Advise on a S&W mod 19

[Devon]

Today I was out scouting the local pawn shops and found a 6" model 19 with the wide target hammer & trigger has an adjustable set screw. Bluing was worn at the end of the barrel & front of the cylinder. This is a pinned & recessed gun that shows some holster wear, the rifling looks very good but the cylinder lockup needs work. He offered it to me for $250, I've passed on it for now but may reconsider.
Does this seem to be a good deal? What needs to be done to correct the lockup issue? Should I kneel before the S&W gods to beg forgiveness for passing on this gun?

Devon

Edit: He also had a very clean 629 6" in a presentation case for $550, out of my price range but a good deal.

 

[thatguy]

A P&R 19 won't last long at $250 unless it's a real beater. Usually go on the auction sites for $350+.

What do you mean the lock up needs work? Are you sure? Maybe you are mistaking normal tolerances for looseness? Some people seem to expect revolvers to be solid but they must have operating tolerance to function. I have never actually seen a 19 that was worn so badly that it didn't lock properly. If it was really worn that much I suspect it would show a lot more wear externally. Very, very few handguns get shot enough to wear out. Would take many thousands of rounds.

 

[1 old 0311]

Grab it. I would

Kevin

 

[RonJon]

Did you inspect the forcing cone to make sure that there was no crack or serious erosion? This is a common thing on M19s.

Look especially close where there is a flat machined to allow the yoke to clear when closing.

If it's cracked, you'll not be able to get a repair since S&W has no replacement barrels (I lucked out and got a replacement 686-6, but I have seen that others are not so lucky).

Ron

 

[Universal]

I would take a M19 for $250 in a heartbeat.

 

[ruger357]

Buy it. My dealer has one for $350.

 

[thatguy]

RonJon- Forcing cone damage on 19s is common? Common? I have seen none and heard of 3 on Interenet forums. How many have you seen?

 

[JoeHatley]

I paid $300 for this similar 19-4 several years ago.



If the gun checks out mechanically, $250 would be a great deal.

Good Luck...

Joe

 

[Daniel Boon]

P&R mdl 19

I have a 4" mdl 19, but I treat it with gentle loads; for 250 bucks, I sell something to buy it.

 

[RonJon]

Thatguy,

On this thread you wrote:

"RonJon- Forcing cone damage on 19s is common? Common? I have seen none and heard of 3 on Interenet forums. How many have you seen?"

Then in this thread:
check post number seven in the thread
...why did you post this?:

"June 17th, 2005, 04:19 PM #7
thatguy
Senior Member

Did you check the forcing cone? I have heard of three 19-5s with cracks."


I, personally have experienced this on one that I bought and didn't know to look for it before I bought it. I sent it in for repairs and S&W had to replace the revolver.

Here is the thread that covers my story:
My unrepairable M19 story


My experience led me to search out many posts in various forums on the net that indicate that it is not uncommon when 125 grain or lighter .357 magnums are fired a lot.

So, as you were apparently doing in the above referenced post, I was merely trying to give this fellow a heads-up to look at the forcing cone before he bought it.


Ron

 

[Devon]

Thanks

I appreciate the replies, I'll go back this weekend to look at it more closely. If it's still there and checks out it'll be joining my little family.

Devon