[Benello]

I have a new to me Smith model 19 revolver and was wondering if it is normal to have a rattle (like loose change sound) when it is shook back and forth. Tried holding the cylinder and release stable, but rattle remains.

[fnfalman]

It's probably the transfer bar.

[Nestor]

I know that it's perfectly normal with model 28.
Not sure about 19 though.

[Zombie Steve]

They definitely rattle when loaded.

[Benello]

Originally Posted by fnfalman

It's probably the transfer bar.

That's what I just found online with a little research. It's prolly that I guess.

[DPris]

There is no transfer bar in a Smith 19.
What you're most likely hearing is the sliding internal hammer block. A stamped piece of steel that slides up & down slightly (totally different from the Ruger) to block the hammer from striking the firing pin when it and the trigger are fully forward and at rest.
Some rattle is normal, some are noisier than others.

The hammer block is standard in all K, L, and N frame Smiths since about 1948.
Denis

[Benello]

Well then that clears it up. Thanks a lot.

[DPris]

You are entirely welcome.
Denis

[Ol' Dirty]

There is a little rattle in my 686 as well. I bought it used and didn't know what the rattle was but it shoots like crazy.

[wingspar]

I’ve read about this rattle before, but I’ve slept since, so I got my 19-3 out and shook it. If I wasn’t listening for the rattle, I would never have noticed it. It’s about half as loud with the hammer cocked.

Got the 19-4 out, and shook it too. The rattle was a little louder. Might have noticed it without reading this thread, but it certainly does not sound like loose change. Much quieter than that. It also is quieter with the hammer cocked.

[countrygun]

Some Smiths were equipped with a rod in the trigger return spring housing as a sort of "overtravel" stop. I haven't seen one in years. It would slide back and forth when the muzzle was raised or lowered.

[DPris]

The little rebound slide spring rod is another possibility, which is why I said it's "most likely" to be the hammer block.
The little guide rod or pin isn't all that common, while the hammer block is.
Denis