19-2 3 inch ?? Photos added post 26

[BAM-BAM]

M66's.... Same thing, just different color..... right?

NO!!!!!!!!!

 

[msp2640]

I've recently been looking for a RB version of the 19 w/ a 2.5 barrel, fairly common and available, but I'm trying to find one within my budget and to shoot, carry and enjoy it! Every now and then I see something I've never seen before, tonight after seeing the 3" version - which I never knew existed - it has reached the "grail" status! Truly awesome SmithNut - Thanks for sharing! Bill in MA

 

[firemanhank]

I don't have the letter from Mr Jinks in front of me, but I can tell you there were three inch model 19s made for the Navy, foreign police services, and special orders.
Kevin Will aka kwill1911 can tell you more on the Navy M19s.
If I remember correctly, my letter states that the one I have is one of the leftover Navy M19s sold commercially. TH and smooth TT.

 

[Hair Trigger]

I've never seen nor heard of a square butt version, but that doesn't mean none exists....
The 3" guns are very scarce, and the 5" significantly more so, I've only seen a pic of one (5")....

I think the 3" barrel would look proper on either style butt frame. Funny how 1/2" of barrel can change the visual, as well as the handling balance, of a gun. I assume the 5" barrels are on square butt frames.

I have an M19-3 with a 4" barrel, and a M66-1 with a 2-1/2". The 3", when compared to the 2-1/2" looks longer than it actually is. The extractor shrouds of both barrels end the same distance from the muzzle; however, the 3" uses a full-length extractor rod, where the 2-1/2" has a shortened one. The sight ramp on the 3" starts well after the end of the top strap, whereas the 2-1/2" sight ramp starts at the end of the top strap. Compare these two barrel lengths with the 3" in your picture. Just a little change makes a big difference. I like them all.

 

[Doc44]

Two Model 19-2s, one with a 3-inch barrel shipped in 1966 and one with a 5-ich barrel shipped in 1965 (likely the first 5-inch made). Click on the photos for a better look.

Bill

 

[bob in texas]

Photos 19-2 3 inch

 

[rogerwnuss]

I had one in late 80s , shop owner told me that particular 3" 66 was part of a Treasury Dept. overrun. They wanted a slightly longer ejector rod . Anyway, that was the story.....

 

[Hondo44]

That's my understanding as well. They wanted the shortest possible barrel that would have the standard full length extractor rod.

 

[K Frame Keith]

Had one. Sold it. Predictable deep regrets.

 

[stansdds]

Photos 19-2 3 inch

Wow! That is a beautiful Model 19-2. Yes, with the K-frame, unless you consider the current production Model 19 and 66 with the forward lock on the crane, the 3 inch barrel was the shortest that would still allow for a full length ejector rod. I think the full length ejector rod is well worth an extra 1/2 inch of barrel.