Smith & Wesson Model 19-3 Nickel 357 Combat Magnum .357 mag Revolver
SOLD FOR: $1,226.80
LSB#: LSB260611JS024
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 19-3
Serial Number: 8K47735
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1975-1976 / Modern (Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson)
Caliber: .357 Magnum / .38 Special
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 “MOD. 19-3”. The butt and the star extractor are marked with the serial number. The interior of the left frame and crane arm are marked with assembly numbers.
Barrel Length: 2.5″, Pinned
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated Baughman Quick Draw on a ramped base integral to 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. The barrel rib and topstrap are serrated and have a matte finish for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece, checkered walnut Magna stocks with S&W medallions at their tops. There is minor handling wear, with light scuffs and compressions. The checkering remains defined and sharp. There are no cracks or chips. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Nickel-plated
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. There is copper fouling in the grooves. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 98% of its nickel finish. There are light handling scratches and a few minor compression dings. The case-colored hammer and trigger are vibrant. There is a turn line on the cylinder. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are sharp, with light tooling. The markings are clear and legible. Overall, this revolver is in Fine-Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The lockup is tight with minimal play at each chamber. The double action is smooth and the single action is crisp. 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: Non-matching S&W blue revolver case, cloth, and storage paper.
Our Assessment: The Smith & Wesson Model 19 grew from legendary Border Patrolman and handgun authority Bill Jordan’s concept for a lighter .357 Magnum service revolver built on Smith & Wesson’s medium K-frame. Introduced in 1955 as the .357 Combat Magnum and redesignated the Model 19 in 1957, it combined Magnum power with markedly better portability than Smith & Wesson’s earlier N-frame .357s. The compact 2 1/2″ version became one of the most recognizable variations, pairing a short barrel and round-butt grip frame with adjustable sights and the same six-shot .357 Magnum capability as its larger counterparts. The Model 19-3 was produced during the classic pinned-and-recessed era, and factory nickel examples such as this remain especially attractive representatives of Smith & Wesson’s premier K-frame Combat Magnum.
This Model 19-3 is an exceptionally well-preserved example, retaining approximately 98% of its original nickel finish with only light handling scratches, minor compression dings, operational wear, and a cylinder turn line. The checkered Magna stocks remain in Excellent condition with sharp definition and no chips or cracks, while the bright 9/10 bore retains sharp rifling with no erosion. Mechanically, the revolver is equally strong, with tight lockup, minimal play at each chamber, a smooth double-action pull, and a crisp single-action release. Its 2 1/2″ pinned barrel, recessed cylinder, nickel finish, excellent bore, and strong overall condition make this a particularly handsome example of the compact Combat Magnum. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! -MY