Smith & Wesson S&W Model 19-3 “357 Combat Magnum” .357 6″ Revolver 1972 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,185.00

LSB#:  LSB260128HS017

Make:  Smith & Wesson

Model:  19-3

Serial Number:  2K78026

Year of Manufacture:  1972 (The Standard Catalogue of Smith & Wesson) / C&R

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 “2K78026”.  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:  6″, Pinned

Sights / Optics:  The front sight is a ramped base sight set 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, Goncalvo alves target stocks with S&W medallions at their tops and with extractor relief.  The checkering is still sharp with well defined grooves.  There are small scratches.  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 no erosion in the bore, though there is a little fouling.  This bore rates in 9.5/10 in this writer’s opinion.

Overall Condition:  This handgun retains about 99% of its metal finish.  There are tiny scratches along the barrel, particularly near the muzzle.  There is very light blueing loss at the edges.  The turn line is noticeable.  There are a few small faint spots of corrosion along the barrel rib.  The screw heads are sharp.  The markings are clear.  Overall, this revolver is in an 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.  Timing is good.  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:   Original Factory box.

Our Assessment:  The Model 19 .357 Combat Magnum is built on a square butt K Target frame with four screws.  The -3 variant was begun in 1967 and relocated the rear sight leaf screw.

This powerful firearm is a 6″ 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 (in 1935) and the Model 19.  It was produced from 1955 to 1999 and reintroduced in 2019.

Here is a full frame 6-round revolver suitable for carry, home defense, or collecting, given its Excellent condition.  Please see our quality photos.  -C.B.