Are 19-6's with 4 inch barrels rare?

[rbergs]

I have been hunting for a 4 inch 19-6 for a couple years now. Need one to finish off my model 19 collection. I have only seen one that was in average condition and no box. Am I just not seeing them or? Any help is appreciated

 

[Model19man]

I have been hunting for a 4 inch 19-6 for a couple years now. Need one to finish off my model 19 collection. I have only seen one that was in average condition and no box. Am I just not seeing them or? Any help is appreciated

The Model 19 was standard issue for many police departments in earlier dash numbers, often in 4" barrel length.

By the time the later ones such as the dash-6 came along it was the 1990's and most departments had long ago switched to some sort of autoloader. Revolvers were sold to collectors and hobbyists. Most of them wanted longer barrels. So you are correct, a 4" M19-6 probably exists but it might be fairly scarce.

 

[Scharfschuetzer]

Model 19-6 4"

I carried a Model 19-2 on the PD and I always wanted to buy another 19 to replace it. So far, I've ended up with three of 'em in the various barrel lengths.

I guess the point of the above story is that my current 4" 19 is actually a Model 19-6. It's the only one that I've seen, and it is quite the shooter. Here it is with its brothers.

Good luck. All the older Smiths are getting scarce and pricey in my neck of the woods. USBP Agent Bill Jordan was spot on about the 4" Model 19 when he said: "It's a peace officer's dream."

 

[CRT2]

Cabela's - Smith & Wesson ~ Model 19-6 ~ .357 Magnum for sale

 

[RubEric]

One of my 19's. Four inch, Herret grips, bought new in 1964

 

[rbergs]

Thanks to all that have responded. Good info!

 

[BAM-BAM]

Don't forget the L-frames were introduced in 1980 which impacted both the K and N frame sales.

Also most folks that have them are holding on to them...as collectables....... and ....just in case!!

 

[Octocog]

In November I bought this almost LNIB 19-6 dated April 1991 from my LGS for a fair price. Appeared to be just test fired or barely shot by the previous owner. Box and everything came with it. Looks like it just sat in a safe over the years. Is a great gun and I've been shooting it a lot.
In the early 90's it was all about semi-autos, and if you did want a .357 the 586/686 was what you wanted. I assume demand for the 19 had really dropped off a cliff by this time. I usually come across 19's in versions much earlier than -6.
(Sorry for the less than perfect photo quality. Also, that orange you see on the front sight is duct tape. Can't bring myself to actually put orange paint on.)

 

[NY-1]

Here's a used one I picked up three years ago. No luck on finding its box, and it had a set of Pachmayrs on it when I came across it in the shop. BPL serial prefix.

 

[DevilDog72]

my 19-8 4 inch

I don't think you can beat a 4 inch 19