smith 19-3

[ChefJeff1]

Hi all, I bought a model 19-3 in .357 today. The cylinder feels tight and I can barely fit an index card between the cylinder and the barrel. The blueing is great except for right at the end of the barrel. Now for the interesting part, It has had trigger and hammer work and has a python barrel. I was wondering if someone could tell me more about this nice piece. The numbers are 19-3, 7k23870. The grips are perfect and still glossy with checkering. Is this a decent gun? when was it made? Is there anything I shouldn't shoot out of it? Thanks for your help, you guys are the best. Jeff

 

[colubrid]

Pics?

 

[Preacherman]

Sounds like a "smolt" - a Smith & Wesson K-frame fitted with a Colt Python barrel. I've seen a couple, and they usually shoot like the dickens! Great find!

 

[ChefJeff1]

19-3

sorry no pics, no camera.

 

[inventory0297]

Your "Smython" should be a nice shooter. I think people used to put on the Python ribbed barrels to help keep the K frames from getting too beaten up w/ full house loads.

 

[Ala Dan]

ATT: ChefJeff1

Your Smith & Wesson model 19-3 with S/N 7K238XX
is of 1974 vintage. Should be a good one; but I
would not feed it a steady diet of 125 grain JHP
.357 magnums!

Friendly advice, when disclosing a weapons serial
number I would only use a partial number, with
XX or XXX as the last didgits. Who knows, might be
some persons with the wrongful intent on board?

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[ChefJeff1]

Thanks guys, I had no idea about the number thing but wondered why people put the xx's. I'll shoot it today.

 

[Majic]

What you most likely have is a fine old PPC gun of the 70's. Many Smith's were converted in those days in that fashion for use on the PPC circuit. Smith shooters eagerly sought the accuracy of the Python's barrel in those games.
There were also "Cougers". Ruger Security Sixes with Python barrels converted for the same purpose.

 

[Eskimo Jim]

Chef,
Good luck with your new revolver. I hope that you thoroughly enjoy it.

-Jim