Smith & Wesson Model 19-3 Combat Magnum .357 Mag Revolver – 2.5-Inch, 1970 Production
Built in 1970, this Smith & Wesson Model 19-3 Combat Magnum pairs magnum power with K-frame carry weight in the sought-after 2.5-inch, round-butt configuration favored by plain-clothes officers of the era. The revolver features the last “pinned-and-recessed” engineering updates, a deep high-polish blue finish, and color-case-hardened controls, making it a desirable example for shooters and collectors alike.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Good – Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Good Rifling – Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: The high-polish blue displays minor scratches and isolated light pitting. The aftermarket finger-groove hardwood grips are serviceable but do not fit the frame perfectly.
What’s Included
- Smith & Wesson Model 19-3 Combat Magnum revolver
Smith & Wesson introduced the Combat Magnum in collaboration with Border Patrol legend Bill Jordan, aiming to deliver .357 Magnum performance in a lighter, faster-handling K-frame. This 19-3 represents the final iteration with both a pinned barrel and recessed chambers before the 1977 engineering change, adding collectible appeal.
The 2.5-inch barrel wears a serrated rib and a short ejector-rod shroud, giving the revolver brisk balance and quick draw characteristics. Adjustable micrometer rear and serrated ramp front sights provide a precise sight picture uncommon on snub-nose revolvers of the period.
Its high-polish blue carbon-steel frame, cylinder, and barrel contrast sharply with the wide, semi-target hammer and smooth combat-style trigger, both color-case-hardened from the factory. Action is double-action/single-action, delivering the crisp break and short reset that made pre-lock S&Ws renowned.
An aftermarket set of finger-groove hardwood grips offers enhanced control, though original stocks are not included. Mechanically, the gun retains the tight lock-up and clean bore expected from a well-kept Combat Magnum.