Hello, I own a model 19-3. The serial number is 4K88006. The barrel is 6" and blue finish. Would like to know any information that is available about this fine revolver.
Thanks in advance!
I'm probably not doing this right, this is my first day here. Would like to include a picture but haven't figured out how yet.
Would appreciate knowing when my revolver was made.

Welcome aboard, Skye rider. I hope you'll stick around.

Knowledgeable people will be along shortly to help with the gun and how to post pictures.

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Oh well, what the hell.

Skye Rider,

Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson says your model 19 shipped in 1974. Take good care of it, avoid the light bullet weight .357 magnum cartridges and your gun will long outlive you.

Congrats,

IAhunter

Welcome to the forum from Arkansas! There is a plethora of good info here. Lots of knowledge about all S&W's here.

Welcome to the FORUM! It should be an excellent range gun! You are going to be bugged about posting pictures. It is a good thing though. Bob

Thanks to everyone for being so helpful!!! I really appreciate the info and the opportunity to meet new friends. I am an ex state Trooper, previous lifetime, and have always loved model 19s. I bought my first in 1974, it was a blue 4". It was my duty weapon for many years, I shot 38 wadcutters at the range and loaded up with SuperVel for business. I intend to only shoot non +P 38s in this old beautiful revolver.
Again thanks to all for being so nice and for the info. This is really a great place to be!

Hi Skye rider,

I'm also new here and love the 19's. The gents here have been really helpful and very welcoming, so nothing but good things to say about this forum.

Thank you for your service. Gosh in 1974 I was just an English kid dreaming of living in America and wouldn't you know..!

Here's some photos of my two 19's, wish I had more but fingers crossed.

Cheerio,

Roy

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Skye rider, I also have a 19-3 with SN: 2K895xx. Not too much younger than yours. I absolutely love my Combat Magnum and I shoot this revolver better than any handgun I've ever shot. In my opinion, these vintage 19's were the pinnacle all revolvers; S&W or any others makes.

S&W Model 19-3 "Combat Magnum" in .357 Magnum




Thanks for looking at my Combat Magnum.

God bless,
Birdgun

Welcome from another 19 lover.

Thanks again everyone, trying to figure out how to reply to individuals. I'll eventually get it, old dogs and new tricks ya know.

I have owed 2 1/2, 4and 6 inch M-19. The 6” is the easiest going to shoot. I usually use my sub-magnum loads. Enjoy its a great gun.

Birdgun
Really nice photos, they do the gun justice

Why is that, why would one avoid light 357 slugs?? Reason I'm asking. I recently acquired a 19-4 in a straight across trade for a 28-2. I'm a shooter, S&W hoarder but not a die hard collector. While I have anybody's attention. My 19-4 has a recessed cylinder but does not have a pinned barrel. Is the arraignment unusual??

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Dave

Dave,

The hot 125 and 110 grain .357 magnum ammo is hard on the K frame .357 forcing cones. Some have cracked over the years. There have been many strings regarding this in this and other forums by some very knowledgeable folks.

Enjoy,

Jeff

Glad to have you join us Skye rider. You will find a lot of model 19 lovers here. I have both a 2.5" and a 4" and they are great.

Thx Jeff, I had it mixed up believing the lighter slugs were easier on the revolver. My reasoning was because a friend had a Colt 357 snubby. Sorry I don't recall the model. After pulling up the original factory manual. Colt recommended 110 gr but to avoid anything over 125. Can't remember the year the Colt was manufactured but it was about the time Lee Jurass' Super-Vel ammo made a big impact on the ammo market. One gun rag article we pulled up. The author said he believed Colt had 110gr Super-Vel in mind when they desinged it. I might also add Colt's manual recommended minimal use of 357's and to use 38's for target practice.

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Dave

To reply to an individual in the thread, just tap the "Quote" button and type after the original text. To reply privately, tap the individuals yellow name and send a "Private PM" or "Email". Hope that's helpful & welcome to the forum.

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Jeb

Way back when I used to read every gun magazine I could buy, the story I heard (Read) was the shorter bullets from the 135gr on down had a tendency to tip up because the lighter bullets are shorter this caused the extreme forces to batter the forcing cone and cause it to crack after lots of those light full house loads battered it. The preventative was loading the heavier and longer bullets that are held in line with the bore better and jump the gap without tipping, and so not battering the forcing cone and causing it to crack usually at the weakest point right at the bottom of the barrel where they machined a flat so that the crane can clear the barrel when you close the cylinder. Shoot 148gr and bigger and you have nothing to worry about! That's what I do with mine.
I hope you find this helpful,
Gabby

IAhunter
I have a M 19-3 four inch S/N 7K699** Can you find when it was made, I've been looking everywhere to find someone to tell me.
Many thanks in advance.
While you are at it do you happen to know whether the crane has the same numbers and if not why not?
Thanks again,
Gabby

Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson says 1975 for serial numbers 7K26044-7K70577.

My 19-3 (9K956XX) has that serial number stamped on the butt and in the crane with no other numbers stamped in the crane.

What does your 19-3 have stamped in the crane? Sometimes assembly numbers unrelated to the serial number are stamped there.

The dash 4 was introduced in 1977. In 1982, pinned barrels and counterbored cylinders were eliminated as a cost-cutting measure. In that year, the 19-5 replaced the 19-4. But there is always some overlap when changes are implemented. It isn't unusual to find late 19-4 and early 19-5 revolvers with one of the two older features still in place.

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318