Smith & Wesson Model 19-3 357 Combat Magnum .357 Mag 2.5″ Revolver 1975 C&R

More Sold Revolvers

SOLD FOR: $1,517.00

LSB#: LSB251210MB010

Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: 19-3

Serial Number: 8K33491

Year of Manufacture: 1975 / C&R (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 Model “19-3” and the butt of the grip frame is marked with the serial number “8K33491”.

Barrel Length: 2.5″, 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 Eagle brand replacement K/L Frame Round Butt American Elk Antler grips with S&W medallions. There is wear and age cracks consistent with age. The grips have a very pleasing grain and character.. 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 9/10 in this writer’s opinion.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 95% of its metal finish. There are slight spots of thinning on the barrel and the cylinder causing oxidation. There is a thin faint turn line on the cylinder and there are carbon rings on the face of 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: The Smith & Wesson Model 19 “.357 Combat Magnum” was developed in the 1950s in collaboration with famed lawman Bill Jordan, who envisioned a lighter, more practical .357 Magnum revolver built on the K-frame. Introduced in 1955, the Model 19 combined the power of the .357 Magnum cartridge with improved handling characteristics suited for law enforcement carry. The 19-3 variation, produced from 1967 to 1977, features a pinned barrel and recessed cylinder, hallmarks of classic Smith & Wesson craftsmanship from the period. This 1975 production example with its desirable 2.5 inch pinned barrel represents one of the most sought-after configurations of the Combat Magnum series and qualifies as a Curio & Relic firearm.

This revolver retains approximately 95% of its original blued finish. There are slight areas of thinning on the barrel and cylinder with minor oxidation, along with a faint turn line and carbon rings on the cylinder face consistent with light use. The frame shows a few small smudges but the markings remain clear and the screw heads are sharp. The case colored trigger and hammer retain attractive coloration. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion, showing only minor fouling in the grooves, and rates 9 out of 10 in this writer’s opinion. The Eagle brand replacement American Elk Antler grips with S&W medallions exhibit wear and age cracks but present attractive grain and character, rating in Good condition.

Mechanically, the revolver functions correctly with a smooth double action pull and a crisp single action break. Lockup is tight with no perceptible play when the trigger is depressed. We did not fire this handgun. Overall, this Model 19-3 remains a very desirable example of a classic K-frame Combat Magnum in the highly collectible 2.5 inch configuration. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be advisable prior to use. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids!