John Bianchi Collection: Smith & Wesson S&W Model 19-3 4″ Double Action .357 Magnum Revolver, MFD 1970
SOLD FOR: $1,209
LSB#: 200218JB07
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 19-3
Serial Number: 2K1329
Year of Manufacture: 1970
Caliber: .357 Magnum
Action Type: SA / DA Single & Double Action Revolver with Swing-Out Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON” the right side “S.&W. 357 MAGNUM”. The sideplate is marked with the S&W logo and the right side of the frame with the four line Marcas Registradas address. The yoke cut is marked “2K1329 / MOD. 19-3”. The butt of the frame is marked “2K1329”. The yoke and sides of the grip frame have inspection marks.
Barrel Length: 4”, Pinned
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramp blade integral to a rise in the barrel’s serrated rib. The rear sight is a square notch in a leaf base micro-click adjustable for windage and elevation.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered Goncalo Alves target stocks with S&W medallions at their tops. The right-panel has a repaired crack behind the medallion. Otherwise, the grips have only light handling marks. The checkering is sharp. Overall, the grips are in about Very Good condition and would rate Fine-Excellent but for the crack.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 96% of its metal finish. The barrel and frame have only a few scattered minor marks. The sideplate has light wear from the right grip panel, concealed with the grip installed. The cylinder has light turn-wear. The hammer and trigger have light operational wear in otherwise strong case color. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The double action trigger is smooth and the single action crisp. The cylinder produces almost no play in lockup on each of the six chambers with the trigger depressed. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes in a two-piece blue cardboard Smith & Wesson box with metal-reinforced corners, serial-matching label, wax paper, manual, and cleaning accessories including alloy grooved-handle screwdriver, cleaning rod, bore brush and mop. The box has scattered light storage wear, in about Very Good-plus condition. The cleaning accessories show light wear, likely more from storage than use. This revolver comes from the personal collection of Major General John Bianchi, founder of the Bianchi Cup and Bianchi International. Also included is a brief biography of Bianchi as well as a series of photos.
Our Assessment: The Model 19 was introduced in 1955 and built on a K frame that was slightly larger in the yoke area and was initially offered only with a 4″ barrel. In 1963 a 6″ barrel was produced and not until 1968 was this revolver offered in a more concealable 2 1/2″ barrel. This is one of the 4″ barrel guns made in 1970 in Fine condition with about 96% of its finish remaining. It has a great bore, strong mechanics and the only notable damage is a repaired crack in the top of the right grip panel. This was perhaps the most popular .357 duty revolver from the ’60s through the ’80s and it would still make a good shooter, home defense gun or carry revolver. It is also in good enough condition that the collectors will be interested. Even better, this revolver comes from the personal collection of Major General John Bianchi. While many in the firearms community will immediately recognize Bianchi from the line of firearms accessories or the NRA/Bianchi Cup which he founded, he has also served as a police officer, law enforcement and military consultant, and served in the National Guard and US Army for more than 40 years, retiring as a Major General commanding the California State Military Reserve. After September 11, 2001, he was recalled for an additional tour of duty, retiring again in 2004. Somewhere in between serving his country, community, and the firearms industry, he also found time to indulge in his passion for the American West, with one of the largest private collections of artifacts and memorabilia in the world. While this revolver would have the interst of any collector, that it comes from the personal collection of John Bianchi will make it an even more special piece for the lucky winner. Please see our photos and good luck!