State Department Diplomatic Security Service Smith & Wesson S&W 19-5, MFD 1988

Sold For: $1,350

LSB#: 200808JC06

Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: 19-5 Diplomatic Security Service, Product Code 100701

Serial Number: AND4989

Year of Manufacture: 1988

Caliber: .357 Magnum

Action Type: SA / DA Single & Double 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 left of the frame 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 “MOD. 19-5”. The butt of the frame is marked “AND4989”. The yoke and sides of the grip frame have inspection marks.

Barrel Length: 2 1/2”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramp blade integral to the barrel. The rear sight is a square notch in a leaf base adjustable for windage and elevation.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip is a one-piece checkered black rubber Pachmayr Compac Professional which leaves the serrated backstrap exposed and has a viewing window for the serial number. The grip has no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. There are no rips or tears. Overall, the grip is in about Excellent condition.

Also included are two-piece checkered wood Magna stocks with S&W medallions at their tops. The additional grips have a few scattered light nicks and scuffs. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the additional grips are in about Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Matte Black

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 98% of its metal finish. The cylinder has a light turn-line. The hammer and trigger have minor operational wear in otherwise strong case color. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The double action trigger is smooth and the single action crisp. The cylinder produces almost no play in lockup on each of the six chambers. 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: This revolver comes in a blue cardboard S&W box with serial-matching label and the additional grips as described. The box has light storage wear, most notable at corners, in about Very Good-plus condition.

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. In 1963 a 6″ barrel was produced and not until 1968 was this revolver offered in a more concealable 2 1/2″ barrel. This example is from a special order placed by the State Department for their Diplomatic Security Service. The order was for 2 1/2″ Model 19-5s with a matte-black finish, 0.400″ smooth combat triggers and equipped with Pachmayr Compact Professional grips. The result is a revolver that is at once compact and powerful, attractive, yet functional. This would make for a great defensive revolver and has a great bore with strong mechanics. That said, it’s also in great condition and an uncommon variant, so it will make a great addition to a Smith & Wesson or law enforcement sidearm collection. Please see our photos and good luck!

CA Legal or CA Private Party Transferable (THIS SECTION DOES NOT APPLY TO OUT-OF-STATE RESIDENTS): This Pistol CANNOT be sold as a dealer sale in California but CAN be transferred as a Private Party Transfer (PPT) at our Simi Valley location. Out of state residents can disregard this section – your local laws apply.