This is a real long shot, but maybe one of you know.
I have a 19-3 (DOB 75-76), 6" blue that was a former sheriff dept gun, some agency in the NW, Washington state maybe. It is simply stamped " Sheriff 38 " on the frame just above the trigger on the non sideplate side.
I was hoping one of you guys maybe knew what agency this was ? The gun wasn't used much, maybe never issued.
Thanks for any help, retired 2006

This is a real long shot, but maybe one of you know.
I have a 19-3 (DOB 75-76), 6" blue that was a former sheriff dept gun, some agency in the NW, Washington state maybe. It is simply stamped " Sheriff 38 " on the frame just above the trigger on the non sideplate side.
I was hoping one of you guys maybe knew what agency this was ? The gun wasn't used much, maybe never issued.
Thanks for any help, retired 2006

The best way to check the revolver would be to send to Roy Jinks and see where it was shipped from the factory. It would either track to the police dept directly or to a dealer close to them. Good luck! Joe

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ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ

Shonomish (sp?) County Washington issued Model 19s circa 1975 that were marked in his fashion.

Best,
Charles

Thanks you very much Charles, that is probably where these came from. At the time, they were advertised in the "Shotgun News", and my friend and I got each got one, he got a 21/2", and I got a 6".
Could I ask how you know this, I see you are from Georgia ?

I collect police marked/issued revolvers w/ 120+ agencies to date. Several years ago,I bought "Sheriff 07" in 2 1/2" and researched it through a factory letter and a contact that I made in the S&WCA who was the dept. armorer when the guns were issued. Some of the guns will even have Mike's initials under the grips. He bought mine from me because it was one he actually unpacked and checked 30 years ago!

Best,
Charles

very cool........now if you(either of you) ever feel the need to get that 19 back to its home state(WA) let me know....would love to have another WA LE S&W

cda926 is talking about KKG(member here) I think

oh......and where are the pics?

Here's mine. The one I got from cda926 - Charlie - and it "came home" 30 Years after it first arrived in Snohomish County WA. The guns were shipped in 1976 to a Distributor in Portland OR.

It just happens to be one of the very guns I took to my shop to work on since it has the "KKG" stamp under the grips.

This particular gun was part of a shipment of 125 Model 19-3s that were shipped to the Snohomish County Washington, Sheriffs' Office in 1976. There were 25 guns with the 2-1/2" barrel, for the Detectives, Department Heads etc., with the remaining 100 having the 6" barrel, for the Road Deputies.

I have already checked with the Department and the records on who these guns were 'issued' to has look since disappeared. My guess is it departed at about the same time they changed guns.

These were the very first "Department Issued" sidearms. The Department originated in something like 1863 so it took "Them" a while. Prior to that time all sidearms were personal firearms. I was already carrying a 2-1/2 inch, Model 19 that was my personal gun and choose not to accept one of the new "Issue" guns.

I too would have a great deal of interest in getting one of the 6 inch guns to come home, again. Especially, if it had the "KKG" stamp under the Stocks.

KKG, and cda296, you guys are great to provide the responses. I really appreciate the info, I am going to print it, and save.
KKG, I checked my 6" gun, but don't see your stamp under the grips. I am kind of glad it didn't have the stamp, I would have felt guilty for not wanting to sell it to you! My gun was in remarkable condition for a LEO gun, just a few scratches on the grips, hardly any blueing wear.
Thanks you guys, great info, way more info than I expected to get!

Just as a bit of a side note about the lack of "Holster Wear". The Department purchased 125 Hoyt Front Break Holsters for these guns and they were part of the "issue" and these holster were all suede lined and were excellent Holsters and the Department even had them for the 2-1/2 inch guns.

The "wear" on the Right Side of the gun I have is likely damage caused by Blood which is very hard on bluing.

My pleasure.....Glad to help!!

Charles

You you have any interest in an "unmarked" 6 inch Model 19 in Trade???

I've tried your email a couple of times and 'it' doesn't seem to work.

DO NOT send the revolver to Roy Jinks! You send him a request for a factory letter.