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flintknapper wrote:

But, 150 rounds of .357 down range through a K Frame you should have been given a new revolver. If buying or getting one used you just never know what the "other" guy did.

Both pistols new. First one failed in less than 50 rounds. Even at that time....I just considered it a fluke. Gun shop replaced it with another new one (new paperwork).

Replacement failed at just under 150 rounds, Gun Shop acted as liaison between me and S&W. Shipped gun back to S&W, received refund and info that the 19 wasn't designed to digest .357 "on a steady basis". Of course... nothing about that was in their literature at the time, nor was anything said about it at the time of the original sale.

Two 'lemons' back to back. Possible...I suppose, but the issue is far from rare with regards to 19's of that time period (late 70's early 80's).

I'm not bashing S&W or the Model 19, just relating my experience so that others (if not already aware) might avoid the same thing. I doubt you can find a replacement barrel these days if a problem occurred.

flintknapper wrote:

rotor wrote:I have one, blue 4" barrel. Great gun. I only shoot 38 special. Forcing cone is an issue but I guess you have to shoot a bunch of .357 to have a problem. I use it for targets. Don't need .357 to punch paper.

I'm sure it varies but both of my 19's had cracked Forcing Cones at the 6 O'Clock position with fewer than 150 rounds each. Factory 125 gr. fodder.

You'll know when it happens because MUCH more gas and some bullet shavings will come flying out of the cylinder gap. Your support hand will be the first to tell you.

It's a nice weapon, don't get me wrong. But if I can't actually shoot .357 through it...I don't want it.

Maybe I just had bad luck, but that was my experience.