model 19-3 information

[bigvisk]

Hello,

I just today purchased a model 19-3. and looking for any information you can give, specifically ship date.

it has a 4" barrel, fixed red ramp front sight that appears to have been machined from the barrel, at least i cannot find any pin, or crease. it has a rear adjustable sight with the white "box". it has a square frame and a nice set of wood grips with the SW medallion, that appear to be original to the gun, at least showing equal wear to my untrained eye.

serial number is 7k953xx

obviously 357 mag (trying to follow the guidelines ).

4" barrel

fixed front sight, red ramp, adjustable rear, with white box.

it has 2 visible sideplate screws, much like the new guns (at least my 686 and 617). barrel is pinned.

edit to add: the cylinder appears cut for moon clips.

i took some crappy cell phone pictures and will try to make a photobucket account and add some to this thread. but think you guys can figure this one out .

thanks for the help.

 

[JP@AK]

The 7K numbers were spread over a period of three years (1974-1976). Your Model 19-3 was produced in 1976.

The white outline rear sight blade is fairly typical for the time.

The sideplate has three screws. One is hiding under the top of the right side stock panel.

the cylinder appears cut for moon clips

Seriously? Why do you say that? Odd, to say the least.

 

[BigGman243]

Cylinder is recessed so bullets are flush just how they done it years ago. Made in 1975, pictures of the grips would help. What kind of info you looking for?

 

[bigvisk]

Cylinder is recessed so bullets are flush just how they done it years ago. Made in 1975, pictures of the grips would help. What kind of info you looking for?

that makes sense, haha. this is my first older revolver, my first revolver was in 2009, and all have been new since then. i thought the cylinder was a little off. i was just looking for the age pretty much, still not my oldest gun, but my oldest handgun. something about it called to me. now my marlin 1894c has a proper companion. i am trying to figure out this photobucket thing and can post pictures. the grip has deep cut checkering with a deeper edging.

 

[bigvisk]

Here are some crappy cell phone pics.

 

[JP@AK]

Thanks for the pics.

First, your revolver was made in 1976, not 1975, as I mentioned in my first reply.

Second, BigGman243 is correct, the charge holes in your cylinder were counter-bored at the factory. Beginning in 1935, when the .357 Magnum was introduced, S&W started using counter-bored charge holes in all its magnum handguns. This later included the .44 Magnum and the .41 Magnum. The practice was not implemented on the L frame guns when they were introduced in 1980 and in c. 1982, the practice was discontinued on all magnum centerfire S&W revolvers. With respect to the Model 19, the 19-5 version, introduced in 1982, was the first to have flush charge holes in the cylinder.

Your revolver is wearing target style stocks made of Goncalo Alves wood. They very likely are original to this gun.

 

[bigvisk]

thank you.