My first P&R - a 19-3

[jschenck]

Picked up my first used gun ever - a 4" 19-3

I'm so excited to own this wheel gun - it sits next to my 4" 686+

Looking up the serial number, K850... it's 1969 model. I was born in '68, too bad this wasn't just slightly older!

It shows holder wear on the nose and one side of the extractor rod. Extractor operates smoothly. Ran over a hundred rounds through it as soon as I bought it including some of my magnum loads (158 gr hp's on top of 16 gr of H110). Lock up is reasonably tight, timing seems to be right on, crane as no slop. I'm not a really good judge of used equipment but this one seems nice and serviceable.

The bluing on these are just incredible. I almost bout a 586 instead of the 686 just because I wanted a blue'd revolver but I'm so glad I got the 686 (Davidson's exclusive with a performance buff on the trigger).

I'll add better pictures once I give a good cleaning

$600 + tax - not too bad for my local gun shop (I think) but I didn't research the typical pricing for these 19-3's. Came with the box and some papers. Box has a small tear in it and the label matching the original serial number. One strange thing to note, the sticker is upsidedown on the end of the box.

 

[Dkrueger17]

That is a fine looking 19 you have. I must agree that the bluing is so deep and outstanding on the earlier Smith's...just gorgeous! The price you paid is pretty much where I'd expect it to be. It is a very early -3, as I have a 19-2 from '68 with serial # K783***. I like the solid white boarder on the box lid as well, I'd believe that's correct. The box label is correct, the reasoning for that is when the boxes were sitting on shelves in stores, the folks would set the box itself inside of the lid. This would have the label showing right side up, so employees could read them correctly.

Shooting 158 gr. rounds is ideal for the K-frame .357's. Lighter/hotter loads erode and destroy forcing cones, causing them to crack at the 6'oclock position after time. Enjoy that great shooter 19! Here is my 19-2 from '68.

 

[Jackcpat]

M-19

Very nice looking Model -19, it's getting harder to find them with the box. The 4 inch is by far my favorite.

 

[Birdgun]

Nice! What's not to love about the finest revolver ever produced by S&W...or any other manufacturer for that matter!

In early 2017, I paid $625 for my 19-3 without box. I shoot my Model 19-3 better than any handgun I've ever shot &, not surprisingly, it's the one I enjoy shooting the most. If, God forbid, I had to defend myself or a loved one with a handgun, I'd want my Combat Magnum in my hands.

S&W Model 19-3 "Combat Magnum" in 357 Magnum

Thanks for looking at my Combat Magnum.

God bless,
Birdgun

 

[Dolfenn24]

Well since we are doing "Show and tell" with our Model 19-3s...I figure I might as well jump in on the action. And to the OP, Congratulations on your new Wheel gun... she's a beauty and I have no doubt that you will absolutely love it.

 

[colt_saa]

Congratulations on the new addition

I LOVE H110 out of a Model 19. Everyone wonders what you are shooting.

I own several model 19s, but only one that falls into the -3 engineering revision

This is a Deluxe Texas Ranger Commemerative

The Model 19 that I shoot the most is my late stepfather's snubby

 

[colt_saa]

One strange thing to note, the sticker is upsidedown on the end of the box.

They are all this way.

As the firearms went through the factory getting assembled, blued, tested, etc, they sat in the box bottom which sits in the upside-down box top. Therefore the box is always open

So the label is actually right side up

 

[jschenck]

Here are some more pictures. It's not a super clean example. I've noticed some chipping of the edges on the cylinder and a couple of spots on the bluing. But it does seem to be a good serviceable one. I do have a question about the hammer but will create a separate post here for the question.

Interesting to note how much less metal there is in the barrel than my 686. I haven't weighed them yet but the 686 feels heavier.

Also worth noting - the grip halves are different color along the back. They match pretty close in front. The bottom are not too far off but strange how far off color they are along the back strap.

 

[D Brown]

Model 19-3's

Out of the four Model 19's that I currently own, two are 19-3's. A Blue 2 1/2" one from 1970, and a Nickel 4" from 1973.

Blue 2 1/2" Model 19-3 with original stocks.

Blue Model 19-3 2 1/2" with K-Round Target Stocks - This is how I prefer to carry and shoot this gun.

Nickel Model 19-3, 4", 3-T's.

 

[Willeys]

My model 19 was my first S&W. It is such a sweet handling gun, I decided to collect only S&W. Enjoy yours.

 

[jschenck]

Dave - That nickel 19-3 is very nice looking. Did you replace the front sight with a newer style sight with the orange insert?

What does "3-T" reference?

Man you guys have some nice S&W's

Next on my wish list is a 44 - perhaps a nice model 27 of similar vintage. First I have to let her be ok with this purchase and the Vortex PST model 5255 glass I bought for my 308

 

[D Brown]

Dave - That nickel 19-3 is very nice looking. Did you replace the front sight with a newer style sight with the orange insert?

What does "3-T" reference?

Man you guys have some nice S&W's

Next on my wish list is a 44 - perhaps a nice model 27 of similar vintage. First I have to let her be ok with this purchase and the Vortex PST model 5255 glass I bought for my 308

I bought this gun used, without the box, just as you see it in the photos. I can only assume that it came from the factory with the red ramp front sight. It sure looks like a factory sight installation to me. The three "T's" refer to the Target Hammer, Target Trigger, and Target Stocks. I also assume these are factory items. The only way I'll ever know for sure is to letter the gun, and it's not a real high priority right now. I have about $650 in the gun as it sits right now.

 

[Tom Kent]

That is a nice 19-3 you have. The longer you have it the more you will come to like it. Those 19s do have a beautiful blue finish. I too, have (had) a 19-3 I just gave to my SIL for a "bbq" gun. I had no experience with Renaissance Wax but I got some and used a small amount on this model 19-3 and the results were spectacular to say the least. Try some on yours. The marks and wear on your 19 show that it was a working gun as they were designed to be. Marks of honor.

 

[Engine49guy]

JSchenck that is a nice package and a bargain with the box and oem stocks.

Your serial is low enough that your 19-3 will have several features only found on Combat Magnums up until the very early 19-3's .

The front site ramp on your gun should be the older style separate piece that is cross pinned to the barrel (pictured below) The ramp became integral with barrel by late 1969 to early 1970 IIRC.


Be warned these become addictive and suddenly you will find yourself wanting more

 

[JP@AK]

Some 19-3 Combat Magnums did ship with the red ramp front sight. Here is a 4" nickel example that did. It shipped in 1977. The Magna stocks on it are not original.