I was a Marine Security Guard (Emabssy Duty) from 1993-95. We carried special S&W 19-4s that were supplied to the Marines from the Department of State.

They were 4-inch, brushed or matte blue and Round Butt with plain front/rear sights. There would be the occasional 2-1/2 inch 19-4 for the plain clothes MSG on duty or for the Detachment Commander or Corporal of the Guard. This practice was post-specific.

In Beijing (1993-94) we had three posts (Embassy/Consualte and rover). When we were the rover, we carried concealed, wearing a suit or coat/tie. We had a horribly used Don Hume Double Agent holster. I couldn't handle this, so I purchased a Kramer MSP Paddle holster and double-thickness horsehide belt in my favorite Cordovan color. I also carried Safariland COMP II on the belt and COMP III speedloaders in each coat pocket.

Our duty/qualification ammunition was the .38 Special Federal 125gr NYCLAD Hollow Point +P (about 950 fps and since discontinued). Good, accurate ammunition. The Serial Number ranges were in the AYY#### range.

From what I understand from current or prior MSGs that stood post in the last few years, many of these revolvers are still in the Regional Security Officer (RSO) inventories at our missions overseas.

The Marines now use State Department-issued M9 Berettas with 124gr Hydra-Shok ammunition. I never felt under-armed with my Model 19...