I recently have a model 19-3, 357 mag wearing Presentation grip by Pachmayr. Is this the original grip or should it be a wooden grip?
I have the original box it came with and above the heading "stock" it has a "T". Ser# 9K146xx which I believe is dated to 1976.
The cylinder is rebated for the cartridge rims.

I purchased a new Model 19-3 in 1972. It came from the jobber to the dealer with factory wooden target stocks. I am under the impression such grips were the factory standard for all square butt Model 19s during that era.

"T" stands for target grip. There should be five circles of metal at each corner of your box. They would have been wooden targets, with esuchion and stippling partly. There is a picture of one page 187 Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, 3RD Edition. The diamond around the screw location was discontinued 1968. Yours would have shipped in 1976 or so, more than likely.

The Pachmayer Presentation grips help take the bite out of shooting it a lot, but don't let moisture get underneath them. I still use Pachmayers on some of my guns, but because I like them when shooting, with lesser loads than .357 Magnum. To each his own. I just keep the original grips in the box, all wrapped up.

Wooden checkered Target stocks .Not pachmeyers .

My 19-3 2 1/2 inch with the original grips

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I thank everyone who commented. The Pachmeyr grips just because they appear to have been on the revolver a long time does not make them original.
I will have to source an original pair of grips as I like originality though I'll use the Pachmeyr grip to shoot with. The box is in very good condition and most likely protected the revolver for decades without use. It sold for a price you can buy a new M&P 2.0.
The auction I purchased the revolver at posted photos that the flash made appear to have finish wear. To my delight the revolver is about 98%. The K frame in my hand feels much better then my 686-3 stainless with 6 inch barrel.

There was a period back then mid-70s to mid/late-80s that a lot of folks swapped out the S&W wood grips for "rubber", mostly Pachmyer's or Uncle Mikes, grips before ever leaving the shop with their new gun.
LGSs had boxes of wood grips for sale for $5-10.

Yes, the "T" on the label indicates your gun was shipped with Target stocks. In 1976, the correct target stocks would be non-diamond with football relief cut on the left stock panel. Around 1978, the relief cut was changed to what is called the speed loader cut.

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SWCA 3297 SWHF 583

Since in 76, the chances may have been good that the stocks may have been date stamped and not numbered( so not gun specific), a nice set of Goncalo Alves checkered targets Like in the post above this one) should fix you up nice.. Keep watching the want to sell accessories forum, or place an ad in the Want to buy forum

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Pete
I ain't no fortunate son

My 686-3 came with wood grips with the speed loader cut and I put on Pachmeyr grips for shooting. Too bad they are not correct for the model 19.
Thanks for the photos I now know what to look for. I do find the wood grips quite large at the butt though they do look good with a blued finish.

Here is a pic.

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Well that you know what you need, if they are too big for you, look into something Culina LLC makes. John (Kurac on forum) probably can fix you right up. Shoot what is on it, but don't let moisture under the rubber grips

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Pete
I ain't no fortunate son

Will M, here's mine.

S&W Model 19-3 "Combat Magnum" in 357 Magnum with original target grip stocks.




Thanks for looking.

God bless,
Birdgun

Birdgun that's a fine looking revolver. I just ordered wooden grips made in Thailand that look virtually identical. Online sites say the Thailand grips are quite good, wait and see.

I must apologize. When I first joined the forum I clicked on "army" only to find later a US army logo appears on my posts. Being a Canuk eh I was in the Canadian army for 15 years as a gun plumber. The forum has no logo for other countries armies so I un clicked "army".
I thoughtI'd mention this as many tend to notice these things. i wasn't trying to mislead anyone.
Regards Will.

My 19-3 6" came with checkered wooden targets with the football relief. Mine was manufactured in 1975

Yes it’s true!
There was a time when Folks didn’t seem to favor the factory grips that much.
You get them for free, cheap, trade, etc.

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NRA LIFE MEMBER

No need to apologize! The only time I was around Canadian Forces during my 6 years in the Army was at Ft. Belvoir VA where a few of those guys were fellow students. They invited a few of us to join them for a few Canadian beers they'd picked up at the embassy in DC. Great bunch!

I've read that Canadian snipers in Afghanistan have scored kills on Taliban at really extreme ranges. I'm glad they're on our side. And reportedly, the only good donut shop (a Tim Horton's) on Bagram Air Base is in the Canadian area of the base.

I was stationed at an air base in Newfoundland for a year. Pretty country, if a bit rustic.

I was directing traffic at an entrance to Lowry AFB in Denver just before leaving for Canada. One day a car with Alberta or Manitoba license plates pulled up. Had two hot blondes in it, wanting to visit a friend on base.

I gave them a visitors pass and mentioned that I was being transferred to their country.

"Where?" asked one chick and when I told her, she squealed and said,"Ooh, you won't like it."

I guess Newfoundland was viewed as sort of the Appalachia of Canada. But it had good fishing and you could hunt moose in season. Properly prepared, moose meat tastes a lot like good beef.

Can't say I care for Canadian beer I've had. Pretty skunky, like NZ beer. I drank US or Dutch beer while there. Have also enjoyed German and Danish beers, and some South Africans thanked me for helping out at their booth at the Texas State Fair about 1992 and gave me a case of Castle lager. Pretty good; has some awards and been around for a long time. But I've not seen it in US stores, although their fine wines are sold here.