Acquired an unusual looking S&W 19-3 today.

[Twiki357]

First time I’ve bought a “Modified/refinished” S&W. Model 19-3 (c. 1969) that is in excellent mechanical condition and has definitely been tuned. Four inch pinned heavy barrel and recessed chambers. But, the finish is something else. All the metal has been refinished in a somewhat semi-gloss or flat black and the 3/8” hammer and trigger have been chrome plated. Naturally, it has those darn Pachmayr grips, so I’ll have to invest in some walnut ones… Again. It even came with a black Bianchi holster in excellent condition. I know, maybe I’ll keep it all black with a set of plastic black pearl grips and call it my Batman Special.

I know the pictures aren’t very good from my digital equivalent of a 1950’s box camera, but I’m hoping that someone can give me their wild guess as to what the finish is.

I had to feel sorry for the kid (That’s anyone under 40) I bought it from. He said he bought it at the height of the panic, needed the cash and was selling it at a $100 loss.

 

[stiab]

It's hard to tell from the pics, but are you sure the hammer/trigger are not case hardened, like they are supposed to be. The pictures seems to hint at that, especially on the right side...

 

[David E]

Finish appears to be a bead blast satin blue.

 

[tootall]

My guess is low pressure glass beads then re-blued. Do markings still look sharp?

With walnut furniture, that will be a sharp looking pistol.

Congrats.

 

[Drail]

I would jump on it if it hasn't been abused with someone's stupid handloads. Check cylinder play and barrel/cylinder gap.

 

[Twiki357]

The standard ribbed .265 service trigger and the .375 semi-target hammer appear to be original S&W case hardened ones that were chrome plated.

The stampings on both the frame and barrel are clear, but not as sharp and crisp as on other S&W’s I have that are factory original finishes. A few variations in the finish make me think that it may have been sprayed on.

 

[Jim K]

The problem with a gun that has been "modified/refinished" and "tuned" is that you have no idea who did the work or how well it was done, nor do you know why the person who did the work or had it done then got rid of the gun.

At best, you have a nice gun made up to suit someone else, and if it suits you as well, you are in good shape.

At worst, you have a worked over gun with the case hardening polished off the parts and all the innards messed up so you will have a big bill to get it working and it is still a reblued gun.

Jim

 

[9mmepiphany]

It does look like a bead blasted blue and the hammer and trigger don't look chromed in the pictures.

Could you take some pictures in more natural light and some closeup shots of the hammer, trigger and markings?

 

[rswartsell]

^ agree,

Don't know how anyone is getting a good opinion from these pictures. My first thought are to the mechanics. If they are good, hell it's a 19-3. We can work with it. LOL

 

[Steve C]

You have a great shooter in that 19 and it looks good being refinished. Not original pristine good looking but quite nice. Personally I'd keep the Pachmayrs as I prefer them to the original or other wood stocks for shooting as they help with recoil absorption and provide a good non slip hold on the revolver. I've put the presentation Pachmayrs on all my magnum DA revolvers in .357 and .41 mag.

 

[Twiki357]

Unfortunately the pictures don’t get any better until I get together with my daughter and her camera (Even her phone takes better pic’s than my camera.)

I’m just glad the mechanics seem to be excellent. Nice tight lock up and smooth, but not to light, trigger.

 

[JMACDONALD]

trigger

Trigger and hammer look like the case hardening was buffed off and then polished. Did they remove the serrations on the trigger too?

 

[Dentite]

Backpage? If so I looked at it too and was tempted. Nice pickup.

 

[BYJO4]

If the price was right, you got yourself a nice gun. Can't tell much for the photos. I like a glass bead finish. I've seen some hammers and triggers that were highly polished and left in the raw.

 

[marv]

Since that is no longer a collector piece; were it mine, I would de-groove the trigger, bob the hammer, touch both up, round and touch up the butt, install a lighter rebound spring and Hogue Bantam grips and have me a nice shooter and carry gun.

 

[Twiki357]

The serrations are still on the trigger. The trigger and hammer are definitely plated. They’re a higher polished shine than the factory nickel on my other revolvers; just like the bumpers on my truck.

Dentite, Could well be. It was on Backpage for Phoenix. I saw his ad just an hour after he posted and called right away. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve called on an ads and the item was already sold. I figured the $400 for a 19-3 was to good to pass up regardless of the finish.

Now I just have to get it to the range.

 

[Geezer Glide]

What I see is a nice shooter. Enjoy trying to wear it out.

 

[goon]

Why did he overpay for a revolver during the panic? Even the most rabid antis haven't set their sights on six-shooters... yet.

Anyhow, nice score.

 

[Kernel]

Why did he overpay for a revolver during the panic?

He sold it because he needed the money. The kid was broke. Not stupid.