S&W New Model 19 Detent

jski · June 30, 2020, 04:29 PM

What is the purpose to the ball detent on the
New Model 19s?

Greater rigidity?
Does it work?
Any problems?

Dfariswheel · June 30, 2020, 06:22 PM

The ball detent is to replace the no longer used front locking lug on the barrel.

This was first used on custom PPC guns that had heavy barrels installed and had no forward locking lug.
Since they needed a front lock, the ball detent was invented.

It works, and was a time tested design before S&W ever used it.

There are no problems with it unless it's just plain defective.

jski · July 1, 2020, 12:05 AM

It does make it more difficult to open the cylinder.

CajunBass · July 2, 2020, 06:24 AM

I remember when I first got mine a couple of years ago, it was pretty hard to open, but over time it has gotten easier. I don't even notice it anymore.

jski · July 2, 2020, 11:48 PM

CajunBass, thanks for the heads-up !
I just got the S&W Model 19 Carry Comp and love it. Feels as solid as a door on a huge bank safe.

EIGHTYDUECE · July 5, 2020, 01:20 AM

It was added to allow more clearance for the barrel forcing cone. The original model 19 forcing cone had a flat on the bottom just like all K frames. This thinner area was fine for lower pressure rounds like .38 special but with the hot .357 magnum rounds, this area would sometimes crack. It was a very known weakness in the K frame .357 magnums. This new ball detent allows enough clearance to have a full forcing cone like on the L frames.

jski · July 20, 2020, 01:53 AM

EIGHTYDUECE, would you elaborate on: “This new ball detent allows enough clearance to have a full forcing cone like on the L frames.” How does the detent allow for a thinker forcing cone? More details please!

EIGHTYDUECE · July 21, 2020, 10:02 PM

This following Luckygunner article explains it.

https://www.luckygunner.com/lounge/review-sw-model-66/

June 30, 2020, 04:29 PM	#1
jski Senior Member Join Date: March 5, 2016 Posts: 374	S&W New Model 19 Detent What is the purpose to the ball detent on the New Model 19s? Greater rigidity? Does it work? Any problems?

July 2, 2020, 06:24 AM	#4
CajunBass Senior Member Join Date: May 6, 2005 Location: North Chesterfield, Virginia Posts: 4,767	I remember when I first got mine a couple of years ago, it was pretty hard to open, but over time it has gotten easier. I don't even notice it anymore. __________________ For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16 (NKJV)

July 5, 2020, 01:20 AM	#6
EIGHTYDUECE Senior Member Join Date: July 19, 2001 Posts: 578	It was added to allow more clearance for the barrel forcing cone. The original model 19 forcing cone had a flat on the bottom just like all K frames. This thinner area was fine for lower pressure rounds like .38 special but with the hot .357 magnum rounds, this area would sometimes crack. It was a very known weakness in the K frame .357 magnums. This new ball detent allows enough clearance to have a full forcing cone like on the L frames. __________________ "KNEES IN THE BREEZE" "Shop Smart, Shop S-Mart"- ASH

July 21, 2020, 10:02 PM	#8
EIGHTYDUECE Senior Member Join Date: July 19, 2001 Posts: 578	This following Luckygunner article explains it. https://www.luckygunner.com/lounge/review-sw-model-66/ __________________ "KNEES IN THE BREEZE" "Shop Smart, Shop S-Mart"- ASH

June 30, 2020, 06:22 PM	#2
Dfariswheel Senior Member Join Date: May 4, 2001 Posts: 7,478	The ball detent is to replace the no longer used front locking lug on the barrel. This was first used on custom PPC guns that had heavy barrels installed and had no forward locking lug. Since they needed a front lock, the ball detent was invented. It works, and was a time tested design before S&W ever used it. There are no problems with it unless it's just plain defective.

July 1, 2020, 12:05 AM	#3
jski Senior Member Join Date: March 5, 2016 Posts: 374	It does make it more difficult to open the cylinder.

July 2, 2020, 11:48 PM	#5
jski Senior Member Join Date: March 5, 2016 Posts: 374	CajunBass, thanks for the heads-up ! I just got the S&W Model 19 Carry Comp and love it. Feels as solid as a door on a huge bank safe.

July 20, 2020, 01:53 AM	#7
jski Senior Member Join Date: March 5, 2016 Posts: 374	EIGHTYDUECE, would you elaborate on: “This new ball detent allows enough clearance to have a full forcing cone like on the L frames.” How does the detent allow for a thinker forcing cone? More details please!