In looking at "the book" I saw that they mentioned a run/over run of 19-3s that were made for the Secret Service with a matte finish and the round butt and a 2 1/2" barrel..
Is there any serial number range or marking on the gun that would identify it as being correct?
The book doesn't mention anything.
I sort of collect Combat Magnums and Model 19s up through 19-3 with the occassional odd one thrown in for good measure.
I have the 19-5 with the 2 1/2" barrel in the nmatte finsih supposedly for the Conneticut State Police but there is as stated in the book no markings and I suspect they were overruns. I bought mine and later the one my cousin bought in the right time frame so I'm comfortable with them but am much less comfortable buying a 19-3 used HOPING it's correct if there is no way to distinguish it as being correct. At least the 19-5 says they aren't marked or in any specific serial range.
Thanks for your help.