The Smith and Wesson Model 19 Classic was introduced in 1957 with a polished nickel finish. It has a K-frame and supports 357 Magnum and 38 S&W Special cartridges. You could, however, run into a few typical problems with the revolver.
The most frequent issues with Smith & Wesson Model 19 Classic are forcing cone and frame cracking, rear sight malfunction, splitting lead, sights moving, cylinder lock malfunction, and cylinder jamming.
I’ll address a few typical Smith & Wesson Model 19 Classic issues in this article. See the following table for a description of this revolver’s characteristics and specifications.
Features & Specifications of Smith and Wesson Model 19 Classic Gun:
| Smith and Wesson Model 19 Classic Specs | |
| Cartridge | 357 Magnum, 38 S&W Special +P |
| Capacity | 6 Rounds |
| Barrel Length | 4.25 Inches |
| Weight (Unloaded) | 37.20 Ounces or 1054.60 Grams |
| Length | 9.875 Inches |
| Height | 5.75 Inches |
| Width | 1.5 Inches |
| Safety | Transfer Bar, Internal Lock |
| Sights | Front – Red Ramp Rear – Black Blade Adjustable |
Common Smith and Wesson Model 19 Classic Problems and Solutions
| Problems with Smith and Wesson Model 19 Classic | Solutions |
| Forcing Cone and Frame Cracking | Avoid shooting 357 Magnum and repair broken frame and forcing cone. |
| Rear Sight Malfunction | Send the gun to Smith and Wesson to fix the sight. |
| Spitting Lead | Replace the cylinder star. |
| Sights Moving by Itself | Inspect the sights regularly and fix or replace the faulty sights. |
| Cylinder Lock Malfunction | Replace the whole cylinder lock formation. |
| Cylinder Jamming | Replace the ratchet wheel. |
1. Forcing Cone and Frame Cracking:
Although the Smith and Wesson Model 19 Classic supports both 357 Magnum and 38 S&W Special ammo, many people have experienced a broken frame with shooting the 357 Magnum.
The build quality of the frame and the forcing cone does not withstand the force from shooting the 357 Magnum. Gas cutting is also to blame.
Many people also noticed that using lightweight such as 125 grain Magnum also resulted in breaking these parts.
The Fix:
Not all users face this issue but it is generally suggested to avoid shooting 357 Magnum with the Smith and Wesson Model 19 Classic.
If you have broken the frame or forcing cone shooting this ammo, send the gun to the company for a fix or replacement.
2. Rear Sight Malfunction:
The Smith & Wesson Model 19 Classic’s rear sight is adjustable and has a black blade. But it is infamous for having problems adjusting.
The blade seems to angle throughout the adjustment procedure, but occasionally you won’t be able to move it.
The Fix:
You should send your Smith & Wesson Model 19 Classic in for repair if this problem arises with the rear sight.
Without an adjusted sight, you’ll miss more shots and become less accurate.
3. Spitting Lead:
Many Smith & Wesson Model 19 Classics are known to spit lead. While shooting the gun, lead shavings can come out of the gun and hit your face or hands.
You may also find a heavy buildup of lead around the barrel. A faulty cylinder star can cause this issue.
The Fix:
Disassemble and open up the cylinder. Look at the cylinder star and examine any visual damage.
You might need to replace the cylinder star if you notice that it has been damaged.
4. Weak Shooting:
The older Smith and Wesson Model 19 Classics were known as being weak. The company has upgraded the Model 19 guns throughout the production stage and has made them stronger.
But there are old and vintage models of the gun that may still shoot weakly.
The Fix:
It is best if you avoid the earlier variants of the Smith and Wesson Model 19 Classic revolvers.
The recent Model 19s from the company are better at shooting powerful ammunition.
5. Cylinder Lock Malfunction:
The Smith & Wesson Model 19 Classic has a cylinder lock. The pin comes out of the detent when you advance the cylinder release.
The cylinder lock now becomes stuck in the unlocked position when you advance it. You must press the cylinder backward to lock it back.
This occurs as a result of the cylinder’s misalignment with the lock. You won’t be able to draw the hammer backward as a consequence.
The Fix:
If you do not fix it, it might become an issue if you need to shoot in a dangerous situation.
To fix this issue, you have to replace the entire cylinder lock formation. Since the parts are not available anywhere in the market, you have to send the revolver to Smith and Wesson.
They can replace the needed parts and the problem will go away.
6. Cylinder Jamming:
While shooting on the range, the cylinder of the Smith & Wesson Model 19 Classic can frequently become jammed.
When the cylinder’s ratchet wheel sustains damage, this problem will arise. If the gun is bound up and the cylinder refuses to turn, trying to cock the gun will add to the problem.
The Fix:
You must remove the side plate from the revolver before you can release the cylinder. Disconnect the grips first. Now, remove the screws from the side plate using a screwdriver.
After that, use a mallet to strike the grip’s side. Take remove the hammer block and main spring after removing the side plate.
Pull the cylinder hand back and hang on to it while you do so. Remove the rebound slide and spring, then the safety mechanism. Pull the cylinder hand away from its placement and out of the way.
Now, replace the ratchet when with a new one.
User Feedback on Smith and Wesson Model 19 Classic
The Smith and Wesson Model 19 Classic is one of the oldest revolvers from the company. The gun has been in the market for many years and has collected both positive and negative feedback.
In this post from the Smith and Wesson Forums, most of the people said that they are satisfied with the gun. They have also recommended the gun to their fellow shooters.
One user from The High Road has said that he had an old Smith and Wesson Model 19 Classic which had the famous forcing cone issue. People have suggested contacting customer service regarding the issue.
In another post on the Smith and Wesson Forums, one user had an issue with the trigger of the revolver. The faulty trigger and the rebound bar slowed the firing of the gun.
Top 3 Alternative Guns of Smith and Wesson Model 19 Classic
Here are some best alternatives for the Smith and Wesson Model 19 Classic:
- Smith and Wesson 686
– Shoots 357 Magnum and 38 S&W Special and has a capacity of 6 rounds.
– L-frame revolver with stainless steel build and finish. - Ruger LCR 38
– Has 5 models supporting 38 Special, 22 LR, 357 Mag, 327 Fed Mag, and 9MM Luger.
– Costs $719 or $829 depending on the model. - Taurus 856– Has 17 models with different build materials and barrel lengths.
– Features an optional Viridian red grip laser and shoots 38 special ammo.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much does the Smith and Wesson Model 19 Classic cost?
$903.00.
What is the action type of the Smith and Wesson Model 19 Classic gun?
Single action and double action.
What is the build material of the Smith and Wesson Model 19 Classic?
Carbon steel and stainless steel.
What type of grip is provided with the Smith and Wesson Model 19 Classic revolver?
Walnut checkered grip.
Are there any other variants of the Smith and Wesson Model 19 Classic?
Yes, model 66 and model 68.
Are the Smith and Wesson Model 19 still in production?
Yes. They have been in production from 1957 to 1999 and from 2018 to the present.
Can you adjust the sights of the Smith and Wesson Model 19 Classic?
Yes.
Conclusion
Keep in mind that the Smith and Wesson Model 19 Classic is infamous for its forcing cone and frame cracking due to gas cutting.
I have included the most common problems that people face with this revolver. Follow my guidelines to get your Smith and Wesson Model 19 Classic fixed.
