Model 19-3 manufacturing date.

[rewiltshire]

I need some help in identifying the approximate manufacturing date of a .357 Model 19-3. Serial number is 2K83XX. I can only find a 4 digit number, both on the bottom of the butt and under the yoke on the frame.

The gun is a square butt, has blue finish, and a 6” barrel. It is in good condition, has the original wood grips with diamonds and minimal wear on the medallions, target hammer and trigger with adjustable sights. It has minor wear indications on the sides of the front barrel edge. No scratches, but two small dings, one on the barrel and one on the cylinder. It also has the cylinder turn line. It doesn't have the original box or paperwork, but I got this revolver for target shooting with .38 Special / light .357 Mag loads. Being a 'K' frame I don't want to feed it heavy stuff, I have a TC Contender .357 Max for that.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[5Wire]

The wandering 'K' serial puts the gun about 1972. probably early on:

"1972 2K55997-2K99999; 3K31280-5K6616; 4K1-4K1627"

Supica, Jim; Nahas, Richard (2006-12-20). Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson 3rd (Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson) (p. 386). F+W Media, Inc.. Kindle Edition.

That's strange about the only number on the butt not being the serial number. Maybe someone on the forum can 'splain that.

 

[Engine49guy]

The SCSW is close but sometimes off a bit,
I have a Model 19-3 serial 2K11561 that shipped in July 1971 so yours probably is close to that.

Not sure if your referring to the "checkering" on your grips when you say it has diamonds ....but a 19-3 from 71 should have shipped with Non Diamond checkered GA targets.

Im guessing your early 70's 6" 19-3 has a seperate front site ramp held to the barrel with 2 set pins, If so are the set pins polished flush or slightly "Proud"?

IIRC about a short time later the ramp became integral with the barrel.

Post some pics when you get a chance.

PS any 38 load as well as the .158 grain 357 loads are fine in your 19-3 ... avoid the lighter 125 grain .357 loads in the K Magnum.