Smith & Wesson S&W Texas Ranger Commemorative 19-5 .357 Mag 4″ Revolver C&R
SOLD FOR: $1925
LSB#: 211101NW01
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 19-3, The .357 Combat Magnum Texas Ranger Commemorative
Serial Number: TR2731
Year of Manufacture: 1973 (ATF C&R https://www.atf.gov/file/128116/download)
Caliber: .357 Magnum & .38 Special
Action Type: 6-Shot, Double Action / Single Action, Swing-Out Fluted Cylinder Revolver
Markings:
Revolver: The left side of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON”, the right is marked “TEXAS RANGERS / S.&W. .357 MAGNUM”. The left side of the frame is marked with S&W’s monogram logo, the right is marked with the four line Marcas Registradas. The side plate is marked with a Texas Ranger seal bearing the Star of Texas surrounded by “STATE OF TEXAS / TEXAS RANGER COMMEMORATIVE COMMISSION” with “1823” above and “1973” below. The yoke cut is marked with the serial and model number. The yoke and sides of the grip frame have inspection marks. The grips have brass Star of Texas medallions.
Knife: The right side of the grip has an inlet black-on-brass seal which is the same as on the sideplate of the revolver. The right blade flat is marked “TEXAS RANGERS 1823-1973”. The spine is marked “TR2731”. The left blade flat is marked with the Smith & Wesson monogram logo with “1973” beneath.
Case: The presentation case is marked with the same seal as the sideplate on the top as well as with a Smith & Wesson monogram logo in the bottom right corner of the top.
Barrel Length: 4”, Pinned, with Solid Rib & Shrouded Ejector Rod
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramp blade with a red insert, fixed to a rise in the barrel’s solid rib; the top of the barrel is serrated and matte finished for glare reduction. The rear sight is a flat top, square notched and white outlined leaf in a base that is micrometer-click adjustable for windage and elevation.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are smooth gloss finished walnut presentation stocks with brass Star of Texas medallions. There are a couple tiny spots of finish loss, most noticeable on the bottom faces. There is a light compression on the right panel by the grip screw. There is what appears to be a tiny hairline crack on the right panel at the corner where the backstrap widens into the frame. The grips rate in about Fine-Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
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 97% of its metal finish. There is some light wear on the front sight. There are a few tiny nicks on the edge of the muzzle. There are a few little tiny spots of finish wear on the left side of the frame under the grip. There are a few light handling marks. There is faint operational wear. The screwheads are mostly sharp, the grip screw and the front rear sight mounting screw are lightly worn. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder produces only very light play in full lockup of each chamber with no measurable back play. The double action trigger is quite smooth and the single action is very crisp. The pistol has a pinned barrel and the cylinder chambers are recessed. The trigger guard is narrowed on the right side. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is a wood presentation case (no key), knife, leather sheath, serial matching revolver box, serial matching knife box, and an unlabeled shipping box.
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. The Model 19 was intended to be a “peace officers dream” and offered a heavy barreled four-inch K-Frame with a shrouded ejector rod and adjustable sights. In the ’60s was this revolver offered with a 6″ barrel and then in a more concealable 2 1/2″ barrel configuration. The model was a major success and was adopted by numerous law enforcement agencies. This particular Model 19 is a limited, 1 of 8,000 run Smith & Wesson 19-3 Texas Ranger Commemorative. The Texas Ranger Division, commonly called the Texas Rangers, is a law enforcement agency with statewide jurisdiction in Texas and is based in Austin, Texas. Over the years, the Texas Rangers have investigated crimes ranging from murder to political corruption, acted as riot police and as detectives, protected the Governor of Texas, tracked down fugitives, and functioned as a paramilitary force at the service of both the Republic (1836–45) and the state of Texas. The Rangers are the oldest state law enforcement body in the United States. The Rangers have taken part in many of the most important events of Texas history, and were involved in some of the best-known criminal cases in the history of the Old West. This commemorative set was released in 1973 commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Texas Rangers. This one comes with its original serial matching knife, boxes, and case. The pistol shows only light marks, retaining about 97% of its finish, with Excellent condition stocks. The revolver looks to have been treated well, with only a few minor marks, a true beauty. This is a great find for those who have served or have relatives who have served with the Texas Rangers, or who are interested in their long and storied history. If you’re not from the Lone Star State, just remember to make your bids Texas-sized! Please see our pictures and good luck.