19-2? I question this.

[Brassmonkey55]

There's a 19-2 for sale at a store I have made several good purchases from in the past. However, they state that the serial number begins AEF46xx. Didn't the dreaded three alpha serial numbers only exist in the 1980s? Also it has a red plastic insert ramp front sight, and half underlug. Opinions?
I would love a 19-2 but something feels not right.

 

[Targets Guy]

Seems hard to believe. That s/n is around 1984-1985. 19-3's came out in 1967. Maybe someone used a running iron on the s/n? My 19-2 shipped in 3/68; s/n K716xxx.

 

[JP@AK]

Mike is correct on the dates - the serial number is much too late to be on a 19-2. I wonder if someone is just misreading the dash number. Should be a 5. The cylinder should NOT be counter-bored and there should be no pin in the barrel.

As for the "half underlug," what you are probably seeing is the extractor rod shroud. That's normal for a Combat Magnum (Model 19). Red ramps were also available and common on the Model 19s, especially as time went on.

 

[Brassmonkey55]

Thanks guys. Confirms my thoughts.

 

[geen]

As stated the shop most likley read the model as 19-2 vs 19-5 check the yoke when you see it in person.