What to do with a Model 19. Help a revolver idiot out.

[kwelz]

I picked up this Model 19 yesterday in a trade. It is a pinned and recessed -3 model. I am also pretty sure it was an officers sidearm at one point since there is a SS number engraved under the grip.


Now truth be told I have been looking for a good fighting wheel gun. I had my eyes on a 686 or similar but am considering having this one done up the way I want it.

I know little about Revolvers so I am coming to all of you who know far more than I do.

So my options are as follows.

1: Minor work to the gun but leaving the finish as is. Maybe change out the grips and sights. have a little trigger work done on it. Mr. Smith is a master at this kind of work so I know it will be done right.

2: Sell the firearm to someone who appreciates older Smiths. No idea what it is worth to be honest but I am sure people here could give me a starting point. Then use that to pick up something more suitable.

3: Total overhaul. Remove the Nickel finish. (It is nickel right?) Then have the gun refinished. Put a better front sight on it. Have the trigger re-contoured, the hammer bobbed, new grips, the whole shebang.

Given that I don't like shiny nickel finishes the last option appeals to me more. However I wonder if the difficulty of this process would make it prohibitively expensive on this gun. I may be better off picking up a 686 or 627 and using that as a starting point.

There is no question that the gun is beautiful in it's current state. However it is a beauty that I don't appreciate as much as I would others.

So help me out here Experts of all things wheelgun. I really need it.

[montanadave]

Nice looking gun. Seems like a shame to turn it into a Frankengun to get it from what it is to what you want. I could see doing it if the gun had some sentimental value, but in this case I'd be inclined to find a buyer who wants the gun as is and use the proceeds to buy the proper base model to make your personal modifications on.

I'll be interested to hear what the guys in the know have to say.

[thopkins22]

I'm interested in how much refinishing would cost should you have Mr. Smith do his S&W Package. I'm actually planning on calling tomorrow for some work of my own, so I'll report back what I hear.

[kwelz]

I'm interested in how much refinishing would cost should you have Mr. Smith do his S&W Package. I'm actually planning on calling tomorrow for some work of my own, so I'll report back what I hear.

I am lucky that his shop is only about 30 minutes from my house. Having someone of his talent nearby is a real boon.


And I agree it almost seems a shame tondo anything too it. :-/

[thopkins22]

I am lucky that his shop is only about 30 minutes from my house. Having someone of his talent nearby is a real boon.


And I agree it almost seems a shame tondo anything too it. :-/

That's fantastic. We have Aaron Rogers who once upon a time co-hosted a show with LAV, and does fan-flipping-tastic bolt guns...but I haven't grown the stones to spend that much yet.


Given the quality of Mr. Smith's work...in my opinion it almost seems a shame NOT to do anything to it.

Unless the gun in question had some sentimental value, was collectable, or an heirloom or something.

[T2C]

Buy a few speed loaders and 5,000 rounds of ammunition. Once you have fired the 5,000 rounds while running several practical training evolutions, you wil be ready to use it for defensive purposes.

A K frame is an excellent combat handgun. If you decide you want to sell it, send me a PM.

[streck]

Don't alter the weapon. If it is not what you want or need, sell to get what you want. Let someone else appreciate what it is.

[JW5219]

I would go with option 3, at least partially. A new finish & front sight yes, and trigger job. The other stuff, not so much. I have never been a fan of nickel finished guns. They look too much like a pimp gun IMHO. If you decide to have it done, please post some after pictures. Good luck with your choice.

[walkin' trails]

While the 19 is no longer made, they're not particularly rare even though they're not seen often anymore. As yours is pinned and recessed, it is considered more desirable than later models. They did come from the factory with nickel finishes. I like the grips yours sports. They appear to be Herritts and if so, are not cheap. While messing with the finish of an old revolver will degrade the value, most of the other mods you mentioned are not permanent and can be switched back, especially if you keep the original parts. I am plersonally not so much of a pureist or collector that, if I wanted the gun for carry or shooting, would not hesitate to modify it to suit my needs. Ibhave a 19-5 that I got new in box that has received a nice duty action job, and a 66-1 that ibhave no idea of it's origins but recognize that someone did a really nice trigger job and some other mods to it. While my 19.was my duty gun once and likely won't get anymore work done to it, the 66 has become earmarked for a concealed carry package project one of these days. Play with it or sell it - your choice, you can't go wrong either way.

[SteveS]

I would run it as is. the finish is applied for its durability, the sights will work and usually the grips can be personalized to your liking.