Help me ID this S&W Service Revolver

[HenryTheNoodle]

I have several handguns, but this is my first revolver, as a gift from my father-in-law. It's a service revolver from Jefferson County, KY - and has seen some use. I need to clean it up some, and there's a little rust as you can see on the ejector rod. Any tips for cleaning that properly would be appreciated.

What I can't tell though is what model I have. Help?

 

[MrBorland]

Nice gun. Looks like a Model 19 to me. Open the cylinder - the model # should be stamped on the frame, in front of the cylinder.

 

[HenryTheNoodle]

Hah, I feel like a moron

Mod 19-5

 

[9mm]

Heres some info on it,

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smith_&_Wesson_Model_19

 

[jglsprings]

Yep, model 19. One of the finest 357 revolvers ever made.

Would you please do me a favor and wipe it down with little gun oil and get the finger prints off? TIA!

 

[HenryTheNoodle]

LOL - sure thing. I have it on my bench for a thorough cleaning...soon! Should hit the range with it next week. I'm still somewhat flustered by the rust though. I hope it comes off with a wire brush, but will it stay off...

 

[jal5]

I don;t think I would wire brush that rust. Do a search here and you will find other ways of dealing with it. Maybe oil and 0000 steel wool or better yet bronze wool?

 

[jglsprings]

Wire brush!!! EEEEEEEEEEEEEEKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK!!!!!!!!!!

How about a light gun oil and five ought (00000) steel wool - only gently, ever so lightly, after letting the oil work in. (I like "Kroil" penetrating oil)

 

[HenryTheNoodle]

On it...ordered the ultra fine steel wool today, already have a good selection of oils...will get it cleaned up this weekend and then on to testing it out. I'm pretty excited, but the bad news is that I'll probably go buy 2 more revolvers to keep this one from being lonely.

 

[jtb1967]

Use bronze wool and you'll won't have to worry about damaging the finish like you do with steel wool. The bronze will remove rust, but it won't hurt the bluing.

 

[MrBorland]

will get it cleaned up this weekend and then on to testing it out.

Read up on k-frames and .357mag ammo. If you plan on shooting .357mags, it'd be best for the gun if you stuck with 158gr.

the bad news is that I'll probably go buy 2 more revolvers to keep this one from being lonely.

There are worse things in this world. If you shoot a lot, an "understudy" or 2 will help keep your 19 in good condition.

Enjoy your 19! We'll expect a range report soon.

 

[dgludwig]

but the bad news is that I'll probably go buy 2 more revolvers to keep this one from being lonely.

Even their name-Smith AND Wesson-suggests that these revolvers have a very gregarious nature. The good news is that adding more revolvers to your stable will help keep you from getting lonely.