Smith & Wesson S&W Model 19-3 .357 Combat Magnum 2.5″ Revolver 1971 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1251
LSB#: 220214KS017
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 19-3, “The .357 Combat Magnum”
Serial Number: 1K52907
Year of Manufacture: 1971
Caliber: .357 Magnum
Action Type: DA/SA Double Action & Single 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 with the model number. The butt of the grip frame is marked with the serial number. The yoke and sides of the grip frame have inspection marks. The interior of the right grip panel is marked “8870”.
Barrel Length: 2 1/2″, Pinned
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramped blade set on a ramped base on the serrated rib. The rear sight is a square notch leaf in a base that is micro-click adjustable for windage and elevation.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered wood magna stocks with S&W medallions at their tops. The right panel has a crack at the corner where the front strap widens into the frame. There is an even smaller hairline crack on the back of the left panel at the corner where the backstrap widens into the frame. There are some scattered scuffs that have caused finish loss or thinning. There are a few little marks through the finish. There are some light compressions and a couple of hairline scratches. The checkering is mostly sharp. Overall, the grips are in about Fine 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 90% of its metal finish. Two of the sideplate screws have been replaced with hex head screws. There is finish loss and thinning on the edges, most noticeable on the muzzle and trigger guard. There are some scattered little draglines and light marks. There are a couple of scratches, most noticeable on the sideplate. There are some scattered little spots of oxidation and discoloration from previous oxidation. There are a few little spots of light erosion, mostly on the left side of the frame under the grips. There is a light turn line through the finish on the cylinder. There are some scattered light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp to lightly worn. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The double-action trigger is smooth and the single action crisp. The cylinder produces light 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: None.
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 would go on to be used by the uniformed officers of the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service and U.S. Border Patrol until they replaced them with .40 S&W semi-automatic pistols. This is a 1971 example with a blued finish, built on a round butt frame making it a little more comfortable for carry as opposed to the square butt. Combine that with the 2 1/2″ barrel and you have a full-frame .357 with a 6-round capacity that can be used for home defense or concealed carry! Please see our photos and good luck!