Information related to my S&W M-19[-5] U.S. DSS Contract production

[dpast32]

Hello Guys, I thought I would take this time to accomplish 2 missions, both S&W related of course. 1st, is to report here to NH anyone interested the Book I recently became aware of, which pertains to [ albeit in a 'round about way' ] a S&W Model 19 Revolver. I, along with numerous others here have discussed our particular examples in the Forum here from time to time. So therefore, when I learned of this Book, which is an account of the career of an U.S. DSS 'Dip. Sec.' Special Agent, I thought that perhaps others here may be interested.

( RE: "GHOST, Confessions-Counter-Terrorism-Agent" - By Fred Burton. )
BOOK REVIEW: GHOST: Confessions of a Counterterrorism Agent

As we know, the DSS S/A's don't tend to be mentioned, & or even referred to very much, as compared to other Federal Law Enforcement Agencies, so based upon our discussions concerning their previously issued M-19's, I figured I would throw this out there. I haven't read it yet, as I just purchased a copy this morning, via my Amazon Kindle device. The Kindle edition only ran me $13.00. OK, so on to my 2nd mission of the day. As it's been a few years since we've discussed these somewhat elusive Model 19's, I thought that I should ask if anyone here happens to have learned anything else regarding this particular U.S. Government Contract ? I had been advised by Roy Jinks years ago that my example was part of an 688 piece run from 1988, & they also produced a run of the 2.5" 19's, although not at the same time. I just learned about the 2.5" Contract's data yesterday, so if anyone is interested & I will gladly share it here. Same goes for my 4" Round Butt 19-5. I have all the Box Label data for anyone who may be interested. Soooo, if anyone has learned any additional facts pertaining to either of these, & or any other DSS Contracts, I will deeply appreciate hearing from them !! I figure I might as well document mine as far as possible, for as all these years I've owned it, I managed not to carry, use, and or even fire it !! [ And it was not easy, believe me !! ] OK, I guess that's it for me today. Hopefully some of you might find this DSS Agent's story interesting, & perhaps even more so knowing he was carrying the elusive possibility one of 'our' DSS Contract Model 19's, maybe ?

Best, dpast32

[dpast32]

And in a follow up to my above Post, here's what I just happened across yesterday while performing a few Web searches. Although it appears to be an completed Auction Listing, fortunately it includes some interesting & relevant information for us S&W collectors.

RE: DATE: 08-08-2021
SOURCE: Web Auction

LINK: Smith & Wesson Model 19-5 Bureau of Diplomatic Security Service 1 of 335 ANIB – Salt Lake Collectibles Co.

SOLD !!! / SMITH & WESSON MODEL 19-5, U.S. BUREAU OF DIPLOMATIC SECURITY SERVICE ISSUE, 1 OF 335 SPECIAL ORDER CONTRACT

SERIAL NUMBER: AND4692
FINISH: BLUED, w/ ROUND BUTT
PRODUCT CODE: 100701
SPECIAL ORDER NUMBER: 8135
FEATURES: 'SPECIAL'

CONDITION: ANIB
PRICE: $1,650.00
SELLER: 'SALT LAKE COLLECTIBLES COMPANY'
( WEB ADDRESS: SALTLAKECOLLECTIBLES.COM )

Smith & Wesson Model 19-5, 'U.S. Bureau of Diplomatic Security Service' Issue Revolver, .357 Magnum 4" Barrel
1 of 335 Production Run / ANIB, $1,650.00 'SOLD' !!

NOTE: This is 1 of only 335 Model 19-5’s ever made for the Bureau of Diplomatic Security as part of a Special Order. The guns were ordered w/ Matte-Blue Finish, 2.5″ Barrel, Pachmayr Combat Grips & smooth .40″ Target Trigger.

This Revolver is virtually as-new in the original Numbers-Matching, w/ Blue 1-piece Box & will never need to be upgraded in any way! The bore & cylinder chambers are mint & the gun functions perfectly.

ITEM STATUS: OUT OF STOCK

Also note that if anyone's really interested, I downloaded a few of the more important & relevant photos of this model. If requested, I can attempt to load them here.

Best, dpast32

[Fessor]

I have a DSS revolver. Mine has an AND prefix. I'd love to see additional info on this revolver.

[dpast32]

Hey 'Fessor', I assume based upon your Serial # Prefix, your DSS example is of the 2.5" variety, right ? IIRC, without checking my records, my 4" RB M-19[ - 5 ] is Serial # AYY 4698. I found it just sitting in the LGS's cabinet, years ago, & nobody else had even looked at, or asked about it. First thing I did was to confirm it wasn't an ex-Square Butt, that someone had converted. And, while doing that I also verified the Box Label data, just to be certain. Once done, I slapped my deposit down so fast the Dealer was wondering what just happened. You see, about a week or so earlier I had read an Article about the old USN / ONI issue M-19's that were in exactly that same configuration. Eventually they were transferred to the FBI, although it might have played out the other way around. Initially FBI issue, then to the ONI ? All my relevant information is somewhere here on the Forum, & I'm sure a search should bring it up if anyone's that interested. Also, interspersed within those few Threads are some replies from owners of the 2.5" models such as yours Fosser. It might be worth your effort to track those Threads down. Good Luck,

Best, dpast32

[WCCPHD]

Mine has an ANP prefix. Don't know where it came from or where its been, but it definitely has been used. But for $250 OTD, I did not argue.

[dpast32]

Very nice, & according to the data I obtained yesterday, it's reported to be one of 335 pieces, although I can't verify or confirm that information. Somebody must have sent for a S&W Letter on their example, right ?I'm thinking about it at the moment, we'll see.

[Fessor]

My DSS with the AND serial prefix is indeed a 2 1/2" gun. It looks like WCCPHD's DSS.

[dpast32]

THANKS Fessor for the confirmation. Just in case anyone here is interested enough to delve into it, I'm including the Link to my initial Forum Post, & subsequent Thread relating to my 4" DSS example.

RE: S&W Model 19(-5) 4" ROUND BUTT - U.S. GOVT. CONTRACT

Hopefully, by re-initiating this particular Thread, perhaps we'll be able to learn additional facts concerning this interesting run of U.S. Federal L.E. issue Revolvers ? Just for the record regarding this Contract, it was produced at the very end of the Revolver's rule as the weapon of choice for U.S. Law Enforcement Officers. At the exact same time as these were being issued to our Federal Agents, Law Enforcement was rapidly transitioning to the 9mm Semi-Automatic Pistol for overall issue as a Duty Weapon. That in fact is what led to many of the brand new, unissued & boxed examples becoming available to us for civilian purchase. IIRC, Lew Horton may have had a hand in the distribution of these now 'surplus' Revolvers.

Best, dpast32

[Jimmy4570]

DS used to issue three different revolvers; the 19-5 in 4"(most commonly issued to Marine Security Guards) and 2.5" (agents who wanted something shorter than 4" and foreign service national bodyguards trained by DS) and the Ruger SP-101 (in extremis issue to other American personnel as needed).

Sadly, DS only generally issued the Federal 125 gr. NyClad .38 Spl load, about equivalent to the better of today's 9x19mm loadings. More motivated agents procured .357 Magnum ammo whenever and wherever they could. There was a time when agents also carried the 1911, the Hi-Power and even model 29 along with the Thompson SMG.

It was in the late '90s that DS made the transition to the SIG P series pistols, beginning with the 228 and eventually to the 229R and a general prohibition against agents carrying anything else whether the SIG pistols fit them better or produced better marksmanship or shooting results. Now the organization has devolved to issuing the G19M and G26. Proletariats of the world unite!

Anyhoo, having cut my teeth as a child on revolvers and John Moses Browning's self loaders, it was tolerable being issued the SIG as they had an acceptable feel in the hand, were reliable, accurate and comfortable to carry. But now, with Gaston's angry Tupperware, we have something that proves a boon to administrative laziness and an attractiveness primarily to people who have no real interest in firearms or shooting generally.

Oh well... Seems to be the trend in American government these days... Maybe it'll change for the better in time again...

[JohnRippert]

I found this one on Gunbroker a while back for a ridiculously low price. It was wearing a REALLY nice set of RB smooth targets. I pulled them and bought a period correct set of magnas for it.