19-3 Combat?

[weyerbacher]

Has anyone ever heard of a S&W 19-3 Combat? I found a sweet 19-3 w/4 inch barrel, box and some papers for $500 at a favourite shop. It was tagged as a 19-3 Combat. This shop owner is quite well versed in S&W revolvers, so I really have no reason to doubt him. I traded a Ruger mk2 and a gift certificate and paid $320 OTD when all was said and done. I've not heard of a 19-3 Combat. It does not have a colored insert in the front sight and has an action that is smoother than glass. I'll post pics soon, but was hoping for some insight. it's almost too nice to shoot in my opinion. but I will anyway.

 

[ljmvaw124]

The Model 19 was known as the "Combat Magnum" ......

 

[CajunBass]

Yep. The very first issue of Guns and Ammo magazine I ever saw, way back when I was in high school, had a picture of a 4", blue steel, revolver, on the cover. Across the top in big letters was the legend,

SMITH & WESSON MODEL 19 COMBAT MAGNUM!

I remember thinking...WOW! THAT'S what a handgun is supposed to look like.

I still do.

 

[jmark1651]

Truly a great looking,shooting, and handling revolver. You will not be disappointed!

 

[butchkent]

19's forever! Enjoy. Shoot it and you'll know why it's the greatest.

 

[ben1]

I have two 19-3's. One is a six inch and the other 2 1/2 inch. Both are great guns. You can never go wrong with a 19-3. You will love it!

 

[Kanewpadle]

Love my 19-2. Will never part with it.

 

[P&R Fan]

If you hang around here a lot you'll read a bunch of names associated with S&W revolvers. In 1957 they gave each one a model number. I think (and I suspect I'm in good company here) that it wasn't an improvement. Model 19 just doesn't grab me the way Combat Magnum does. You'll see us still refer to the old names here. M28-Highway Patrolman. M36-Chiefs Special. M15-Combat Masterpiece. M10-Military and Police.
Get a copy of the Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson and you can read all about it.
Oh, and go ahead and shoot your Combat Magnum, after all, that's what it was made for. I love to shoot mine.

 

[roaddog28]

Hi,
For me the model 19 is the best handling 357 S&W ever made. I have a model 19,13 and 66. I shoot them the best they have the best double action triggers. Of course this is my opinion. I also have a 686 distinguish combat magnum which is the larger L frame magnum and a model 28-2 large N frame 4 inch. I love them too but nothing balances as well as my model 19 or 66.
My recommendation, buy it!

Howard

 

[kenpofan]

My first and favorite Handgun a M-19..

Enjoy it life is short.

 

[Rapidray]

19-3

Love my 6 inch 19! Found it at the LGS. Picked up a holster for her last week. Shooting her again tomorrow. Enjoy!

 

[spearcrow]

My very first handgun was a 19-5, given to me by my parents on my 16th birthday. I loved it from the first moment I saw it and it was what prompted me to buy a whole bunch more over the years! Happened to have an uncle pretty talented with leather that made me a holster and I got it later that day. Still carrying the gun, still in the same holster.

I did think after all these years it deserved some ivory, glad to be able to get a big hunk on it not too long ago. They are truely the best and my favorite. Enjoy it!

This 19-3 was my favorite carry gun for a long time... my wife enjoys it now.

 

[rc51kid]

Are all 4" 19s called combat Magnums? Or is the combat Mag a special model of the 4" 19?

 

[P&R Fan]

All M19s and Stainless M66s are Combat Magnums, regardless of barrel length.

 

[robctwo]

I bought a nice 4" this past year. Then I bought a nice 6". My neighbor fell in love with the 6", so I sold it to him. I missed it, so when another came along, I bought it.

Then a nib 19-3 showed up on GB. I probably paid too much for it, but with a nice set of Ahrends retro combat grips and a Wolff spring kit it is my favorite revolver.

I bought mine as a shooter. Mostly pussycat .38 Special hand loads,but it will handle full tilt .357s longer than I will.

 

[5Wire]

I have a 2-1/2 inch 19-5 I really like: