19-2 question

[bumnote]

I just picked up a 19-2 2.5" in excellent condition. My question is the serial number K7947** dates to 1968, but I was under the impression that by '68 19's were -3's. The yoke assembly number is 74445 with a larger 5 under that. I am correct in assuming it is a -2 assembled prior to '68, and just didn't get the serial number stamped on it and shipped after the introduction of the -3? Just curious.
Can't wait to get this out to the range Sunday or Monday. The revolver looks brand new, hardly has any signs of ever being fired and the trigger is incredibly smooth. Whoever the prior owner was took excellent care of it. Almost hate to use it as a carry, but that's why I bought it. I needed something a little lighter and smaller than my 686's.

 

[HAWKEYE10]

You are right going by the serial number the gun was made
in 1968. I think it was just another S&W mistake. S&W is
noted for mistakes like this. Don

 

[Doc44]

Model 19-2s were shipped well into 1969. At best, serial numbers are only an estimate of when a revolver was made and shipped.

Bill

 

[snw19_357]

I had that exact same question a few years ago!

Although the -3 change was announced in 1967, it took a little while for "-3" marked revolvers to show up. But, 19-2s started showing up with the relocated rear sight leaf screw which was the -3 change.

Where is the screw located on yours, bumnote?

Directly over the barrel/cylinder gap like this 19-2, K7770xx

Or forward of that (-3), over where the barrel comes through the frame like this 19-2, K7943xx?

 

[bumnote]

It's forward like that on a -3.
Thanks for the info and help guys!