My S&W 19-3

[TomADC]

I've owned this since the mid-70's I've the second owner I didn't get the box,papers or tools I guess it wasn't that important back then. Its been shot very little and with the stock grips and most .357 it lets your hand know it, I added these to help that out. Its become my RV gun when we travel loaded with federal 38 special hydra-shoks. Been seeing a few post on Smith 19's so figured I;d share mine.
Oh the holster is there for picture its very seldom carried or in it, nice soft pistol rug.

 

[Iggy]

You won't find any better gun for what you are doing.

 

[4 Paws]

In my opinion the Model 19 was one of the all time best ever put out by Smith & Wesson. That K frame design just always seemed to balance well in the hand.

 

[Bama Drifter]

Cool Model 19

Hey Tom, thanks so much for posting! I'm smitten w/ the 19 bug and am really Jonesin' for the snubbie. Can't tell exact bbl length in your photo. Is yours 2.5" like this one? I'm hoping to find a nice one like that @ the big show in Tulsa.

 

[TomADC]

Bama yes mine is 2.5 inch, I'm pretty sure its a 1970 made gun after checking serial number. I think I bought it in 73 from a close friend.
I tried Hogue grips first after the stock factory but the open back strap beat my palm up, these seem to do much better. With the stock grips forget the .357 mags.

 

[geologist]

Lovely revolver.

 

[bikemutt]

That's a real nice one TomADC, let me know if you'd consider adopting an older gentleman so I might inherit it ps. I'm quite good at mowing lawns and pressing clothes.

 

[USSR]

Just picked up a 19-4 like yours with the 2.5" barrel. Been wanting one for years. Really, really like it, BUT, what was S&W thinking when they put a narrow, serrated trigger on it. Got a wider, smooth trigger on the way, and will have it installed along with an action job done on it.

Don

 

[gamestalker]

That's a really nice looking one.

I think the M19 / M66 is some of S&W's finest work, and that 19-3 examples that well.

GS

 

[CajunBass]

I've been a fan of the Model 19 since before I could buy one. I remember reading and studying up on everything I could find when I was first wanting a handgun, and I came to the conclusion that a 4" barrel, medium frame, 357 revolver was what I "needed" and that the Model 19 was the best option for me. A few years later, after I turned 21, a 4", Model 19 was the first handgun I ever bought. It was probably a -4, but might have been a -3...I knew nothing of such things in those days. I got bit by the IPSC bug and traded it off for a Colt GM, 45.

I've bought and sold a half dozen of them over the years. I just do that. Nothing wrong with any of them. They've all been 4", P&Red guns. No dash to -4's. I never warmed up to longer or shorter barrels for some reason. My most recent one, I did deviate and got a 66 no dash. Normally I don't care much for stainless, but this one called to me.

That's a fine looking one you've got there Tom. I don't need to tell you to enjoy it I don't guess.

 

[TomADC]

My no dash 686 has a narrow smooth trigger on it, nice for double action, if I were to change mine that's the way I'd go.
I have a 30 year old grandson that has more or less spoken spoken for it when that day comes, it's in the will.

 

[gamestalker]

BTW TomADC, I've got a pair of grips like those, and they are quite nice, and handle the magnum stuff much better than the stock S&W grips do. but if you can handle ugly on range days, try slipping a mono grip on that M19, so much more comfortable with full throttle grips.

GS

 

[steveracer]

Mine is a personal favorite. Carry it very often, shoot it very often.

 

[bannockburn]

One of nicest .357s I ever shot was a slicked up Model 19 with a 2.5" barrel. Even with some pretty hot handloads and shooting it double action only, that gun was like a laser beam on target.

 

[TomADC]

BTW TomADC, I've got a pair of grips like those, and they are quite nice, and handle the magnum stuff much better than the stock S&W grips do. but if you can handle ugly on range days, try slipping a mono grip on that M19, so much more comfortable with full throttle grips.

GS

Do those enclose the backstrap? or is it open like the stock wood grips?

 

[Zaydok Allen]

That's a beautiful 19. I need to pick one up.

 

[gamestalker]

No Tom, the back strap is open, but the grip extends a ways down past the bottom of the frame, so it makes for a good anchor point, well for me anyway, when shooting the stout loads.

Steveracer, that a really nice looking one also.

Bannockburn, I don't baby my 66's either, I use them, as in run typical pressure magnums exclusively through them. Both are snubs, and I agree with you, they are like lasers for accuracy, and that's shooting full house H110 jacketed loads. They'll shoot a ragged hole at 20 yards no problem. They're almost annoyingly accurate, in that target changes become imminently necessary after just a couple cylinders.

GS

 

[gotboostvr]

My -3 4" was my first love.
I recently picked up a 2.5" and a 6" -5's to complete my harem.