policerevolvercollector
Member
I have a chance to get one of these recent imports. Anyone know where they imported from? I called CAI in Vermont and they wouldn't tell me because it was "proprietary" info......
Model 19s w/ Century Arms import markings
- Thread starter policerevolvercollector
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Green Mountain Shooter
Member
CIA Importer Marks on U.S. Manufactured Handguns
In the instance I have knowledge of, Israel confiscates handguns from U.S. immigrants and once they have a large enough number of them they put them out for bid. Century purchases them and must mark them with their importer mark by law. In another example, in some countries you are only allowed to possess a limited number of firearms. If you want to acquire a new gun, you must turn in one you already possess to the local authorities. Once the authorities have amassed a quantity they are put out for bid.
GMS
In the instance I have knowledge of, Israel confiscates handguns from U.S. immigrants and once they have a large enough number of them they put them out for bid. Century purchases them and must mark them with their importer mark by law. In another example, in some countries you are only allowed to possess a limited number of firearms. If you want to acquire a new gun, you must turn in one you already possess to the local authorities. Once the authorities have amassed a quantity they are put out for bid.
GMS
phatmax
Member
mkk41
US Veteran
Any other marks?
I know they have been re-imported fron Hong Kong , Brazil and Australia in recent years.
I know they have been re-imported fron Hong Kong , Brazil and Australia in recent years.
OP
policerevolvercollector
Member
No other markings... I bought one on Friday and sent for a Roy Jinks' letter.
http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1961-1980/305078-s-w-19-4-w-interesting-history.html
These were imported by Century Arms and subsequently sold through Southern Ohio Gun (and others). They were all 4" M-19s. The dealer I got this from had two. This one (pinned & recessed from 1980) and a non P&R from 1983 or so.
Charles
http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1961-1980/305078-s-w-19-4-w-interesting-history.html
These were imported by Century Arms and subsequently sold through Southern Ohio Gun (and others). They were all 4" M-19s. The dealer I got this from had two. This one (pinned & recessed from 1980) and a non P&R from 1983 or so.
Charles
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BJoe
Member
That's what I was thinking. The odds seem greater that this is a large batch of foreign trade in's rather then a few here, and there, being trade in's.
Century is a pretty big company and I don't think they would bother with anything less than a big order.
I believe some CAI 15s and 19s come from South America. S&W had some police contracts from countries down there, and some come back here when they get surplused. I think I remember one such gun from a forum thread about 12-18 months ago.
BJoe
Member
Remember the special order 60's that S&W sent to Saudi Arabia, another order to Japan, and the 3" 19's that went to France? Imagine all the different LEO orders sent over the years?....we can dream.
