S&W 19-3

Classic12 · June 20, 2022, 05:34 AM

Who can resist a P&R 4” model 19-3 made in 1971 for $ 675 ? I certainly can’t

It’ll pair nicely with my 1972 model 66

rodfac · June 20, 2022, 10:18 AM

I've followed your posts for a cpl years now Classic and must say that you've collected some of the most interesting guns we've seen here on TFL. These two are no exception...and I'll admit I've got a pair in very similar condition which see regular carry use here on our KY farm. Thanks for posting, Rod

ballardw · June 20, 2022, 11:00 AM

First time I think I've gotten a better deal than you show. 2 Mod 19-3 for $700 though it was 10 years ago... Both had replacement grips though.

Classic12 · June 20, 2022, 02:13 PM

I had to take pics paired with my recently acquired model 57

Polinese · June 20, 2022, 03:34 PM

That is gorgeous! I need to get one of those someday

Electrod47 · June 20, 2022, 03:46 PM

Hey, Draw back that hammer and show off what a real firing pin looks like!
Beautiful.

imp · June 20, 2022, 06:48 PM

Congratulations. I may hate you for buying my dream gun, but it is beautiful and I'm sure it bring you happiness.

McShooty · June 21, 2022, 06:43 PM

Very good price on an outstanding revolver. Good for you! The 19 is easier to handle than an N-frame. I understand it was Border Patrol hero Bill Jordan's favorite LEO side arm. In fact, he helped S&W decide to produce it. I use mine to hold the fort at home and in the car.

Nathan · June 24, 2022, 01:53 PM

An excellent family!

GeauxTide · June 24, 2022, 04:05 PM

Have owned Smith 41 mags since the 70's. Still have a 657 and added a Bisley 41. I had a 19-2 and a 66 and they didn't like hot loads, particularly the Federal 357B, so I got a 28.

Dobe · June 25, 2022, 10:26 AM

The model 19-3 has been a long time favorite of mine for years. I have several in 4" blued, and 1 in 6" nickel. I also have a couple of 66s. Since the K frames are such a smaller frame, they can be a little harsh on the hands with full power .357s.

V35 · December 22, 2022, 06:33 PM

I realize I am resurrecting an old thread, but I recently acquired a very similar circa 1970 model 19-3. Square butt. It's in beautiful condition, but the original grips are long gone.

There are an abundance of aftermarket grips, but I would like to obtain grips that most closely resemble the ones in Classic12's pictures. That would restore this old classic to its original beauty.

Any idea where I might find them?

RoyceP · December 24, 2022, 02:20 PM

You should be able to find those on eBay. Watch every day and pounce when the right ones come along.

105kw · December 24, 2022, 03:31 PM

You might look at Gunbroker, under Pistol parts. Some are really high, but a set of reasonably priced target grips might be found.

V35 · January 8, 2023, 06:17 PM

Thank you. It looks like these can be ordered directly from S&W, but you have to call them???

https://store.smith-wesson.com/kl-sq...164000000.html

I see similar if not identical "factory new" grips from some aftermarket sellers but I just wonder if they are the same quality.

Amazon has these but I don't know if they're authentic enough: B0B4PCC5XC.

Anyway I'll keep looking. Thanks!

RoyceP · January 8, 2023, 06:35 PM

Seems pretty easy calling an 800 number. Why not?

JustJake · January 11, 2023, 09:07 AM

Very nice M19s! And neither is marred by the dreaded Hillary Hole.

V35 · January 13, 2023, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RoyceP

Seems pretty easy calling an 800 number. Why not?

Mon-Fri 8:00AM-5:00PM Eastern Time

Nature and hours of my deployment make that impracticable. Nevertheless I managed to make contact with them today. They are out of stock. Call back in a week

**Mike Irwin** · January 15, 2023, 12:04 PM

Yeah, I'm not going to read your posts anymore.

They just piss me off.

Mannlicher · January 17, 2023, 02:26 PM

I have one very much like that the OP posted. My pal carried it 25 years on the local police department, and left it to me when he passed.

PzGren · February 1, 2023, 08:25 AM

S&W 19s are neat. I have mine for a while now and paid $200 to $250 for them and inherited the Raymond Sassia revolver, a rare 3" version of the 19 with fixed sights.

Drm50 · February 3, 2023, 11:46 AM

19-3 is last of the good ones. The 4” & 6” were easiest to come by. The 6” was the bargain for several years. Every one wanted 4” or Snubby and the shorter the barrel the more the bucks, true on N frames too.
Just remember the m19 is a trade off. To make a gun that gave magnum carry to cops, they had to reduce package for weight. The 4” m19 is the best police revolver ever made. Their only drawback is durability with extensive shooting of magnum loads. You can shoot forever with 38sp ammo.

PzGren · February 3, 2023, 12:34 PM

Quote:

...The 4” m19 is the best police revolver ever made. Their only drawback is durability with extensive shooting of magnum loads. You can shoot forever with 38sp ammo.

Many people that have the privilege to own a Manurhin MR73 will not agree. The MR73 Gendarme is not heavier, nor bigger but considerably more solid.

The S&W 19-3 RS I have posted above was ordered by Raymond Sassia for the GIGN and when he was not happy with the long term performance, his requirements inspired Manurhin to incorporate the best features from many other manufacturers and improved on others. I do not have a 4" version anymore but a five inch Mulhouse gun and the difference in quality to the S&W 19 series is obvious.

RoyceP · February 3, 2023, 07:28 PM

LOL the Manuhin revolver is super expensive and not made in the USA, so it won't be in a lot of folk's (certainly not mine) safes here. For what that would cost you can likely own a half dozen Colt and S&W revolvers.

PzGren · February 4, 2023, 08:10 AM

"LOL the Manuhin revolver is super expensive and not made in the USA, so it won't be in a lot of folk's (certainly not mine) safes here. For what that would cost you can likely own a half dozen Colt and S&W revolvers."

I think that price has nothing to do with an absolute statement to call the S&W M19 the best police revolver ever made. The best is ... the best no matter where it is made and quality has its price.

It is not that I can own four or five S&W or Colt revolvers for the price of one Manurhin MR73, I own much more than that already, but since I had bought my first Korth the S&Ws have been mostly in the safes and the Python has been gifted to one of my sons. The remaining Python does not compare in quality and trigger characteristics to a post 1969 Korth or MR73, where the D/A trigger is on a roller bearing.

The only S&W that is special to me is an old 29-2.

Just like the OP, I cash in on a good education and we allow ourselves a few luxuries to make life more pleasant.

June 20, 2022, 05:34 AM	#1
Classic12 Senior Member Join Date: March 12, 2020 Posts: 696	S&W 19-3 Who can resist a P&R 4” model 19-3 made in 1971 for $ 675 ? I certainly can’t It’ll pair nicely with my 1972 model 66

June 20, 2022, 10:18 AM	#2
rodfac Senior Member Join Date: January 22, 2005 Location: Kentucky Posts: 3,625	I've followed your posts for a cpl years now Classic and must say that you've collected some of the most interesting guns we've seen here on TFL. These two are no exception...and I'll admit I've got a pair in very similar condition which see regular carry use here on our KY farm. Thanks for posting, Rod __________________ Cherish our flag, honor it, defend it in word and deed, or get the hell out. Our Bill of Rights has been paid for by heros in uniform and shall not be diluted by misguided governmental social experiments. We owe this to our children, anything less is cowardice. USAF FAC, 5th Spl Forces, Vietnam Vet '69-'73.

June 20, 2022, 11:00 AM	#3
ballardw Senior Member Join Date: September 19, 2008 Posts: 1,415	First time I think I've gotten a better deal than you show. 2 Mod 19-3 for $700 though it was 10 years ago... Both had replacement grips though. __________________ -+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+ All data is flawed, some just less so.

June 24, 2022, 04:05 PM	#10
GeauxTide Senior Member Join Date: April 20, 2009 Location: Helena, AL Posts: 4,426	Have owned Smith 41 mags since the 70's. Still have a 657 and added a Bisley 41. I had a 19-2 and a 66 and they didn't like hot loads, particularly the Federal 357B, so I got a 28. __________________ Reloading For: 223R, 243W, 6.5 GR, 6.5 CM, 260R, 6.5-06, 280R, 7mmRM, 300HAM'R, 308W, 30-06, 338-06, 9mm, 357M, 41M, 44SPL, 44M, 45 ACP, 45 Colt, 450BM.

June 25, 2022, 10:26 AM	#11
Dobe Senior Member Join Date: June 28, 2004 Posts: 1,348	The model 19-3 has been a long time favorite of mine for years. I have several in 4" blued, and 1 in 6" nickel. I also have a couple of 66s. Since the K frames are such a smaller frame, they can be a little harsh on the hands with full power .357s. __________________ What America needs is not a good 5 cent cigar. What America needs is a good source of cheap ammunition.

June 20, 2022, 02:13 PM	#4
Classic12 Senior Member Join Date: March 12, 2020 Posts: 696	I had to take pics paired with my recently acquired model 57

June 20, 2022, 03:34 PM	#5
Polinese Senior Member Join Date: September 27, 2010 Posts: 950	That is gorgeous! I need to get one of those someday

June 20, 2022, 03:46 PM	#6
Electrod47 Member Join Date: April 27, 2021 Location: SE Mississippi Posts: 94	Hey, Draw back that hammer and show off what a real firing pin looks like! Beautiful.

June 20, 2022, 06:48 PM	#7
imp Senior Member Join Date: November 11, 2006 Posts: 626	Congratulations. I may hate you for buying my dream gun, but it is beautiful and I'm sure it bring you happiness.

June 21, 2022, 06:43 PM	#8
McShooty Senior Member Join Date: January 4, 2012 Location: Northern Missouri Posts: 480	Very good price on an outstanding revolver. Good for you! The 19 is easier to handle than an N-frame. I understand it was Border Patrol hero Bill Jordan's favorite LEO side arm. In fact, he helped S&W decide to produce it. I use mine to hold the fort at home and in the car.

June 24, 2022, 01:53 PM	#9
Nathan Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2001 Posts: 6,349	An excellent family!

December 22, 2022, 06:33 PM	#12
V35 Member Join Date: September 6, 2007 Location: Southeast Pennsylvania Posts: 16	I realize I am resurrecting an old thread, but I recently acquired a very similar circa 1970 model 19-3. Square butt. It's in beautiful condition, but the original grips are long gone. There are an abundance of aftermarket grips, but I would like to obtain grips that most closely resemble the ones in Classic12's pictures. That would restore this old classic to its original beauty. Any idea where I might find them?

December 24, 2022, 02:20 PM	#13
RoyceP Senior Member Join Date: February 4, 2020 Location: Tulsa, OK Posts: 234	You should be able to find those on eBay. Watch every day and pounce when the right ones come along.

December 24, 2022, 03:31 PM	#14
105kw Senior Member Join Date: June 30, 2017 Location: Columbia Basin Washington Posts: 419	You might look at Gunbroker, under Pistol parts. Some are really high, but a set of reasonably priced target grips might be found.

January 8, 2023, 06:17 PM	#15
V35 Member Join Date: September 6, 2007 Location: Southeast Pennsylvania Posts: 16	Thank you. It looks like these can be ordered directly from S&W, but you have to call them??? https://store.smith-wesson.com/kl-sq...164000000.html I see similar if not identical "factory new" grips from some aftermarket sellers but I just wonder if they are the same quality. Amazon has these but I don't know if they're authentic enough: B0B4PCC5XC. Anyway I'll keep looking. Thanks!

January 8, 2023, 06:35 PM	#16
RoyceP Senior Member Join Date: February 4, 2020 Location: Tulsa, OK Posts: 234	Seems pretty easy calling an 800 number. Why not?

January 11, 2023, 09:07 AM	#17
JustJake Senior Member Join Date: August 12, 2020 Posts: 499	Very nice M19s! And neither is marred by the dreaded Hillary Hole. __________________ I use the Jake Brake every chance I get. Don't care if it annoys you. Hear me now?!

January 15, 2023, 12:04 PM	#19
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,404	Yeah, I'm not going to read your posts anymore. They just piss me off. __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.

January 17, 2023, 02:26 PM	#20
Mannlicher Senior Member Join Date: July 8, 2001 Location: North Central Florida & Miami Posts: 3,210	I have one very much like that the OP posted. My pal carried it 25 years on the local police department, and left it to me when he passed. __________________ Nemo Me Impune Lacesset "The trouble with our liberal friends is not that they're ignorant; it's just that they know so much that isn't so.".........Ronald Reagan

February 1, 2023, 08:25 AM	#21
PzGren Senior Member Join Date: August 14, 2001 Posts: 1,263	S&W 19s are neat. I have mine for a while now and paid $200 to $250 for them and inherited the Raymond Sassia revolver, a rare 3" version of the 19 with fixed sights.

February 3, 2023, 11:46 AM	#22
Drm50 Senior Member Join Date: November 10, 2014 Posts: 1,382	19-3 is last of the good ones. The 4” & 6” were easiest to come by. The 6” was the bargain for several years. Every one wanted 4” or Snubby and the shorter the barrel the more the bucks, true on N frames too. Just remember the m19 is a trade off. To make a gun that gave magnum carry to cops, they had to reduce package for weight. The 4” m19 is the best police revolver ever made. Their only drawback is durability with extensive shooting of magnum loads. You can shoot forever with 38sp ammo.

February 3, 2023, 07:28 PM	#24
RoyceP Senior Member Join Date: February 4, 2020 Location: Tulsa, OK Posts: 234	LOL the Manuhin revolver is super expensive and not made in the USA, so it won't be in a lot of folk's (certainly not mine) safes here. For what that would cost you can likely own a half dozen Colt and S&W revolvers.

February 4, 2023, 08:10 AM	#25
PzGren Senior Member Join Date: August 14, 2001 Posts: 1,263	"LOL the Manuhin revolver is super expensive and not made in the USA, so it won't be in a lot of folk's (certainly not mine) safes here. For what that would cost you can likely own a half dozen Colt and S&W revolvers." I think that price has nothing to do with an absolute statement to call the S&W M19 the best police revolver ever made. The best is ... the best no matter where it is made and quality has its price. It is not that I can own four or five S&W or Colt revolvers for the price of one Manurhin MR73, I own much more than that already, but since I had bought my first Korth the S&Ws have been mostly in the safes and the Python has been gifted to one of my sons. The remaining Python does not compare in quality and trigger characteristics to a post 1969 Korth or MR73, where the D/A trigger is on a roller bearing. The only S&W that is special to me is an old 29-2. Just like the OP, I cash in on a good education and we allow ourselves a few luxuries to make life more pleasant.