History of this Model 19-3 .357 Revolver

[Muley Gil]

+1. The trigger on my issued 28-2 (6" bbl) is just about the worst of all my S&W revolvers. I got used to it though, shot Master with it in the Academy (when they made us shoot with our gas masks on, no less). I never saw a target trigger, smooth trigger, or target hammer on an issued Model 28.

When we were given the opportunity to carry our personal revolvers, I carried my 19-4 (4" bbl w/ smooth trigger) for a few months but I could never warm up to it so I went back to my issued Highway Patrolman.

BTW, to this day I fire my S&W revolvers double action (& I CCW my Centennials).

The New York State Police issued M28s with the smooth .312" Ranger trigger.

"I guess someone wanted more hand filling stocks than the standard Magnas but didn't care for a full 3T/RRWO configuration."

Target grips were standard on the .357 Combat Magnum (Model 19).

When I started in law enforcement in 1976, for some reason a lot of my fellow deputies and police officers wanted target hammers and grooved target triggers on their revolvers. Parts were easy to find and not that expensive, so I swapped out a lot. I personally prefer the smooth .312" Ranger trigger, with the sides contoured, mated to a target hammer. I set up many of my duty revolvers that way.

 

[S-W4EVER]

One thing I've learned, anything is possible when it comes to S&W revolvers.

 

[Engine49guy]

A few observations,
First, your 19-3 would have the older style front site ramp base that is cross pinned to the barrel, around late 69 early 70 the fs ramp becomes integral with the barrel.
Second although the stocks are correct style non diamond center they are walnut and IIRC the four and six inch 19-3's of that era came standard with Goncalo Alves ( sometimes Rosewood) so were likely swapped or replaced.
As for LE handguns not having a wide tt/th that is not a hard rule, many depts had an acceptable model list and left the purchase up to the individual officer.
On a final note I have never seen a 19-3 that came with diamond target stocks.
Early stocks on 19-3's are unique in that they have the older style deep SS Escutcheons where by 1970 it had changed to shallow brass escutcheons.

 

[ziphead65]

19-3

Thanks to everyone who has commented here.....I learned that I really didn't know much about this handgun that I have owned for about 35 years!!!
I have no idea what kind of trigger or hammer is on the gun, I'm sure some of you could tell if I posted better pics; maybe I will do that.

But I'm really grateful for anyone who took the time to comment!!!

Thanks again, it was good to finally confirm the manufacture date.

 

[RTADW2@GMAIL]

Smith & Wesson 357 revolver 19-3

I have come across this S&W 19-3, .357 and have some ideas but need help valuing this pistol. Has adjustable rear sight, also the trigger is of match quality/pull [light & short]. box says April 15,1955,, sn# 2K66828.

If more is needed please ask.

Thanks Tad

 

[Doc44]

2K66828 most likely shipped from S&W in 1972. It has a target hammer and trigger and target stocks made of Goncalo alves. I think the bright blue finish is in great shape, but needs cleaning to know for certain. I would value the revolver and box at approximately $900.

Bill

 

[JP@AK]

box says April 15,1955

Tad
That is the date of the adoption of the liability & warranty statement printed on the inside of the box. It has nothing whatever to do with the date of the handgun itself.

Those two statements and the date remained in the boxes well into the Bangor Punta era - I have boxes from the mid-1970s that still have the April 15, 1955, date.

 

[RAD57]

19-3

My 19-3 from the mid-70s. Dad bought it for me when I was a senior in high school with my hard earned money. I recently got it back in my possession after having been stored by my Dad since I joined the Army in 76. Serial # 7K757--.

 

[Claymore33]

Beautiful revolver, looks unused.
I would pay $900.

 

[lawandorder]

2nd Engine 49 guy's comment, many departments required Officers to purchase their own sidearm years ago. Not so much SP/HP departments.

 

[oink]

The OP has a very nice gun. However, if that was ever owned by a LE agency it never got issued. Whoever owned it it was never a duty weapon. I'd like to have it. All of my old duty weapons are all beat up.

 

[jimmyj]

It is most likely NOT a former police weapon.

That was my profession for decades, and I can tell you this.....

I have NEVER seen a police weapon with a target hammer and target trigger.

The triggers in particular are lousy for double action shooting.

Now, I am sure someone will come along and question my sanity but if the existed at all, they were rare in police work.

Police revolver shooting was mostly centered on double action fire.

In that era, in my part of the world, double action range fire was at 3 and 7 yards. Also officer required to furnish their own service revolver might have purchase what was available. Model 19s were difficult to find.

 

[John Patrick]

Around here, both 19s shown in this thread would go for north of $1,000. I see no wear on either, and if that's actually the case I'd say $1,250ish.

 

[michael1000]

As to the target triggers and hammers: The USAF issued model 15 revolvers with target hammers and triggers exclusively.