Agreed-- though it's unusual for me to find the "affordable" part nowadays. This one was less than 500, so I figure that's not bad. I paid more than that for a 3" 36 from the late 80s...Nice. Spotting an affordable Smith in great shape is the most satisfying thing I can think of when slumming about the gun store counters.
Just those grips alone are worth some $$! Great gun, but avoid the 110 and 125gr. HPs- tend to crack the forcing cone.This was hiding in the corner of a case when I went to buy some powder and projectiles:
View attachment 765344
S&W Model 19-3, .357, 6" barrel. Good rifling, tight lockup, smoooooth 8 lb. trigger. I am pleased. Now I must go shoot it!
Edit to add: The serial number puts it at 1975.
Just those grips alone are worth some $$! Great gun, but avoid the 110 and 125gr. HPs- tend to crack the forcing cone.
My serial number is 7K324**, which apparently places it in the same year as yours! Just think, they both may have gone through the same sets of hands.Howdy
Looks just like my Model 19-3 that I bought brand-spanky new in 1975. Still have the box and all the goodies.
By the way, back then that style of grip was called the Oversized Target grips. Made from Goncalo Alves.
Great gun, but avoid the 110 and 125gr. HPs- tend to crack the forcing cone.
And 158 grain 357 Magnum loads. I cracked the forcing cone on my Model 19 shooting a steady diet of 158 grain magnum loads.
A "no brainer" for sure. Very nice find.This one was less than 500, so I figure that's not bad
I have my father's 19, a great shooting revolver.....
Why do I feel really old when guys report that they have their father's or grandfather's gun, just like mine that I bought in my 20s?