Smith & Wesson S&W Model 19-3 .357 Combat Magnum 2.5? Revolver 1976

SOLD FOR: $1300

WOA#: WY230829JL004

Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: 19-3, “The .357 Combat Magnum”

Serial Number: 14K53508

Year of Manufacture: 1976 Est.

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 number. The butt of the grip frame is marked with the serial number. The yoke and sides of the grip frame have inspection marks. The interior of the right grip panel is marked “059036”.

Barrel Length: 2 1/2″, 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 wood magna stocks with S&W medallions at their tops. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is crisp with well defined peaks.  There are no signs of handling wear.  Overall, the grips are in about Excellent 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 99% of its metal finish.  The turn line is mostly crisp and thin.  There are some faint light scratches on the top strap and frame. There are no signs of corrosion.  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 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:  This pistol comes with its serialized factory S&W box, cleaning and takedown tools, paperwork and owner’s manual.

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 1976 example with a blued finish, built on a square butt frame. Combine that with the 2 1/2″ barrel and you have a full-frame .357 with a 6-round capacity that can be used for home defense or concealed carry! Please see our photos and good luck!