Even though the square butt was discontinued in 1995 and the 19-8 wasn't introduced until 1998 SCSW3 shows a Model 19-8 .38 Special square butt 1 1/2" and 4" being manufactured in 2000. It also reports the Model 19 discontinued 1999, go figure.

If the gun chambers .357 freely there is no reason not to shoot it with .357 since the only difference would then be the barrel roll-mark.

There were Model 65 and 66 revolvers manufactured for various law enfircement agencies marked as .38 Special but still chambered for .357 Magnum, a political thing of course. Can't say about your 19-8, try .357 in it and let us know.

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Gunsmithing since 1961