Smith & Wesson Model 19

Last updated
Smith & Wesson Model 19
Smith Model 19 .357 Magnum.jpg
S&W Model 19, polished nickel finish, 6" barrel
Type Revolver
Place of originUnited States
Production history
Designer Smith & Wesson
ManufacturerSmith & Wesson
Produced1957–1999
2018–present
Variants
Specifications
Cartridge .357 Magnum
.38 Special
Action Double action
Feed system6-round cylinder
SightsAdjustable

The Smith & Wesson Model 19 is a revolver produced by Smith & Wesson that was introduced in 1957 on its K-frame. The Model 19 is chambered for .357 Magnum. The K-frame is somewhat smaller and lighter than the original N-frame .357, usually known as the Smith & Wesson Model 27. A stainless steel variant of the Model 19, the Smith & Wesson Model 66, was introduced in 1971.

Contents

History

The .357 Magnum is the oldest "magnum" handgun cartridge. Smith & Wesson played a major part in the development and success of the cartridge and revolver that went with it. Firearms writer and experimenter Philip Sharpe is credited for its development during the 1930s when police agencies were asking for a more powerful round. S&W's Douglas B. Wesson agreed to produce a new revolver that would handle "high-intensity" .38 Special loads, [1] but only if Winchester would develop a new cartridge. Elmer Keith, a well known author and wildcatter at the time, was experimenting with hand loading .38 Special ammunition beyond their original specifications, taking advantage of the newer and better designed firearm frames and metallurgy, and also played a major role in the development of the .357 Magnum. Winchester introduced the .357 Magnum, which was dimensionally identical to the .38 Special except for a .125 inch longer case, and the first revolvers (referred to as ".357 Magnum Models") were completed by S&W on April 8, 1935. [2]

Retired Assistant Chief Patrol Inspector of the U.S. Border Patrol, famous gunfighter, and noted firearms and shooting skills writer Bill Jordan consulted with Smith & Wesson on the design and characteristics of the Model 19. Jordan's idea for a "peace officer's dream" [3] sidearm was a heavy-barreled four-inch K-Frame .357 Magnum with a shrouded barrel like the big N-frame .357 and adjustable sights. After a year of experimentation with improved-strength steels and special heat-treating processes, the result was the .357 Combat Magnum (later designated Model 19), with the first serial-number gun (K260,000) presented to Jordan on November 15, 1955. [2] [4]

The .357 Magnum, four-inch barreled model was standard issue to uniformed officers of the former U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service, as well as Patrol Agents of the U.S. Border Patrol, until both agencies adopted .40 caliber semi-automatic pistols. [5]

A rare S&W M19-3 was built for the French GIGN. In 1972, they ordered 500 of these revolvers that have serial numbers in the M&P range from D639300 to 639800. With only 500 guns produced, this is the rarest M19 version.[ citation needed ] This specific model 19-3 has a fixed sight and is pinned & recessed. It has a three inch barrel.

Styles

The Model 19 was produced in blued carbon steel or nickel-plated steel with wood or rubber combat grips, an adjustable rear sight, full-target or semi-target hammer, serrated wide target trigger or combat-type trigger, and was available in 2.5" (3": Model 66—rare), 4", or 6-inch barrel lengths. The weights are 30.5 ounces, 36 ounces, and 39 ounces, respectively. The 2.5- and 3-inch barrel versions had round butts, while the others had square butts. [2]

The Model 19 was produced from 1957 (first model number stampings) to November 1999. The Model 66 was produced from 1970 until 2005. The Model 66 differed by its use of stainless steel and its smooth target-type trigger. The Model 68 was a limited-production version of the Model 66 made for the California Highway Patrol and Los Angeles Police Department chambered in .38 Special with a 6" barrel. The Model 19 and the Model 66 had the same trigger options. [2] One of the last variations of the Model 19 ordered for police use was the 2.5" Model 19-5, special ordered under SKU #100701 as the standard issue sidearm for Special Agents of the US Department of State's Diplomatic Security Service. This model featured a .400" wide, smooth "combat" trigger, Pachmayr Professional Compac rubber grips, and most notably a matte black finish instead of the common high-polished blue. [2] The 2.5" barrelled Model 66 was carried by I&NS Special Agents until the mid 1990's when the agency adopted a .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol as its standard issue sidearm. [6]

Engineering changes were designated with a "dash-" number after the model number. The engineering changes are as follows: [2]

Engineering and Production Changes

4" Model 19-5, polished nickel plated with woodgrain square grips S&W Model 19-5 .357 Magnum noBG.png
4" Model 19-5, polished nickel plated with woodgrain square grips
2.5" Model 19-5 of the US Diplomatic Security Service, featuring unusual matte black finish DSS19-5.jpg
2.5" Model 19-5 of the US Diplomatic Security Service, featuring unusual matte black finish
ModelYearModifications [7]
191957Introduction.
19-11959Change extractor rod, right to left-hand thread.
19-21961Cylinder stop changed, removed trigger guard screw.
19-21963Introduce 6" barrel.
19-2196350 manufactured with 2.5" barrel, serial range K544672–K544721.
19-21966Introduce 2.5" barrel as standard.
19-31967Relocation of rear sight leaf screw.
19-31968Delete diamond-insert grip.
19-41977Change gas ring from yoke to cylinder.
19-51982Eliminate cylinder counter bore and pinned barrel; small change in cylinder length to 1.62".
19-61988New yoke retention system; radius stud package; floating hand; hammer nose bushing.
19-61992Blue finish only is cataloged.
19-71994Add Uncle Mike's Combat synthetic grips; drill and tap frame; change extractor; change rear sight leaf.
19-71995Delete square butt.
19-71996Discontinue 6" barrel production; begin shipments in blue foam-filled plastic cases.
19-71997Change to MIM thumbpiece and trigger, ship with trigger locks.
19-81998Change frame design, eliminate cylinder stop stud, serrated tangs.
19-81998Add internal lock, add MIM hammer w/ floating firing pin.
19-81999Discontinue 2.5" barrel.
19-92018Reintroduced with 4.25" barrel and Performance Center Carry Comp with 3" barrel.
19-92018Change to ejector rod and center pin lockup to yoke detent lockup. Gas ring and forcing cone rework to eliminate flat cut on forcing cone.

Model 66

A model 66-2, displayed with two speedloaders My .357 Mag S & W model 66-2 (5).jpg
A model 66-2, displayed with two speedloaders
ModelYearModifications [8]
661971Stamping of each model.
66-11977Changed the gas ring from the yoke to the cylinder.
66-21982Eliminated pinned and recessed, slightly lengthened cylinder.
66-31986New yoke retention system/radius stud package/hammer nose bushing/floating hand.
66-41994Change rear sight leaf, drill and tap frame, introduce Uncle Mike's grips, change extractor.
66-51998Change in frame design: eliminate cylinder stop stud/eliminate serrated tangs/change to MIM hammer with floating firing pin/change internal lock work.
66-62002Introduced internal lock.
66-72003Two piece barrel and internal lock.
66-72005Discontinued.
66-82014Reintroduced with 4.25" barrel; 2.75" barrel offering added in 2017.

Model 68

ModelYearModifications [9]
681977Introduction

Users

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Revolver</span> Firearm with a cylinder holding cartridges

A revolver is a repeating handgun that has at least one barrel and uses a revolving cylinder containing multiple chambers for firing. Because most revolver models hold up to six cartridges, before needing to be reloaded, revolvers are commonly called six shooters.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Smith & Wesson</span> American manufacturer of firearms and ammunition

Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. (S&W) is an American firearm manufacturer headquartered in Maryville, Tennessee, United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Smith & Wesson Model 29</span> Revolver

The Smith & Wesson Model 29 is a six-shot, double-action revolver chambered for the .44 Magnum cartridge and manufactured by the United States company Smith & Wesson.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Smith & Wesson Model 500</span> Revolver

The Smith & Wesson Model 500 is a five-shot, double/single action large-caliber revolver produced by Smith & Wesson, firing the .500 S&W Magnum cartridge.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Smith & Wesson Model 10</span> Service revolver

The Smith & Wesson Model 10, previously known as the Smith & Wesson .38 Hand Ejector Model of 1899, the Smith & Wesson Military & Police or the Smith & Wesson Victory Model, is a K-frame revolver of worldwide popularity. In production since 1899, the Model 10 is a six-shot, .38 Special, double-action revolver with fixed sights. Over its long production run it has been available with barrel lengths of 2 in (51 mm), 3 in (76 mm), 4 in (100 mm), 5 in (130 mm), and 6 in (150 mm). Barrels of 2.5 inches (64 mm) are also known to have been made for special contracts. Some 6,000,000 of the type have been produced over the years, making it the most-produced handgun of the 20th century.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Smith & Wesson Model 586</span> Revolver

The Smith & Wesson Model 586, is a six- or seven-shot double-action revolver chambered for the .357 Magnum cartridge; it will also chamber and fire .38 Special cartridges. The Model 586 has a carbon steel construction and is available in a blued or nickel finish; it is essentially the same firearm as the Model 686, which has stainless steel construction. It is also known as the Distinguished Combat Magnum.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Smith & Wesson Model 686</span> Revolver

The Smith & Wesson Model 686 is a six- or seven-shot double-action revolver manufactured by Smith & Wesson and chambered for the .357 Magnum cartridge; it will also chamber and fire .38 Special cartridges. Smith & Wesson introduced the Model 686 in 1981. It is the stainless steel version of the Model 586, which featured a blued steel finish. They are available ported and unported with a choice of 6- or 7-round cylinders.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pocket pistol</span> Term for a small, pocket-sized semi-automatic pistol

In American English, a pocket pistol is any small, pocket-sized semi-automatic pistol, and is suitable for concealed carry in a pocket or a similar small space.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Smith & Wesson Model 15</span> Revolver

The Smith & Wesson Model 15, initially the Smith & Wesson K-38 Combat Masterpiece, is a six-shot double-action revolver with adjustable open sights produced by Smith & Wesson on the medium-size "K" frame. It is chambered for the .38 Special cartridge and is fitted with a 4-inch (100 mm) barrel, though additional barrel options have been offered at various times during its production. It is essentially a shorter barrel version of the Smith & Wesson Model 14 and an adjustable-sight version of the seminal Smith & Wesson Model 10 with target shooting features.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Smith & Wesson Model 27</span> Revolver

The Smith & Wesson Model 27 is a six-shot, double-action revolver chambered for the .357 Magnum cartridge and manufactured by the United States company Smith & Wesson. It was first produced in 1935, and many versions of it are still in production today. The Model 27 was built on S&W's carbon steel, large N-frame, had adjustable sights, and was available at various times with 31⁄2", 4", 5", 6", 61⁄2", 83⁄8", 83⁄4", or 105⁄8" barrel lengths.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Smith & Wesson Model 17</span> Revolver

The Smith & Wesson Model 17 is a six-shot double-action revolver chambered for .22 LR. It is built on Smith & Wesson's medium-sized K-frame.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Snubnosed revolver</span> Type of gun

A snubnosed revolver is a small, medium, or large frame revolver with a short barrel, generally less than 4 inches in length. Smaller such revolvers are often made with "bobbed" or "shrouded" hammers and there are also "hammerless" models ; the point is to allow the gun to be drawn with little risk of it snagging on clothing. Since the external movement of the mechanism is minimal or nil, shrouded and hammerless models may be fired from within clothing. The design of these revolvers compromises range and accuracy at a distance in favor of maneuverability and ease of carry and concealment.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Smith & Wesson Model 13</span> US Revolver

The Smith & Wesson Model 13 is a .357 Magnum revolver designed for military and police use. It is based on Smith & Wesson's K-frame—specifically, it is a .357 Magnum version of the heavy-barrel variant of the .38 Special Model 10.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Smith & Wesson Model 64</span> Revolver

The Smith & Wesson Model 64Military and Police revolver is the stainless steel version of the Model 10.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Smith & Wesson Centennial</span> Revolver

S&W Centennial is a family of revolvers made by Smith & Wesson on the "J-Frame". Depending upon caliber, the cylinder holds either 5, 6, 7, or 8 cartridges. Centennials feature a fully enclosed (internal) hammer, which makes them Double Action Only (DAO) firearms. Like all other "J-frame" Smith & Wesson revolvers, they have a swing-out cylinder. Centennial models have been made in different versions like PD "Personal Defense", LS "Lady Smith", and M&P "Military & Police"

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Smith & Wesson Model 60</span> Service revolver

The Smith & Wesson Model 60 revolver is a 5-shot revolver that is chambered in either .38 Special or .357 Magnum calibers. It was the first revolver produced from stainless steel.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Smith & Wesson Model 640</span> Revolver

The Smith & Wesson Model 640 revolver is a 5-shot snubnosed revolver that is chambered in either .38 Special or .357 Magnum caliber introduced in 1989. Like other "J-frame" Smith & Wesson revolvers, it has a swing-out cylinder, but this model features a concealed hammer, and is part of the Centennial line.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Smith & Wesson Model 57</span> Revolver

The Smith & Wesson Model 57 is a large frame, double-action revolver with a six round cylinder, chambered for the .41 Magnum cartridge, and designed and manufactured by the Smith & Wesson firearms company. The gun was designed as a weapon for law enforcement agencies. However, due to size and recoil it found more favor with civilian target shooters and hunters.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Smith & Wesson Model 460</span> Revolver

Smith & Wesson Model 460 is a large bore five-shot, single-action/double-action revolver by Smith & Wesson chambered for the .460 S&W Magnum cartridge. It was designed as a hunting and dangerous game defensive revolver for use in Africa and Alaska. The revolver is built on the company's largest and strongest frame, known as the X-Frame, and represents a joint effort among Smith & Wesson, Hornady, and Cor-Bon.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Smith & Wesson Bodyguard</span> Family of small, J-frame revolvers

The Smith & Wesson Bodyguard is a family of small J-frame revolvers with shrouded hammers manufactured by Smith & Wesson. They are available chambered in either .38 Special or .357 Magnum.

References

  1. ↑ Wood, Keith (May 13, 2015). "10 Things You Didn't Know About Smith & Wesson". americanhunter.org. Retrieved September 20, 2019. Daniel Wesson's grandson, Colonel Douglas B. Wesson
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Supica, Jim; Nahas, Richard (3 January 2007). Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson. Iola, Wisconsin: F+W Media, Inc. pp. 136, 186–188. ISBN   978-0-89689-293-4.
  3. ↑ Taffin, John (2006). "The combat magnum: good gun gone". Guns Magazine. Retrieved 2009-08-02.
  4. ↑ Sweeney, Patrick (2004). The Gun Digest Book of Smith & Wesson. Iola, Wisconsin: Gun Digest Books. pp. 40–41. ISBN   0-87349-792-9.
  5. 1 2 3 Taylor, Jon Wayne (31 October 2016). "Gun Review: Smith & Wesson Model 19-3". The Truth About Guns.
  6. ↑ Wood, Keith (27 February 2019). "Smith & Wesson Model 19". Guns & Ammo.
  7. ↑ Supica, Jim; Nahas, Richard (2016). Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson (4th ed.). Iola, WI: Gun Digest. p. 219. ISBN   978-1-4402-4563-3 . Retrieved 17 February 2024.
  8. ↑ Supica, Jim; Nahas, Richard (2016). Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson (4th ed.). Iola, WI: Gun Digest. p. 270. ISBN   978-1-4402-4563-3 . Retrieved 17 February 2024.
  9. ↑ Supica, Jim; Nahas, Richard (2016). Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson (4th ed.). Iola, WI: Gun Digest. p. 272. ISBN   978-1-4402-4563-3 . Retrieved 17 February 2024.
  10. ↑ Nonte, George (1980). Combat Handguns. Stackpole Books. p. 347. ISBN   0811704092.
  11. ↑ Nonte, George (1980). Combat Handguns. Stackpole Books. p. 345. ISBN   0811704092.
  12. ↑ Nonte, George (1980). Combat Handguns. Stackpole Books. p. 340. ISBN   0811704092.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.