S&W Model 19 What do ya'll think

[jct5588]

Picked up a new to me model 19. Blued 4 inch barrel, target hammer (.500),smooth target trigger (.400). Smooth backstrap) Target grips. The left side of the barrel is stamped Smith and Wesson and below that 357 Magnum. Nothing on the right side of barrel.Is this unusual? I took the grips off. On the left side of the frame is stamped 714 near the backstrap. On the bottom is c12, 90860(this matches the number on the crane)and C25. On the right side near the bottom is circle with a W inside. The numbers 04550 and a triangle with a G inside. The serial number 65K31XX. The front sight insert seems faded. On the left side is the S&W logo. The right side has no markings. Nice deep blue, lock up is tight no movement, recoil shield is clean, and there is no flame cutting on the top strap. Going to the range today or tomorrow to check it out.

 

[ABPOS]

Lookin real good! Let us know how she shoots for you!

 

[Xfuzz]

What dash # ?
The barrel looks wrong,
No logo stamp on the right side plate.

 

[bigggbbruce]

What dash # ?

Based on ser# -4, 1980.

My question is "smooth backstrap" ?

 

[kennethg]

I think you did good. One can never go wrong with a model 19.

 

[rbmac52]

Your Model 19 looks to be a Commemorative model but without any Commemorative markings where one would normally see them.

For example, the full size S&W trademark insignia normally found on the side plate is absent and instead a smaller version is placed on the opposite side of the frame under the thumbpiece. This would allow for the commemorating agency's insignia or badge design to be placed on the side plate.

And on the right side of the barrel, where the caliber stamping is normally found, is where the name of the commemorating agency would be roll marked. Consequently, the caliber stamping has been moved to the left side of the barrel underneath the Smith & Wesson roll stamping.

Seems peculiar that an "incomplete" commemorative Model 19 would have made it out of the factory, but I am sure stranger things have happened.

Edited to add: I believe the Texas Ranger Model 19 Commemorative also had a smooth backstrap.

 

[jimbo728]

714 huh? Sgt Joe Fridays badge number.
Jim

 

[Minorcan]

Sometimes barrels from a commemorative or special run not used will be used on other guns.

 

[THE PILGRIM]

I never met a 19 that I didn't like!
So I'm not starting with one, albeit it's a little different!

 

[FifthWheel]

Looks nice, congrats!

 

[toddimusnimski]

I think rbmac52 nailed it. It makes for an interesting piece - I would definitely enjoy that one. A Roy Jinks letter might help. Very nice, unique piece!

 

[Dieseltech56]

That is a really cool gun, I love little odd stuff the factory did that differentiates guns from similar models.

 

[kevin in nh]

I have had N frames for years and the only K frames I have are K-22s until I picked up a 19-2 4" w/diamond targets...now I have to get a 2 1/2 ….they feel even better in the hand than the N frames!!!

 

[local_dirt]

Could be a commemorative a S&W employee bought before being stamped. ?
Nice looking piece. Strange about the front sight.

 

[msgt/ret]

Nice looking M-19 one of my favorite models.