Smith & Wesson S&W Model 19-3 .357 2 ½” Revolver MFD 1972 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,500.50

LSB#: LSB250523DH023

Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: 19-3

Serial Number: 1K89954

Year of Manufacture: 1972

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 yoke cut is marked with the model number and “73786”. 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 ½ “, Pinned

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramped blade 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, wood, magna stocks, with S&W medallions at their tops. There are no chips or cracks.  The checkering is still sharp with well defined grooves. There are no signs of handling wear. There are a series of small dents in the very but of the gun.  Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition. Please see the high quality photos.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. This Bore rates in 10/10 in this writer’s opinion.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 99% of its metal finish. There are no signs of holster wear and not much sign of use. The turn line is noticeable but thin.  There are no chips. There are no signs of corrosion. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear.  Overall, this revolver is in 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: Box from factory with blue reinforced corners. Box is correct to the weapon and is in fine shape also, paperwork including the manual, and a cleaning kit. The box has the label and the configuration matches the revolver.

Our Assessment:  The Model 19 .357 Combat Magnum is built on a square butt K Target frame with four screws.  Later production, as in this example, offered 2 ½” and 6” barrels.  The -3 variant was begun in 1967.

This powerful revolver, with a 2 ½” barrel, is a more concealable version of the 4” barrel revolver designed by Philip Sharpe in the 1950s to give police agencies more power than the contemporary .38.  Smith and Wesson, Sharpe, and Elmer Keith all played a role in the development of both the .357 Magnum cartridge and the Model 19.  

Here is a full frame concealable 6-round revolver suitable for carry, home defense, or collecting, given what good shape it is in.  Please see our quality photos.  -C.B.