What is the story with these, just looking for information at this time.

Well, over 150 views and no comments. I don't have pictures yet or a price just trying to get some education before I get serious about it.

Thanks, Bob

Only a few hundred (some special order exports) made in the 70s........... a few folks here have some and they will be along!

It's a K frame .357 Magnum. That in itself is desirable. The Standard Catalog mentions significant premiums for both the -2 and the 3" barrel. However, minus the box or a factory letter stating that it came from the factory with the 3" tube, you're taking a risk adding that premium. 3" barrels are pretty popular and it might be rebarreled. Make sure before you add in value that isn't there. They are fine guns, whether as collectibles or working guns.

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The best I can with what I got

I think it’s rare enough that I have never seen one. I’ll be interested to see information about it

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SWCA 3255 SWHF 615

Target trigger, Target hammer, Diamond magna stocks. According to Smith Wesson standard catalog production beginning production 1965 @ K544682 this one is less than 50 away from that. I have seen it but did not photo it, but is definitely a 3 inch 19-2. Also red ramp white outline.

Is it for sale?

If so, what's the asking price?

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Jim
S&WCA #819

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.............SmithNut

Are the 3" barrels on the round butt frame only? The SCSW doesn't specify, but it does say the dash-2 is worth a "50% premium in higher grades", and "3-inch or 5-inch barrel rare and worth a significant premium, maybe 4X in higher grades". So, a pristine M19-2 with a 3" barrel would be a double whammy.

That would be a grail gun for me. Looks like the perfect configuration for a 19. Doubt I'll ever see one up close.

I've never seen nor heard of a square butt version, but that doesn't mean none exists....
The 3" guns are very scarce, and the 5" significantly more so, I've only seen a pic of one (5"), and it shows up here in posts by one of our members from time to time.
I don't know what "higher grades" means anymore, when a M68-2 can sell for nearly $5k. I'd put the 3" M19-2's (all the ones shown above are M19-2's), significantly more than that M68-2 that just sold.
Prices are whacky for quality/scarce variations these days, only an ended auction will tell the toll.

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.............SmithNut

Ahh, where would one come up with a 3" M19 (shrouded ejector rod) barrel?

Just asking....

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.............SmithNut

Not mine, but a former forum member’s.

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Sure you did

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.............SmithNut

Smithnut .............as I've said before those pictures drive me nuts...............

I;ve got three 3" 66s but a 19 is to die for!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

M66's.... Same thing, just different color..... right?

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.............SmithNut

I always love it when SmithNut posts photos of his 3"ers. Makes me smile the big smile...

I have several 3" Barreled 65s, 66s and 13s, but only one 3" barreled Combat Magnum. This one was engraved by Alvin White and does not have model number stamped on the frame under the yoke, but if it did it would probably be a 19-2 based on the SN (K500000). It also letters as being one of the first round butt Combat Magnums:







I dragged it out to Tulsa for the last SWCA Symposium and it very much enjoyed its stay there.

Here's a link to another great thread on the 3" barreled Model 19s.

M19 with a 3 inch barrel - is it rare ?

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Richard
Engraved S&W fan

19-2's in all barrel lengths and finishes are my collecting niche, but I hardly expect to get a chance at a 3 inch version.

There it is. More of Richard's gun points. Gotta love it!

Nice collection there! If I had those, I'd turn one into a Fitz Special!

NO!!!!!!!!!

I've recently been looking for a RB version of the 19 w/ a 2.5 barrel, fairly common and available, but I'm trying to find one within my budget and to shoot, carry and enjoy it! Every now and then I see something I've never seen before, tonight after seeing the 3" version - which I never knew existed - it has reached the "grail" status! Truly awesome SmithNut - Thanks for sharing! Bill in MA

I don't have the letter from Mr Jinks in front of me, but I can tell you there were three inch model 19s made for the Navy, foreign police services, and special orders.
Kevin Will aka kwill1911 can tell you more on the Navy M19s.
If I remember correctly, my letter states that the one I have is one of the leftover Navy M19s sold commercially. TH and smooth TT.

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Hank
SWCA 2945

I think the 3" barrel would look proper on either style butt frame. Funny how 1/2" of barrel can change the visual, as well as the handling balance, of a gun. I assume the 5" barrels are on square butt frames.

I have an M19-3 with a 4" barrel, and a M66-1 with a 2-1/2". The 3", when compared to the 2-1/2" looks longer than it actually is. The extractor shrouds of both barrels end the same distance from the muzzle; however, the 3" uses a full-length extractor rod, where the 2-1/2" has a shortened one. The sight ramp on the 3" starts well after the end of the top strap, whereas the 2-1/2" sight ramp starts at the end of the top strap. Compare these two barrel lengths with the 3" in your picture. Just a little change makes a big difference. I like them all.

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Two Model 19-2s, one with a 3-inch barrel shipped in 1966 and one with a 5-ich barrel shipped in 1965 (likely the first 5-inch made). Click on the photos for a better look.

Bill

Photos 19-2 3 inch

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I had one in late 80s , shop owner told me that particular 3" 66 was part of a Treasury Dept. overrun. They wanted a slightly longer ejector rod . Anyway, that was the story.....

That's my understanding as well. They wanted the shortest possible barrel that would have the standard full length extractor rod.

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Jim
S&WCA #819

Had one. Sold it. Predictable deep regrets.

Wow! That is a beautiful Model 19-2. Yes, with the K-frame, unless you consider the current production Model 19 and 66 with the forward lock on the crane, the 3 inch barrel was the shortest that would still allow for a full length ejector rod. I think the full length ejector rod is well worth an extra 1/2 inch of barrel.

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VCDL, GOA, NRA