Smith & Wesson S&W Model 19-5 “357 Combat Magnum” .357 2.5″ Revolver 1983

SOLD FOR: $1,076.01

LSB#:  LSB251203TH016

Make:  Smith & Wesson

Model:  19-5

Serial Number:  ACB8427

Year of Manufacture:  1983 (The Standard Catalogue of Smith & Wesson)

Caliber:  .357 Magnum

Action Type:  DA/SA Double Action & Single Action Revolver with Swing-Out Recessed Cylinder

Markings:  The left side of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON”, the right side “S.&W. 357 MAGNUM”.  The left side of the frame 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 and “MOD. 19-5”.  The butt of the grip frame is marked with the serial number.  The yoke and sides of the grip frame have inspection marks. 

Barrel Length:  2.5″

Sights / Optics:  The front sight is a Baughman Quick Draw set on the serrated rib.  The rear sight is a square notch on a serrated leaf in a base that is micro-click adjustable for windage and elevation.

Stock Configuration & Condition:  The grips are two-piece, checkered rubber, Presentation/Comac rubber stocks with extractor relief.  The checkering is still sharp with well defined grooves.  There are a few scuffs.  There are no tears.  Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition. 

Type of Finish:  Blued.  Case colored trigger and hammer.

Finish Originality:  Original

Bore Condition:  The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp.  There is no erosion in the bore, though there is considerable lead fouling in the cylinder.  This bore rates in 9.0/10 in this writer’s opinion.

Overall Condition:  This handgun retains about 95% of its metal finish.  Small parts of the cylinder flutes and the barrel have gone to patina.   There is a narrow turn line.  There is just a little blueing loss on the leading edge of the cylinder and a few tiny scratches on the frame.  The screw heads are sharp.  The markings are clear.  Overall, this revolver is in a Very Good to Excellent  condition.

Mechanics:  The action functions correctly.  The double-action trigger is smooth and the single action crisp.  The cylinder produces very little 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:  .

Our Assessment:  The Model 19 .357 Combat Magnum is built on a square butt K Target frame with four screws.  The -5 variant was introduced in 1982.  It eliminated the cylinder counterbore and pinned barrel.

This powerful firearm is a 2.5″ barrel revolver designed by Philip Sharpe in the 1950s to give police agencies more power than the then-contemporary .38 Special.  Smith and Wesson, Sharpe, and Elmer Keith all played a role in the development of both the .357 Magnum (in 1935) and the Model 19.  It was produced from 1955 to 1999 and reintroduced in 2019.

Here is a full frame 6-round revolver suitable for carry, home defense, or collecting, given its Very Good to Excellent condition.  Please see our quality photos.  -C.B.