S&W Model 19 cylinder question

[greenhorng]

If a model 19-3 does not have a recessed cylinder, does that mean the cylinder has been replace? Sorry if this is a dumb question. Thanks

 

[rcmodel]

Yes, but I'm not sure what cylinder it could have been replaced with.

Maybe it has been modified for moon-clip use?

rc

 

[4v50 Gary]

I had a M-19. The cylinder was not recessed. It came from S&W that way.

 

[rcmodel]

All Model 19's, 19-1's, 19-2's, 19-3s, and 19-4s were pinned & recessed until the 19-5 came out in 1982.

The OP's 19-3 left the factory with a recessed cylinder.

rc

 

[greenhorng]

Thanks rcmodel. The possible moon clip explanation makes sense.

 

[4v50 Gary]

Thanks RCmodel. That tells me how much newer that M-19 was.

 

[230RN]

One known problem with the 19 is that constant and long-term use of full-power .357s causes the forcing cone to split right where the cutout for the hinge pin occurs. Had this problem myself, had to replace the barrel. I no longer shoot it very often with full-house maggies. If not inspected frequently, the first symptom is that the cylinder becomes difficult to turn, since the "spread" in the forcing cone interferes with the rotation. At first, the crack that starts to form is almost invisible.

Mine's a nickeled 19-4, pinned, recessed cylinder.Would you believe the pin holes lined up exactly when the barrel was torqued in? Amazing!

Colts do not have this problem, since the forcing cone does not have this little cutout to clear the hinge pin.

Old and new BBLs, had to go to 4"; the crack looking down from top of BBL:.Photos mine and not copyrighted.

 

[Iggy]

Guns designated by Model 19-5 and later do not have the recessed cylinder

It was a cost cutting change only.