Smith & Wesson S&W Model 19-3 “357 Combat Magnum” .357 4″ Revolver 1976
SOLD FOR: $1,075.00
LSB#: LSB251209BB014
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 19-3
Serial Number: 9K27921
Year of Manufacture: 1976 / Modern (Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, 5th Edition)
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 sideplate is marked with the S&W logo and the right side of the frame with the four-line Marcas Registradas address. The Crane cut is marked with the serial number “9K27921” and the model number “19-3”.
Barrel Length: 4″, Pinned
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramp sight set on a ramped base 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 walnut K-Frame Combat grips with S&W medallions and the “football” cutout. There are small scratches, compression marks, and tiny areas of finish loss throughout. There is some dulling of the peaks. Overall, the grips are in Good 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 but there is a small amount of fouling in the grooves. This bore rates in 9.5/10 in this writer’s opinion.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 95% of its metal finish. There is slight thinning at the muzzle and the forward edge of the cylinder. There is a thin turn line on the cylinder. There are a few small smudges on the frame. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The double-action trigger is smooth and the single action crisp. The cylinder produces 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: None.
Our Assessment: Introduced in 1955 at the urging of famed Border Patrolman Bill Jordan, the Smith & Wesson Model 19 “Combat Magnum” brought full .357 Magnum performance to the lighter and more compact K-frame platform. This innovation provided law enforcement officers with a revolver that balanced power, portability, and controllability better than the larger N-frame magnums. By 1976, when this Model 19-3 was manufactured, the design had matured into one of Smith & Wesson’s most respected service revolvers. The pinned 4-inch barrel and recessed cylinder of this era represent the classic configuration prior to later production changes, making it especially desirable among collectors who favor the traditional features of mid-1970s production.
This revolver retains approximately 95% of its original blued finish, with slight thinning at the muzzle and the forward edge of the cylinder along with a thin cylinder turn line. There are a few small smudges on the frame, but the screw heads remain sharp and the markings clear. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and only minor fouling in the grooves, rating 9.5/10 in this writer’s opinion. The checkered walnut K-frame Combat grips with S&W medallions show scratches, compression marks, and light finish wear with some dulling of the checkering peaks, rating in Good condition overall.
Mechanically, the revolver functions correctly with a smooth double-action pull and crisp single-action break. The cylinder locks up tightly with no perceptible play when the trigger is depressed on each chamber. This Model 19-3 exemplifies the balance of strength, handling, and classic styling that made the “Combat Magnum” a benchmark service revolver during the golden age of American law enforcement sidearms. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids!
BF