S&W 357 Mag
serial # 70,xxx
What era would this firearm be in? What would its approx. value be? It also says markas registradas on one side. thanks
What era would this firearm be in? What would its approx. value be? It also says markas registradas on one side. thanks
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I have a S&W Model 19-4 357 Mag with a 6" barrel. Can I shoot 38spl ammo in it without damaging the gun. Thanks. 0 -
Yes, the .357 Magnum is nothing more than a .38 Special case that has been lengthened in order to prevent it from being inserted into a .38 revolver. The .38 Special can be used safely in any .357 revolver. 0 -
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Yes, just be diligent about cleaning the chambers to prevent fouling buildup.
If not cleaned well after firing those shorter .38's, .357 extraction will be sticky.0 -
quote:Originally posted by msmalley1227
I have a S&W Model 19-4 357 Mag with a 6" barrel. Can I shoot 38spl ammo in it without damaging the gun. Thanks.
Fire all the .38s you like through this gun.
Most people (including myself) fire mostly .38s for recreation and practice, and save the "heavy" (and expensive) .357s for occasional familiarization and "serious" use.
Not incidentally, Smith model 19 is a great gun, one of the best functional defense revolvers ever made, a bargain (in terms of price/gun quality), and one of my personal favorites, one that I use as my personal "go to" home gun.
Your gun was made back in the days of all forged parts, pinned and recessed barrels, and hand assembled (then tuned) by an actual gunsmith. They don't make them "like that" anymore, and they probably never will.
Here's a few pix:0 -
I really enjoy shooting the 19 but I'm not real happy with the 6" barrel. Would it hurt the gun or destroy it's value if I had a gunsmith replace it with a 2 1/2 or 4" and what do you think a replacement barrel might cost? Thanks 0 -
The 4" is a direct swap out, just have the 'smith index it and make sure the flash-gap is correct. The 2 1/2" uses a shorter extractor rod so that would need to be changed as well. You may be able to find someone who wants the longer tube and would swap either the entire gun or the barrel. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by msmalley1227
I really enjoy shooting the 19 but I'm not real happy with the 6" barrel. Would it hurt the gun or destroy it's value if I had a gunsmith replace it with a 2 1/2 or 4" and what do you think a replacement barrel might cost? Thanks
Any competent gunsmith can do this swap, but in my opinion, its probably not cost-effective to do it once you factor in gunsmithing fees. Selling the 6" barrel will probably offset the cost of locating a good 4" bbl, but that's two extra steps of hassle (finding a good 4" then selling your 6").
4" barrel models 19 are the most common and least expensive model. The 6" bbl versions are scarcer and usually cost about another $100. 2.5" versions are the scarcest and most desirable (and expensive).
If you want one, the most cost effective thing for you to do is probably just to sell your 6" gun and just buy a 4" one (potentially pocketing some difference).
As mentioned, you may even be able to find someone who wants to swap their common 4" gun for your less common 6" gun. That's a "win" for the one getting the 6" gun, I think.
Incidentally, what the 6" gun lacks in portability, it makes up for in intimidation factor, increased muzzle energy, and easier aiming. 6" bbl version is really good for outdoor use (ie hunting, personal defense, target shooting at distance).0
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