S&W Model 19 / 38 Special ?

[RJ7]

I have a Model 19-5 or 6 ,there is a spot on the number so I can't be 100 % sure which. I got it from my Dad who got it from on old LEO friend of his. I always thought 19's were 357 Magnums but on the side of the barrel it has 38 S&W Special CTG. Also the ejector shroud does not cover the ejector rod like most 19's.Was this a special LEO makeup S&W produced ? The cylinder is the same length as my 686 is it possible to change the barrel? Any info would be very helpfull.

 

[Andy Taylor]

It sounds like a M10 or M15. Does it have adjustable sights? Will it chamber a .357 round?
Pics would help.
It is not uncommon to have a mismarked gun. Of course a M15 barrel could have been installed on a M19.

 

[murphydog]

Of course a M15 barrel could have been installed on a M19.

My guess exactly, especially if the barrel is also tapered and not heavy. There were a limited number of model 19s late in the production run that were made as .38 Specials also, but these have the barrel shroud for the ejector rod.

 

[john traveler]

If your frame is indeed marked Model 19, and the cylinder accepts .357 Magnum cartridges, it was rebarreled with an M15 barrel.

M19 barrels are becoming hard to find since the S&W factory ran out several years ago.

 

[Art Doc]

A couple of possibilities.

1. The frame is incorrectly stamped and it is actually a Model 15. This happens all the time. But if the gun has a shrouded ejector rod that means it's not a 15.

2. It might actually be a Model 19 in 38 Special caliber. I vaguely recall one or more urban police agencies ordering M19s in 38 because they wanted the stronger gun with the shrouded ejector but they didn't want the power of the 357 Magnum cartridge.

Double check the model number (clean it and use a glass if needed to verify the number). If it is an original 38 caliber M19 it probably be of interest to collectors.

 

[RJ7]

Thanks for all the info , I was out of town . I had a friend check it out and he tells me I have a Model 10 , not a Model 19. So it is a 38 Special after all . The barrel has a spot where it looks like it might have been droped so I'll have my local smith check it out . Thanks again for the quick replies .