Model 19 3" barrel with fixed rear sight

[Dino44]

Just about 2 years ago, member John Rippert posted a thread about such a gun he watched and bid on at Gunbroker. Yesterday I was picking up a model 581 from a lady who is liquidating some of her late husband's collection. I believe I have just purchased one of the guns that was discussed in that two-year-old thread. Here is a photo. More to follow after the background check and the gun is in my possesion.

 

[usm1rifle]

Phenomenal score... Good for you!

 

[SnidelyWhiplash]

The French government ordered a number of Model 19 revolvers years back but specified fixed sights. This could be part of that group…possibly an overrun example.

 

[murphydog]

Congratulations, it does appear to be one of the French/German export fixed sight model 19s. More photos when you get it, please!

 

[Dino44]

I believe the gun I purchased in the photo above is one of the 50 overrun guns made. I am almost positive the gun mentioned in that two-year-old thread is the same one. In that thread he showed a copy of the letter of authenticity from MR Jinks that stated his serial number was one of the 50, his being sent to a distributor in Vancouver, British Columbia. I was so overwhelmed by my good fortune! I did take a quick photo but did not record the serial number. However, when I was filling out the state of Washington transfer form I did see I believe that same serial number as in the letter D 639400

 

[RKmesa]

Way cool! Looking forward to learning more.

 

[swagmeister]

Rare gun!! Didn't know there was such a 19 variant as that. Thanks for showing.

 

[629shooter]

That's awesome!

Sent from my SM-G892A using Tapatalk

 

[CH4]

Wow, that's very nice!
I wonder if that's where Smith got the inspiration for the 65-5 LS. Sure checks all my boxes for form and function.

 

[Pantherclass2004]

Is it basically like a model 13?

 

[CH4]

Is it basically like a model 13?

A 13 with a shrouded ejector rod.

 

[Bald1]

Does that tag say $179 ?

 

[Retired W4]

Does that tag say $179 ?

I would not doubt a 4th digit. Rare gun. Her late husband may have tagged it for his wife's information. I would surely pay $179X.00. for that.

 

[CH4]

I would not doubt a 4th digit. Rare gun. Her late husband may have tagged it for his wife's information. I would surely pay $179X.00. for that.

I imagine you'd be standing in a long line

 

[JJOG]

Lucky dog!!!!!!

 

[Dino44]

Does that tag say $179 ?

The tag reads. $1750.00

 

[spin132]

A rare bird indeed, congrats! I understand they were built for the French GIGN . In 1972 they ordered 500 of these revolvers that have serial numbers in the range from D639300 to 639800.

 

[Hair Trigger]

Is it basically like a model 13?

A 13 with a shrouded ejector rod.

Looks almost like a K frame version of a M520. Front sight is more like the non shrouded barrel versions than the 520. Cool looking revolver. I assume they were all round butt and 3" barrels?

 

[Birdhunter6]

WOW!

I remember reading that thread and wondering: What are the odds of stumbling onto one of those?

Congrats on your good fortune.

 

[JohnRippert]

Seeing my name at the top of this thread was interesting. Congrats on getting this one. Definitely a grail gun.