views
1K
rscalzo
rscalzo
T
  • Locked
Unsafe Model 19 ??
Replies
9
Views
720
Confederate
Confederate
T
  • Locked
Forcing cone cracks
2
Replies
28
Views
4K
MCgunner
M
Back
Top