Smith & Wesson S&W Model 19-3 .357 Combat Magnum 4″ Revolver MFD 1972
SOLD FOR: $1125
LSB#: 220109RB229
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 19-3, “The .357 Combat Magnum”
Serial Number: 2K58948
Year of Manufacture: 1972
Caliber: .357 Magnum
Action Type: DA/SA Double Action & Single Action Revolver with Swing-Out 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 and serial numbers. The butt of the grip frame is marked with the serial number. The yoke and sides of the grip frame have inspection marks. The front face of the ejector is marked “K58948”.
Barrel Length: 4”, 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 leaf in a base that is micro-click adjustable for windage and elevation.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered Goncalo Alves target stocks with S&W medallions at their tops and a football cut. There are some scattered areas of finish loss and thinning. There are some scattered little nicks through the finish, compressions, and a few small scratches. There is some wear on the right panel on the rear border of the checkering. There is a small crack on the left panel at the corner where the backstrap widens into the frame. The checkering is mostly strong. Overall, the grips are in about Very Good condition.
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.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 85% of its metal finish. A trigger shoe has been installed. There is thinning and finish loss on the edges, most noticeable on the leading edges of the barrel and cylinder. There are some scattered scuffs that have thinned the finish. There are some scattered nicks and light hairline scratches, some of the most noticeable are scattered over the cylinder. There are some scattered spots of oxidation. There is a turn line through the finish on the cylinder on the cylinder. The screw heads are sharp to lightly tool marked with serviceable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The double-action trigger is smooth and the single action crisp. The cylinder produces light 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: Included is an HKS Speedloader and a two-piece Smith & Wesson box with a non-matching label.
Our Assessment: The Model 19 was introduced in 1955 and built on a K frame that was slightly larger in the yoke area and was initially offered only with a 4″ barrel. The Model 19 was intended to be a “peace officers dream” and offered a heavy barreled four-inch K-Frame with a shrouded ejector rod and adjustable sights. In the ’60s was this revolver offered with a 6″ barrel and then in a more concealable 2 1/2″ barrel configuration. The model was a major success and would go on to be used by the uniformed officers of the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service and U.S. Border Patrol until they replaced them with .40 S&W semi-automatic pistols. This is a 1972 example with a blued finish, built on a square-butt frame which offers a bit more control than the round-butt. Combine that with the 4″ barrel and you have a full-frame .357 with a 6-round capacity that can be used for home defense, carry, or duty and excel at all three! Please see our photos and good luck!