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...

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.

The Illinois State Police were using the 39's back in the mid-'70's as well.

We were all jealous...

Love those 19 grips. Prettiest things I've seen today..

Sweet! Can I assume you do plan to shoot the 19? Thanks for sharing.

Jerry

They look great.

quote:

Originally posted by j38:
Sweet! Can I assume you do plan to shoot the 19? Thanks for sharing.

Jerry

Yup...planned for Monday...

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.

[Sound of the Wolf Whistle]

A 4" model 19 is, to my mind, the ultimate revolver, and one of the ultimate combat guns, period. It may be the best K frame ever.

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.

Damn, those are beautiful. Love the figuring on the 39 grips.

quote:

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."

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.

To me, the 19-3 has always been the perfect .357 revolver by which all others are judged, even the mighty Python.

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

quote:

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.

I agree that the 19 and pre lock 66 are the ultimate 357 revolvers. I had one Python. A 4 inch. I sold it years ago at a good profit.

I dont miss it. But I wish I had it today - so I could sell it and make an exhorbitant profit!!

When I sold off the herd, I kept all 3 model 19s. They are not going anywhere. Regards 18DAI

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....

Both are Beautiful