Does anyone know how many of these were made Thanks John

I couldn't say as to the 19-5 but my guess is that nickel 19s are not all that rare. Here's mine, a 19-3.

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Not sure we've ever defined rare, scarce and the similar words. I think I kind of agree that they're not scarce. But we sure don't see all that man of them, either. I'm thinking the time honored ratio of blue to nickel of 1/10th of production probably holds. I say that because I look at M19s when I stumble my way around gun shows. Its not unusual to go to a half dozen shows and not see a M19 in nickel. But you normally see one or more M19 in blue.

Nickel was the tough finish from the past. If you wanted sweat or weather resistant guns, you ordered them in nickel. Then in the 1970s when the M66 became sort of available, it became the preferred weather resistant gun. I assumed it would mean the M19 in Nickel would be seen even less.

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Dick Burg

Gotta break down and buy the S&W Bible so I can look this info up. Can't tell ya how many were made but they do seem to be more scarce than the blued models. Have a 19-3 like stevieboys and love it. Finish has held up very well and its a fine shooting snub. Never liked nickel in my younger days but have come to love the finish.

I'm sure one of the experts will help you out with the ratio. Keep a good coat of wax on it, be careful with the solvents when cleaning it, store it properly and it'll look great for a long time. You will be pleasantly surprized at how accurate these snubs can be. They aren't getting any cheaper and are no longer being made plus are a classy looking handgun thats a good investment.

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Roger / SG