Question for the more experts about S&W revolvers

[painter777]

Ovidio,
I have 2 S&W Model 19's. Both are Model 19-3 from the early 70's, .357, Polished nickel, 1 is a 4", the other a 6" barrel. Bought both from a newly retired Detective in the very early 80's. Both are as issued and never had an issue with either. Tight lock up after years of shooting. I always stayed away from the hot loaded/light bullets.
If you come across one pick it up and see how you like that initial 'Handshake'.
2 Months until Christmas !

Cheers
Charlie-P777

[Ovidio]

Well, today the guy selling the 27 called me to inform the owner died. She was ill and needed the money for medical care, but got into hospital last week and did not make it.
That thing makes me feel a bit like a scrounger...
In any case, as soon as the bureaucratic aspects will be settled, I’ll go fetch the gun.
In the end it will be a Xmas present.
I hope this bad taste will disappear by taking good care of a gun someone unlucky cherished.

[browningautorifle]

That thing makes me feel a bit like a scrounger...

It's a fact of owning something, if you have it long enough someone gets it from your estate. Don't feel bad, it's an object. You can cherish it too...then we'll buy it from your estate...and cherish it...see?

[Bruce_in_Oz]

Ultimately, he who dies with the most toys doesn't win; they are just dead.

We are all just transient custodians; be it of old or new guns, art-works, cars, etc.

[Ovidio]

Yesterday, coming back from the range, I called a guy who was selling a 29-5 with 6” barrel at a ridiculous price. I was with the friend who caused my late desire for a revolver. We went to see the gun and.....it’s mine now.
Great, as new. Mechanically fabulous. It only misses the original screw of the cylinder release because carrying it during hunting trips (in Eastern Europe) he somehow lost it.
He kept the gun in a holster filled with velvet not to scratch it.
Incredible guy.
My friend, an enthusiastic revolver shooter, caused me painful bruises in the ribs nudging me to tell me to buy the gun right away.
I hope I’ll be able to try it Tuesday evening both with 44 M and Special.

Also my wife and my son were drooling over this babe.

I’ll now try to get an agreement with the guy selling the 27, since that one I want for collection purposes.
Let’s hope.

[browningautorifle]

Nice gun, the thumb latch screw can be had. I used to have all that and would have sent one...but they must be available where you shop... Very nice gun.

[Gil Boyd]

Ovidio,
Yes it does look in good order and looks as if it hasn't seen a hard life at all. As Jim says the latching screw is an easy thing to find at any good S&W dealer.

[Ovidio]

Thanks guys. Will look for it and order asap.
The more I “play” with her, the more she seems to be new.
The forcing cone (hope it is the right term) is sharp and has no signs of wear.
The muzzle is absolutely perfect, as is the barrel, the chambers of the cylinder and the blueing.
When I read the price last Friday, I was convinced it could be not much better than a piece of junk, but since I was going to drive by yesterday, I took a chance.
I’m really glad I did!

[Ovidio]

First test. Not too shabby. Just pulling a shot every now and then.
.44 special is fabulous, while the Magnum rounds are fun for a few minutes, then they really are too much. At the range they're nonsense.
The funniest part with the Magnum was the first shot: at night with a few guys shooting .22 around me and two "onlookers".
That was great entertainment for a couple minutes

[Ovidio]

Tried the babe at 100 meters today. Just 6 rounds of full magnum loads.
All on paper, 4 in the black, the first two low on 5 and 6.
Very much fun, but there were so many hunters waiting to sight in their rifles that I stopped there.
But I’ll do it again