John Taffin’s Smith & Wesson Model 19-3 .357 Combat Magnum 6″ Revolver C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,475.50
LSB#: LSB260521SS053
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 19-3 Combat Magnum
Serial Number: 7K35707
Year of Manufacture: 1975 / C&R (Standard Catalog 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 of the barrel is marked “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 “7K35707” and “MOD. 19-3”. The crane arm is marked with assembly numbers. The bottom of the grip frame is marked with “7K35707”. The barrel and address markings have been chalked for visibility.
Barrel Length: 6″, Pinned, Ribbed
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramped blade with a red insert, pinned atop a ramped serrated base. The rear sight is a square notch with a faint white outline on a serrated base that is micro-click adjustable for windage and elevation. The topstrap and rib have a matte finish for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth hardwood Bear-Hug grips with brass escutcheons. There are minor handling scratches and compression dents. There are no cracks or chips. Overall, the grips are in Fine 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 minor fouling in the grooves. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates in 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 96% of its metal finish. There are scattered handling scratches and minor compressions. There is an abrasion on the front of the frame. There is carbon residue on the cylinder and frame. There is an unknown adhesive and black tape under the grips. The case-coloring remains vibrant. There is a turn line on the cylinder. The screw heads are sharp. The pins are unmarred. The markings are clear, with the monogram having soft edges. Overall, this revolver is in Very Good-Fine 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: John Taffin Collection Certificate of Authenticity
Our Assessment: The Smith & Wesson Model 19 traces its origins to the Combat Magnum developed during the 1950s with significant input from Border Patrolman and exhibition shooter Bill Jordan. The concept paired the powerful .357 Magnum cartridge with Smith & Wesson’s more compact K-frame, creating a revolver that was lighter and easier to carry than the company’s larger N-frame Magnums while retaining excellent accuracy and handling. Introduced originally as the Combat Magnum and designated the Model 19 in 1957, it became one of Smith & Wesson’s most successful law-enforcement and sporting revolvers. This 1975 Model 19-3 retains the desirable pinned barrel, recessed cylinder, adjustable sights, and traditional blued finish of the period, while the 6″ barrel gives it a longer sight radius and a steadier target-oriented balance. The Bear-Hug stocks and documented John Taffin provenance add further collector interest.
This Model 19-3 retains approximately 96% of its original blue finish, with scattered handling scratches, minor compression marks, an abrasion on the front of the frame, carbon residue on the cylinder and frame, and a visible cylinder turn line. The smooth hardwood Bear-Hug stocks remain in Fine condition, while the bright 9.5/10 bore has sharp rifling with only minor fouling and no visible erosion. The action functions correctly, with a smooth double-action pull, crisp single-action pull, and very little cylinder play at each chamber with the trigger depressed. The included John Taffin Collection Certificate of Authenticity provides desirable provenance. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! -MY