I recently "rediscovered" my model 19-3. It is 1973 vintage that I bought in 1975 for $140.00.
It served as my duty gun from 1975-1977. I spent this morning installing new Wolff springs.
I had it hard chromed in the late 1980's, and put it away. I have not shot it in those 3 decades since.
I have the factory target stocks around here somewhere, but I like the feel of the Altamont coke bottle stocks I just picked up for it.
I would love a set of Keith Brown French walnut cokes, and have sent him an email requesting a quote. They would match nicely the Keith Brown grips on my nickel 39-2.
Anyway...felt like sharing. Sorry for the crappy cell phone pics...hope you enjoyed them anyway...
Posts: 6699 | Location: Dixie | Registered: February 10, 2003
Both beautiful pistols. Your cell phone images are just fine. That S&W Model 39 particularly peaked my interest.
The first agency I worked for from 1970-1976 was one of the few AZ agencies to adopt semi auto pistols (if we purchased it) that early. I retired my revolver and purchased a blued version. I got lots of cautious looks from street people as to when did we started carrying ".45s". I didn't correct them.
If people would mind their own damn business this country would be better off. I owe no one an explanation or an apology for my personal opinion.
Posts: 11205 | Location: Somewhere north of a hot humid hell in the summer | Registered: January 09, 2009
That's gorgeous. Love the stocks, and really like the stocks on the auto. I have a 4" 19-6 in nickel that I just love. Probably the perfect .38/.357 revolver.
A Ruger GP 100 is more rugged, but it isn't quite as nice, and much heavier to carry.
"I vowed to myself to fight against evil more completely and more wholeheartedly than I ever did before. . . . That’s the only way to pay back part of that vast debt, to live up to and try to fulfill that tremendous obligation."
Alfred Hornik, Sunday, December 2, 1945 to his family, on his continuing duty to others for surviving WW II.
Posts: 13013 | Location: Central Florida | Registered: November 02, 2008
"It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye". The Little Prince, Antoine de Saint-Exupery, pilot and author, lost on mission, July 1944, Med Theatre.
Posts: 6025 | Location: Central Texas | Registered: September 14, 2003
Amazing handguns. How did you recently “rediscover” the revolver?!? Did you misplace it? Regardless, hard chrome looks badass.
Older S&W semi’s are pretty underrated. I don’t own one myself but I want one. I think they are great looking pistols, probably cuz they remind me of 1911’s.
Originally posted by aparoche: Amazing handguns. How did you recently “rediscover” the revolver?!? Did you misplace it? Regardless, hard chrome looks badass.
Older S&W semi’s are pretty underrated. I don’t own one myself but I want one. I think they are great looking pistols, probably cuz they remind me of 1911’s.
Always knew where it was...just didn't bother to "take it out of storage."
Posts: 6699 | Location: Dixie | Registered: February 10, 2003
Bought a 39 as a off duty gun when I first got on the job in 76. Kept it for a while but traded it for who knows what. Our supplier in NJ was one of the largest S&W dealers in the country and gave us decent deals.
Beautiful 19-3!! Thanks for the picture. I picked up an identical looking 19-3 about 15 years ago. The seller billed it as a "nickle" finish. But it didn't look like nickle to me. And over the years has proven to be more durable than nickle and easy to clean after shooting.
The "experts" over on the s&w board all told me it was just nickle that was yellowing with age. I thought it might be mettaloy. I am glad to know it is hard chrome. Thank you! Regards 18DAI
Originally posted by Mars_Attacks: To me, the 19-3 has always been the perfect .357 revolver by which all others are judged, even the mighty Python.
People look at me as if I have a third eye when I tell them I owned and carried both the Model 19 and the Python and that IMHO I think the 19 and it's SS brother the 66 were far superior to the Python. The Python was a nice gun but I never understood all the hype. As a matter of fact, I traded that Python straight up for a 2.5 inch 19. Both of us involved in the transaction felt we got the better end of the deal.
That 39 is sweet and I'm not a big fan of the 39.
Posts: 5809 | Location: Chicago | Registered: August 18, 2010
I bought a blue 19-4 a number of years back at a gun show here in Greenville S.C. ... guy in front of me was holding it and going to by it until he told the private seller that he had come all the way down from N.C. looking for one of these.. The seller politely reached out and took the gun from him... I was next in line. The ultimate in 357 mags....
seen today..
