Bought a used and dry fired too much 19-3 6 inch from a local gunshop in '73, Living in Springfield back then,, and called S&W to see if I could get it some tender loving care...Secretary I talked to said to bring the gun over. I stop at the main gate..guard comes out, says "what's up?".I hold the gun up and say "gun needs to be looked at". He says "wait here, I'm gonna call up to the plant"....Comes out and say's "drive up and go thru the main doors,,one of the guy's will look at the gun"...walked right in carrying the gun in my hand..there's one of the repair guys..Takes the gun out back...straightens the ejector rod, installs a new firing pin bushing. checks the overall function and cylinder..comes back out...hands me the gun...say's "all set, no charge"...that gun hasn't missed a beat since then...favorite food is .38 specials..
Imagine doing that today. Not only would you not make it to the front door, SWAT would of been called the second you took the gun out and carried it openly.
Wow awsum customer service! I got a model 19 in the late 80 s.i needed 200 bucks and asked my mom to hold it and told her I'd pay her. Back and I wanted gun back.she won't give it back lol.anyways she said when she dies I get in in the will.i have a 3 screw Ruger single six and wanted a .22 long rifle cylinder .Ruger wants to update the safety bar thing so it's safe to carry.i was gonna send it to them.ups makes it to much of a pain to send guns.i look on eBay and there kinda expensive! 80 to 150. I was told by Ruger not to buy a cylinder it mite not match up?if it's old style I can't see why I would matter?anyways anyone know where to get cylinders?.22 mag isn't my favorite I wanna shoot cheap and it's a beautiful gun.
As a new cop in 1988, I was issued a Model 19 .357. The gun had been used by an officer who retired. I went through the academy and the first year of my career carrying that beautiful handgun. At the time, most of the new cops in the academy were carrying revolvers. That changed shortly afterward. I always shot it really well, and wished it held 15 bullets like the semi autos we moved to. Thanks for the video.
I have a 19-4 and it has recessed cylinder but no pin. No red paint on front sight either. It’s in nickel so it has a bit more bling. A few years ago I was at a small county owned range and the range master was a retired police firearms instructor from the late 70’s. He watched me from afar for a while and then asked for he could take a close look at the magnum, I of course said yes to learn from him. After 20 minutes of amazing stories he asked if he could see how the sights are aligned. I slipped him some of the hottest magnums I had, and at 20 yards he perfectly cut the red out of the center bullseye with the first shot. He said that’s a good one and handed it back - I think he smiled a bit at my amazement.
The 19-3 was my personally owned duty weapon from 1971 and for decades thereafter. It worked for a living so there is less blue now than there was then. It never failed and never asked for more than cleaning and a touch of oil. By the time I retired it was in honored retirement and used only for the sheer joy of shooting it. One of the few guns that will be part of my estate. Thank you for reminding me of the pleasure that pistol has brought to its owners.
@@christopherjones5561 Thank you, he has been most generous to me. When I consider how badly so many incidents could have turned out it was clearly his grace that got me safely to retirement.
l purchased my Smith and Wesson model 19-2 last year from an old timer who was the original owner. It’s in absolutely mint condition. The bluing is fabulous, unlike anything I’ve ever seen! The owner (in his eighties) said he purchased it new back in the early 1960’s and has been storing it in his safe ever since. This revolver has been sitting in his safe for over 60 years. The owner told me that he always kept it clean and polished. He said that he never really shot it much and only put around 100 rounds through it! I have to tell you that even though l have several other fine handguns this model 19-2 is without a doubt my very favorite!! Oh l almost forgot to mention, l purchased this beauty for only $500!!
I have a 6” Model 19-3 with a pinned barrel, recessed cylinder and squared off front sight that I bought new to compete with in Police competitions back in the early 1970s. It has had over 125,000 rounds fired through it, at 100,000 I sent it back to S&W to have it safety checked for any metal and spring fatigue. It passed with flying colors! I still shoot it weekly but can’t seem to find any revolver competitions as everyone only want semi autos now! I love every time you bring out these old smiths most people today have no idea what they are missing!
I have a model 19-3 (1975) with the 4" barrel. Half of the enjoyment is just looking at it. People who look at it always comment on the cool looks. It shoots well and is accurate. I doubt that I will ever sell it.
I have a S&W model 19, pinned barrel (6") and recessed cylinder that was a birthday gift from my best friend in 1970. Enjoyed your video. Brought back the same nostalgic feelings...very good ones.
My 19-3 is a 6" version with the patridge front sight. It is a very smooth shooter and has the best finish of any of my other Smiths. My awesome Dad purchased mine for me when I was in high school in the mid-70s with money I earned working on the weekends and after school. It has no nicks or scratches in the metal or wood, she's a beaut!
That was my very first gun... S&W Combat 19 in 2.5" barrel and it has sort of an interesting story behind it. It was early April, 1973 and I went into a local store and saw this pistol and immediately knew I had to have it. So the clerk asks me for my driver's license and immediately says "I'm sorry, but I cannot sell you this gun." I'm stunned at first and then ask him why not. He says "You must be 21 years of age to purchase a handgun." Now I'm stunned even more. I explained that just a month ago I received an honorable discharge from the US Army. In fact, I had just returned home from my third and final tour of duty in Vietnam (with a small side trip to Cambodia). I even showed him a copy of my DD-214. "Sorry" he said, "can't do it". He then asked when will I turn 21, I told him six more weeks. I then convinced him to take $20 to hold it for me till then. He did, and the following month I returned and purchased that gun for $125.00. Still have it today and wouldn't trade it for the world. Funny, you can carry a gun every day for three years, serve three combat tours for your country but yet in the eyes of that same government, your too young and irresponsible to be trusted with a firearm. Go figure.
When I turned 21 in 1980 I bought a 2.5" Model 19 brand new at a local gun shop. If memory serves correctly with tax and everything I paid something like $250 with tax and everything. A couple of years later I bought a Mod 19 in 4"! Later I had a tough financial time and had to sell them. Recently however I have found really nice replacements for them!
When my dad passed away I was given his 19-4, favorite gun in the collection. I grew up learning to shoot with that gun and taught my wife to shoot with it also. So many memories in that piece of steel. I believe the 19-4 was the last model that was pinned and recessed.
I’m from Thailand and i just got this 19-3 for 1200 usd from old man (88 years old) week ago ,he bought it and kept it in his house which haven’t shoot it before I’m feel so lucky that i got this model from 1972 with angels condition ❤❤❤ 🍀.
Such a great video, in 2000 I aquired a 19-3 from a retired az dps officer, his daily carry. Pinned, recessed, target trigger, target hammer, red bead front sight and white outline rear sight, walnut grips. I know... it sounds like a dream but here it is in my hand! What a shooter !!!
What a beautiful revolver. I bought a 19-3 with the four inch barrel for my wife. She loves it. I love the fact that I get to take two beauties to the range....
Model 19-3 my first big bore also. Bought it used in 1975 from an Oakland California motorcycle cop who thought he needed a bigger gun. He had a trigger job done on it and it's scary smooth. I still have it cause its my favorite.
I have a 19-3 made in 1971. Had a trigger job done on it and it’s slicker then a python. Good friend gave it to me. He said it was the first gun he bought coming out of the Navy. Absolute classic.
The 19 and 66 were iconic guns during my youth in the '80s. I even had a shop teacher in jr. high/middle school who carried a 2.5" 66 in his vehicle. He took a couple of us kids who were into guns out to his car one day after school, unloaded the gun, and let us handle it (totally different world back then). Good memories.
Yep, that's the world I grew up in. I'm so sorry that young people have to grow up in such a silly, fake world these days when it comes to such things.
I just bought a 19-3 nickel plate in excellent condition with the original box and owners manual and I am tickled pink to now be the owner of such a fine well made and beautiful classic revolver! It even has a receipt that it was originally purchased in 1976 in Pennsylvania.
My favorite Smith & Wesson. I have four. Snub 19-3, 4" Blue 4" Nickle 19-3 & 6" Blue 3Ts. They are iconic. That's the gun that started me collecting S&W revolvers. One beautiful gun.
Hickok I have a 19-3 made in 1975 it has a 4" barrel and has the white outline rear site & red ramp front! My Mod 19-5 with 2.5" barrel made in 1985 also has the white outline rear site & red ramp front! I had to search quite a bit to find these two revolvers with the white outline rear & red ramp front site. When I was looking on Gunbroker I could find all the 19's I wanted without the white outline & red ramp but I kept looking until I found both of them with the white outline & red ramp! I always enjoy watching your videos thank you Sir!
I can truly appreciate the value and enjoyment of shooting a .357 revolver with wood grips. My model 586-8 L Frame has actually become my primary concealed carry gun. I find it is quite comfortable to carry around in an IWB holster despite the large cylinder width and the weight.
My wife has a 19-4 that I bought her for Christmas a few years ago. She shoots it quite well and keeps it bedside. I grinned big time when you mentioned the early seventies as you and I are very close to the same age. Old school cool. B-)
I like nothing better on a Friday morning than a hot cup of coffee and watching a Hickok vid. Even better that it's a. 357 S&W. Hand looking good. Thanks Hickok.
I'M proud owner of the exat gun here in South Africa. Western part near the coast. What a great gun! Strong build and what a straight shooter! Thanks for the great vidio's, whatch them all!
Yes the old town dump. Great place to shoot in the "old days". I also learned to wear ear plugs after placing 3 fast shots of "magnum" loads into an old refrigerator with my first centerfire pistol, a 1973 vintage model 19-3 4 inch.
I always enjoy watching these videos. I own a model 19-6 with a 6 inch barell that is my favorite of my many handguns, or maybe a close second to my Colt SAA.
My first carry gun was a Model 19-4, right between the two models that you have shared with us. It's the one gun that I haven't traded off...and won't. The only difference that I see is that the cylinders are not recessed. The front sight is orange. The barrel is still pinned, though as it should be. No MIM. I did adjust the mainspring to lighten the trigger pull and have never had a light primer strike, so I suppose that I stumbled into the sweet spot since it was my first. Accidentally, I made it into the slickest double action that I've ever owned. By today's standards, it was a little big for concealed carry but it worked for me. I don't carry it these days and the bluing is still excellent. I had no problem with the forcing cone and I never shoot 125 grain magnums in it. We practiced with .38's and carried .357's. Like Clint Smith, I don't need a "bucket of bullets" when I have a .357 so I frequently carry a revolver and I love to take them to the range. Now, which grandson will inherit it this beautiful piece? Hickok sometimes brings out my nostalgia.
I inherited my fathers S&W 686-2. The 6 inch barrel variant. It’s an absolute pleasure to shoot. Great video as always. You can tell by watching, Hickok is totally in his element when it comes to S&W revolvers
Hi Hickok! Just bought a 29-2 just like your old one! When I saw it, I could not believe it...it was practically UNSHOT, except from the factory! Bought it without hazitation and put in the save right next to my 19-2! Love those oldschool revolvers! Finally I can sell my new classic model 29. Greetings from Switzerland!
This was the first revolver and one of the first handguns I ever bought, and I instantly fell in love. Mine's a 19-4, made in '77, and it was an absolute steal at just over 600 bucks. I need to learn how to reload, the one thing I don't like is that good .357 ammo isn't as cheap as I'd like it to be. Great video, Hickok.
Just picked up a Model 19-3 from the seventies. Great gun, a lot fun to shoot and accurate. Traded a p365 for it. Shoots a lot better than the SIG! Thanks Hickok45 it's all because of you.
Very nice video. I too have a model 19. It’s a 19-2 4 inch made in 1966 with a round butt and factory round butt grips. What I have been told ( by the original owner) is that the 19-2 with a round butt was ordered and used by the Navy Seals for use in Vietnam. She is still true and blue with occasional use as a carry pistol for woods walks.
H45 you were secretly a top agent for the navy seals weren't ya? Your aim is impeccable even with high recoil weapons and you know more than the god damn ATF! Ya legend you!.
Like you, I love those old revolvers. I used to work in a gun shop and we sold a lot of them. I've shot the S&W and they are great, but I guess I was a Colt snob. I fell in love with Colts and went that way.
Just went to my safe to caress my 19-3. Still LNIB. I purchased it new in april of 1972. Best trigger of any revolver....double action and especially single action. Single action is better than most 1911's.
First gun I purchased was a model 19-2 in a 6" barrel. Beautiful recessed cylinder and pinned barrel. Guns are truly not made that way these days. A true pleasure to shoot
My first gun purchase was a model 19, with a 6 inch barrel, in 1982 for $250. I was about 16 or 17. I sold it to my Dad, but got it back just before he passed away 5 years ago. It shows a slight drag mark on the cylinder but otherwise still looks like new.
The red ramp was an option that could be ordered on the Combat Magnum. It was not common on the early 19's, my 19-4 has one, but usually you start to see it more on the 19-4/19-5 onward. It could be that because of the RR/WO becoming standard on a Model 66 around 1974 that they show up more on M19s in the 19-4 and 19-5 range but up until they were discontinued in 1999, the standard Model 19 came with a blued front sight.
Mine has a green one on the front. The serial is k264xxx. Checking online I estimate it to be from the 50s. Any truth to that? Have you ever heard them come with a green colored ramp?
I have no interest in revolvers. None. But for some reason, when it’s Hickok, I click and I watch all the way through. I could listen to him talk about anything.🤷♂️
The first gun I bought for my self was a nickel plated Model 19 in 1974. I bought it through the USAF Academy Cadet Store and carried it as a USAF Rescue Pilot. It was certainly good out to 100 yards.
I just recently inherited my grandfather's 19-2 and even though it is very worn and well used I love shooting it. It is my first revolver and the first bigger bore I've shot in a revolver and I love it. The single action trigger pull feels amazing and it's still pretty accurate. I got the gun, his service belt, holster and handcuffs. I'm interested to see if I can narrow down when it was made. I know it is atleast from the early 80s because he was never a policeman while I've been alive and I was born in the late 80s
sinappanis , your model 19-2 is quite a bit older then the 1980's. I have the "bible" on anything Smith and Wesson. " The Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson " 4th edition, by Jim Supica and Richard Nahas puts your model 19-2 somewhere in the range of 1961 to 1967 . If it has a 6" barrel that narrows it down from 1963 to 1967 because 1963 was the first year of introduction for 6" barrels on the 19-2. If you care to share the serial number I can narrow it down to the actual year. It should start with a K followed by six numbers. All I would need is the K and the first three digits, not necessary to have the last three if you dont want to share that info Hope I helped enlighten you on the vintage of that fine firearm. Myself , I have a model 19-3 and a 66-1, both pinned and recessed. Same revolver, one blued, one stainless.
My older brother still has the weapon he carried as a West Virginia State Trooper (77'-84'). He carried his S&W Mdl 19 Combat Magnum until till he resigned to take his new position as a Special Agent with the United States Secret Service (84'-04' retired). He then carried a Sig Sauer P-229 in .357sig. I've shot both many times. My EDC is a Sig P-229 Legion in .357sig.
As a police officer, I bought my S&W model 19-3, 6” nickel plated revolver for $117 in 1973. The weapon saved my life in a face to face shoot out with an armed robbery suspect in 1974. I would not part with this weapon for even $1 million dollars. In my later life as a Secret Service agent, I knew SMichael DeHart’s brother Lonnie DeHart and his recollection is accurate. In my opinion, there is no finer weapon than the S&W model 19 and I was disappointed when we had to transition to the Sig Sauer 357. James Lauman
They are beautiful!!! Mine is a Model 19-4, and I do love shooting it! Oddly enough, the holster I carry it in is for a Colt of the same look and size, era, ... I just had to stretch the snap strap a bit to make it fit behind the hammer properly!
Great video as always. Thank you!! Love the S&W Model 19. I have the 19-4 manufactured in 1987. A wonderful firearm. I shoot only 38 specials through it now. Bought a Model 66 which is basically the same gun in stainless and run both 38 specials and .357 mags through it.
Well sir, I commented I got a 19-3, then a 19-5…now I’ve acquired another 19-3 with target hammer and trigger. Only thing missing is the original stocks. It has Pachmayr grips on it. Love the 19’s!!
I'm fairly new to gun ownership and shooting, but I have a good NRA certified instructor who is also my friend. I'm really enjoying your videos and learning tons. Thanks. And give that poor cowboy a break now and then, K?
Dream pistol! I'm a small dude with small wrists. 357mag is probably the highest velocity pistol I could shoot comfortably. Atleast, until I start hitting the gym and getting back into shape. Can't wait to try it out
Miss my combat magnum 7.5" bl , made mid 60's . I wore that thing out , it shaved lead from slop in the cylinder and the barrel was nearly smooth inside lol .Sold it for $350.00 in 1999 .It was well used .
I just bought one! I absolutely love it 😍! It’s 19-3 and it is a commemorative piece! It was a Pennsylvania State police officer! It’s got the i engraved with his badge number on it and the state police emblem engraved with his badge numbers on it? The presentation box has the state emblem engraved on it also! I’m going to give it a bath and oiling and put it in my safe!
just bought my first pinned and recessed sunday! 19-3 with a 6" barrel. The gun has a pretty good amount of holster wear but i got it for $400 out the door! couldn't pass it up its gonna look great next to my 15-3 :)
Bought a used and dry fired too much 19-3 6 inch from a local gunshop in '73, Living in Springfield back then,, and called S&W to see if I could get it some tender loving care...Secretary I talked to said to bring the gun over. I stop at the main gate..guard comes out, says "what's up?".I hold the gun up and say "gun needs to be looked at". He says "wait here, I'm gonna call up to the plant"....Comes out and say's "drive up and go thru the main doors,,one of the guy's will look at the gun"...walked right in carrying the gun in my hand..there's one of the repair guys..Takes the gun out back...straightens the ejector rod, installs a new firing pin bushing. checks the overall function and cylinder..comes back out...hands me the gun...say's "all set, no charge"...that gun hasn't missed a beat since then...favorite food is .38 specials..
4catsnow wow and what a difference compared to how the world works now, cool story !
Imagine doing that today. Not only would you not make it to the front door, SWAT would of been called the second you took the gun out and carried it openly.
Today with the disgruntle employee shooting up the place; the gate guard would shoot you first and ask questions later.
Wow awsum customer service! I got a model 19 in the late 80 s.i needed 200 bucks and asked my mom to hold it and told her I'd pay her. Back and I wanted gun back.she won't give it back lol.anyways she said when she dies I get in in the will.i have a 3 screw Ruger single six and wanted a .22 long rifle cylinder .Ruger wants to update the safety bar thing so it's safe to carry.i was gonna send it to them.ups makes it to much of a pain to send guns.i look on eBay and there kinda expensive! 80 to 150. I was told by Ruger not to buy a cylinder it mite not match up?if it's old style I can't see why I would matter?anyways anyone know where to get cylinders?.22 mag isn't my favorite I wanna shoot cheap and it's a beautiful gun.
Love that story
As a new cop in 1988, I was issued a Model 19 .357. The gun had been used by an officer who retired. I went through the academy and the first year of my career carrying that beautiful handgun. At the time, most of the new cops in the academy were carrying revolvers. That changed shortly afterward. I always shot it really well, and wished it held 15 bullets like the semi autos we moved to. Thanks for the video.
Great story. Good to hear some real life back ground to these guns.
Thank you for your service! And than you Mr. H for another great video on a beautiful revolver!
JMasta Flex 6
it was rugged and reliable
Hi James. I have a 19-3. Boy is she a pretty one! Love hearing about the ole revolver days!
I have a 19-4 and it has recessed cylinder but no pin. No red paint on front sight either. It’s in nickel so it has a bit more bling.
A few years ago I was at a small county owned range and the range master was a retired police firearms instructor from the late 70’s. He watched me from afar for a while and then asked for he could take a close look at the magnum, I of course said yes to learn from him. After 20 minutes of amazing stories he asked if he could see how the sights are aligned. I slipped him some of the hottest magnums I had, and at 20 yards he perfectly cut the red out of the center bullseye with the first shot.
He said that’s a good one and handed it back - I think he smiled a bit at my amazement.
The 19-3 was my personally owned duty weapon from 1971 and for decades thereafter. It worked for a living so there is less blue now than there was then. It never failed and never asked for more than cleaning and a touch of oil. By the time I retired it was in honored retirement and used only for the sheer joy of shooting it. One of the few guns that will be part of my estate. Thank you for reminding me of the pleasure that pistol has brought to its owners.
That's cool that you still have it.
God bless you, sir!
@@christopherjones5561 Thank you, he has been most generous to me. When I consider how badly so many incidents could have turned out it was clearly his grace that got me safely to retirement.
If everybody had 2 model 19's, the world would be a better place..
akimbo and if they were like john woo or wick
I. and it would certainly stop the crime when criminals no you are packed. and the (castle doctrine law) should be World wide. take the nees out.👍
I do but mine are made by Glock.
I own three of them. Doing my bit to help the world.
I agree. I own 2 Blued model 19 snubs (2.5”), both pinned and recessed.
l purchased my Smith and Wesson model 19-2 last year from an old timer who was the original owner. It’s in absolutely mint condition. The bluing is fabulous, unlike anything I’ve ever seen! The owner (in his eighties) said he purchased it new back in the early 1960’s and has been storing it in his safe ever since. This revolver has been sitting in his safe for over 60 years. The owner told me that he always kept it clean and polished. He said that he never really shot it much and only put around 100 rounds through it! I have to tell you that even though l have several other fine handguns this model 19-2 is without a doubt my very favorite!! Oh l almost forgot to mention, l purchased this beauty for only $500!!
I have a 6” Model 19-3 with a pinned barrel, recessed cylinder and squared off front sight that I bought new to compete with in Police competitions back in the early 1970s. It has had over 125,000 rounds fired through it, at 100,000 I sent it back to S&W to have it safety checked for any metal and spring fatigue. It passed with flying colors! I still shoot it weekly but can’t seem to find any revolver competitions as everyone only want semi autos now! I love every time you bring out these old smiths most people today have no idea what they are missing!
Just picked up a 2.5 inch minty 19-3, circa 1975. You just can't beat the quality and action of those older Smiths.
I have a model 19-3 (1975) with the 4" barrel.
Half of the enjoyment is just looking at it.
People who look at it always comment on the cool looks.
It shoots well and is accurate.
I doubt that I will ever sell it.
I watch this channel religiously! Best gun channel out here
AMEN!
I have a S&W model 19, pinned barrel (6") and recessed cylinder that was a birthday gift from my best friend in 1970. Enjoyed your video. Brought back the same nostalgic feelings...very good ones.
I have a 19-3 in like new condition. Get It out a few times a year. I’m a pined and recessed nerd myself. Wonderful revolver.
My 19-3 is a 6" version with the patridge front sight. It is a very smooth shooter and has the best finish of any of my other Smiths. My awesome Dad purchased mine for me when I was in high school in the mid-70s with money I earned working on the weekends and after school. It has no nicks or scratches in the metal or wood, she's a beaut!
Spent brass shells smell wonderful and make the most beautiful sound when they hit the ground.
They sound even better when dumped into a bag.
That was my very first gun... S&W Combat 19 in 2.5" barrel and it has sort of an interesting story behind it. It was early April, 1973 and I went into a local store and saw this pistol and immediately knew I had to have it. So the clerk asks me for my driver's license and immediately says "I'm sorry, but I cannot sell you this gun." I'm stunned at first and then ask him why not. He says "You must be 21 years of age to purchase a handgun." Now I'm stunned even more. I explained that just a month ago I received an honorable discharge from the US Army. In fact, I had just returned home from my third and final tour of duty in Vietnam (with a small side trip to Cambodia). I even showed him a copy of my DD-214. "Sorry" he said, "can't do it". He then asked when will I turn 21, I told him six more weeks. I then convinced him to take $20 to hold it for me till then. He did, and the following month I returned and purchased that gun for $125.00. Still have it today and wouldn't trade it for the world. Funny, you can carry a gun every day for three years, serve three combat tours for your country but yet in the eyes of that same government, your too young and irresponsible to be trusted with a firearm. Go figure.
When I turned 21 in 1980 I bought a 2.5" Model 19 brand new at a local gun shop. If memory serves correctly with tax and everything I paid something like $250 with tax and everything. A couple of years later I bought a Mod 19 in 4"! Later I had a tough financial time and had to sell them. Recently however I have found really nice replacements for them!
"Who needs to own to Model 19s?" No idea. Personally I own three Model 19s.
When my dad passed away I was given his 19-4, favorite gun in the collection. I grew up learning to shoot with that gun and taught my wife to shoot with it also. So many memories in that piece of steel.
I believe the 19-4 was the last model that was pinned and recessed.
Yes indeed.
I’m from Thailand and i just got this 19-3 for 1200 usd from old man (88 years old) week ago ,he bought it and kept it in his house which haven’t shoot it before
I’m feel so lucky that i got this model from 1972 with angels condition ❤❤❤ 🍀.
Such a great video, in 2000 I aquired a 19-3 from a retired az dps officer, his daily carry. Pinned, recessed, target trigger, target hammer, red bead front sight and white outline rear sight, walnut grips. I know... it sounds like a dream but here it is in my hand! What a shooter !!!
What a beautiful revolver. I bought a 19-3 with the four inch barrel for my wife. She loves it. I love the fact that I get to take two beauties to the range....
Model 19-3 my first big bore also. Bought it used in 1975 from an Oakland California motorcycle cop who thought he needed a bigger gun. He had a trigger job done on it and it's scary smooth. I still have it cause its my favorite.
0:17 The keep firing, play it off because you flinched never gets old 😂
My grandfather still had a model 19-3 single action .357 used by the Georgia state police back in the early 70’s. I love love love that revolver.
I have a 19-3 made in 1971. Had a trigger job done on it and it’s slicker then a python. Good friend gave it to me. He said it was the first gun he bought coming out of the Navy. Absolute classic.
There’s that “need” word again. Enough money in wallet plus want equals need.
The 19 and 66 were iconic guns during my youth in the '80s. I even had a shop teacher in jr. high/middle school who carried a 2.5" 66 in his vehicle. He took a couple of us kids who were into guns out to his car one day after school, unloaded the gun, and let us handle it (totally different world back then). Good memories.
Yep, that's the world I grew up in. I'm so sorry that young people have to grow up in such a silly, fake world these days when it comes to such things.
I just bought a 19-3 nickel plate in excellent condition with the original box and owners manual and I am tickled pink to now be the owner of such a fine well made and beautiful classic revolver! It even has a receipt that it was originally purchased in 1976 in Pennsylvania.
My favorite Smith & Wesson. I have four. Snub 19-3, 4" Blue 4" Nickle 19-3 & 6" Blue 3Ts. They are iconic. That's the gun that started me collecting S&W revolvers. One beautiful gun.
I just recently picked up a beautiful 4 inch Model 19-3 from my gun shop for a steal of a price. And I just LOVE IT!!! It truly is a great pistol.
I gave my 19-5 to my son when my grandfather (former LAPD) passed and left me his 19-3. Beautiful guns.
Hickok I have a 19-3 made in 1975 it has a 4" barrel and has the white outline rear site & red ramp front! My Mod 19-5 with 2.5" barrel made in 1985 also has the white outline rear site & red ramp front! I had to search quite a bit to find these two revolvers with the white outline rear & red ramp front site. When I was looking on Gunbroker I could find all the 19's I wanted without the white outline & red ramp but I kept looking until I found both of them with the white outline & red ramp! I always enjoy watching your videos thank you Sir!
Watching all these older revolver vids again. Just as exciting as the first time.
I can truly appreciate the value and enjoyment of shooting a .357 revolver with wood grips. My model 586-8 L Frame has actually become my primary concealed carry gun. I find it is quite comfortable to carry around in an IWB holster despite the large cylinder width and the weight.
Thank you Hickok45, there is nothing as exciting as 1970s era smith's and colt double action wheel guns......
Clays sporting goods brings back some old memories. I also have a 19-3 I bought in 1978 for $200. It’s still my favorite.
My wife has a 19-4 that I bought her for Christmas a few years ago. She shoots it quite well and keeps it bedside. I grinned big time when you mentioned the early seventies as you and I are very close to the same age. Old school cool. B-)
I like nothing better on a Friday morning than a hot cup of coffee and watching a Hickok vid. Even better that it's a. 357 S&W. Hand looking good. Thanks Hickok.
I'M proud owner of the exat gun here in South Africa. Western part near the coast. What a great gun! Strong build and what a straight shooter! Thanks for the great vidio's, whatch them all!
Yes the old town dump. Great place to shoot in the "old days". I also learned to wear ear plugs after placing 3 fast shots of "magnum" loads into an old refrigerator with my first centerfire pistol, a 1973 vintage model 19-3 4 inch.
I inherited a 19-3 from my dad. It’s one of my favorite firearms and whenever I take it out I think of him.
I always enjoy watching these videos. I own a model 19-6 with a 6 inch barell that is my favorite of my many handguns, or maybe a close second to my Colt SAA.
My first carry gun was a Model 19-4, right between the two models that you have shared with us. It's the one gun that I haven't traded off...and won't. The only difference that I see is that the cylinders are not recessed. The front sight is orange. The barrel is still pinned, though as it should be. No MIM. I did adjust the mainspring to lighten the trigger pull and have never had a light primer strike, so I suppose that I stumbled into the sweet spot since it was my first. Accidentally, I made it into the slickest double action that I've ever owned. By today's standards, it was a little big for concealed carry but it worked for me. I don't carry it these days and the bluing is still excellent. I had no problem with the forcing cone and I never shoot 125 grain magnums in it. We practiced with .38's and carried .357's. Like Clint Smith, I don't need a "bucket of bullets" when I have a .357 so I frequently carry a revolver and I love to take them to the range. Now, which grandson will inherit it this beautiful piece? Hickok sometimes brings out my nostalgia.
I inherited my fathers S&W 686-2. The 6 inch barrel variant. It’s an absolute pleasure to shoot. Great video as always. You can tell by watching, Hickok is totally in his element when it comes to S&W revolvers
Hi Hickok! Just bought a 29-2 just like your old one! When I saw it, I could not believe it...it was practically UNSHOT, except from the factory! Bought it without hazitation and put in the save right next to my 19-2! Love those oldschool revolvers! Finally I can sell my new classic model 29. Greetings from Switzerland!
I bought the 19 - 4 when I turned 23 and I'll never sell that gun
Another great video. Been a gun owner for close to a decade and it is all thanks to you. Started watching your videos and had to get one!
Hell yeah !!! A 357 magnum. I would love to have one of those in my collection. Hickok45 for life.
A classic Revolve, enjoy the history behind it. Well done Sir.
This was the first revolver and one of the first handguns I ever bought, and I instantly fell in love. Mine's a 19-4, made in '77, and it was an absolute steal at just over 600 bucks. I need to learn how to reload, the one thing I don't like is that good .357 ammo isn't as cheap as I'd like it to be. Great video, Hickok.
Revolvers ❤
The S&W .357 19-3 was my very first handgun. I absolutely love it. Thank you very much for the video!
Just picked up a 19-3, circa 1974, she's a beauty.
Just picked up a Model 19-3 from the seventies. Great gun, a lot fun to shoot and accurate. Traded a p365 for it. Shoots a lot better than the SIG! Thanks Hickok45 it's all because of you.
Model 19 is such a fine revolver. Good to see your hand healing up.
I got me 1! And still love till this day! Lethal weapon!!! Riggs!
Riggs used a Beretta 92. Murtaugh used the model 19.
I have a 19-5 6". I absolutely love it!!! I traded a crossbow for it and it was the best decision I've made
That thing is loud🤣🤦🏽♂️ I have one also.357 magnum model 19-5 6 inch
Very nice video. I too have a model 19. It’s a 19-2 4 inch made in 1966 with a round butt and factory round butt grips. What I have been told ( by the original owner) is that the 19-2 with a round butt was ordered and used by the Navy Seals for use in Vietnam. She is still true and blue with occasional use as a carry pistol for woods walks.
Make that 3 of the most popular handguns over the last 60 years had 19 in them. SW M19, Glock 19, and the 1911.
Maybe the Beretta 92 is far more common than the Glock 19
H45 you were secretly a top agent for the navy seals weren't ya? Your aim is impeccable even with high recoil weapons and you know more than the god damn ATF! Ya legend you!.
Where the worn walnut meets the deep blue steel, this is singular and one soul. Amazing firearm.
Good ole wheel guns. My 629 and 586 are a joy to shoot.
Great video, I inherited one of these and wanted to know a little history on it. Thanks for educating a young man like myself, I will subscribe!
Hickhock has the best job just sit around and shoot all day what a life
Well, he's likely retired, I bet youtube at this point isn't giving him a cent.
Yep....got a 19-3 about 22 years ago. 1969 model. So sweet.
Like you, I love those old revolvers. I used to work in a gun shop and we sold a lot of them. I've shot the S&W and they are great, but I guess I was a Colt snob. I fell in love with Colts and went that way.
Just went to my safe to caress my 19-3. Still LNIB. I purchased it new in april of 1972. Best trigger of any revolver....double action and especially single action. Single action is better than most 1911's.
First gun I purchased was a model 19-2 in a 6" barrel. Beautiful recessed cylinder and pinned barrel. Guns are truly not made that way these days. A true pleasure to shoot
Great to see that you are recovering well. Keep up the good work.
My first gun purchase was a model 19, with a 6 inch barrel, in 1982 for $250. I was about 16 or 17. I sold it to my Dad, but got it back just before he passed away 5 years ago. It shows a slight drag mark on the cylinder but otherwise still looks like new.
The red ramp was an option that could be ordered on the Combat Magnum. It was not common on the early 19's, my 19-4 has one, but usually you start to see it more on the 19-4/19-5 onward.
It could be that because of the RR/WO becoming standard on a Model 66 around 1974 that they show up more on M19s in the 19-4 and 19-5 range but up until they were discontinued in 1999, the standard Model 19 came with a blued front sight.
Mine has a green one on the front. The serial is k264xxx. Checking online I estimate it to be from the 50s. Any truth to that? Have you ever heard them come with a green colored ramp?
I have no interest in revolvers. None. But for some reason, when it’s Hickok, I click and I watch all the way through. I could listen to him talk about anything.🤷♂️
When it comes to revolvers they definitely don't make them like they used to! Beautiful classic!
I have a mod. 19-4 , it is one of the best all around hand guns I own. Beautiful, balanced, just right. Like to just look at it, more fun to shoot.
I agree. I've got a 19-3 4-inch .357 and a Glock 19 Gen 3. Love them both.
The first gun I bought for my self was a nickel plated Model 19 in 1974. I bought it through the USAF Academy Cadet Store and carried it as a USAF Rescue Pilot. It was certainly good out to 100 yards.
I have a Model 19-4 made in 1980 with recessed cylinder and pinned 6" barrel. Awesome shooter!!!
I just recently inherited my grandfather's 19-2 and even though it is very worn and well used I love shooting it. It is my first revolver and the first bigger bore I've shot in a revolver and I love it. The single action trigger pull feels amazing and it's still pretty accurate. I got the gun, his service belt, holster and handcuffs. I'm interested to see if I can narrow down when it was made. I know it is atleast from the early 80s because he was never a policeman while I've been alive and I was born in the late 80s
sinappanis , your model 19-2 is quite a bit older then the 1980's. I have the "bible" on anything Smith and Wesson. " The Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson " 4th edition, by Jim Supica and Richard Nahas puts your model 19-2 somewhere in the range of 1961 to 1967 . If it has a 6" barrel that narrows it down from 1963 to 1967 because 1963 was the first year of introduction for 6" barrels on the 19-2. If you care to share the serial number I can narrow it down to the actual year. It should start with a K followed by six numbers. All I would need is the K and the first three digits, not necessary to have the last three if you dont want to share that info Hope I helped enlighten you on the vintage of that fine firearm. Myself , I have a model 19-3 and a 66-1, both pinned and recessed. Same revolver, one blued, one stainless.
My older brother still has the weapon he carried as a West Virginia State Trooper (77'-84'). He carried his S&W Mdl 19 Combat Magnum until till he resigned to take his new position as a Special Agent with the United States Secret Service (84'-04' retired). He then carried a Sig Sauer P-229 in .357sig.
I've shot both many times. My EDC is a Sig P-229 Legion in .357sig.
As a police officer, I bought my S&W model 19-3, 6” nickel plated revolver for $117 in 1973. The weapon saved my life in a face to face shoot out with an armed robbery suspect in 1974. I would not part with this weapon for even $1 million dollars. In my later life as a Secret Service agent, I knew SMichael DeHart’s brother Lonnie DeHart and his recollection is accurate. In my opinion, there is no finer weapon than the S&W model 19 and I was disappointed when we had to transition to the Sig Sauer 357. James Lauman
Love is model 19 on 146 grain semi wad handloads and 9.8 grains of Unique gunpowder. Sweet!
This was the first gun I ever purchased... last week. First time gun owner of the ripe age of 22
They are beautiful!!! Mine is a Model 19-4, and I do love shooting it! Oddly enough, the holster I carry it in is for a Colt of the same look and size, era, ... I just had to stretch the snap strap a bit to make it fit behind the hammer properly!
I have three of them. Each in a different barrel length. Also have the same in stainless. Great guns.
I love my 19-3 snubby! Such beautiful, reliable guns.
Great video as always. Thank you!! Love the S&W Model 19. I have the 19-4 manufactured in 1987. A wonderful firearm. I shoot only 38 specials through it now. Bought a Model 66 which is basically the same gun in stainless and run both 38 specials and .357 mags through it.
Mr.Hickok you are "EL NUMERO UNO" please keep making videos .
I have a chrome/nickel finished 19, with a six inch barrel. Beautiful gun, very accurate.
Hickok, you're holding me up shooting my own guns. Love the old S&Ws
Just brought my 19-3 home today ! Love it !!
Well sir, I commented I got a 19-3, then a 19-5…now I’ve acquired another 19-3 with target hammer and trigger. Only thing missing is the original stocks. It has Pachmayr grips on it. Love the 19’s!!
Damn, I'm desperate to get a Model 19 as my first revolver, and Hickok loving them too doesn't help. I just wish they were easier to find.
Love my 19-2 4" and 19-5 6".
I'm fairly new to gun ownership and shooting, but I have a good NRA certified instructor who is also my friend. I'm really enjoying your videos and learning tons. Thanks. And give that poor cowboy a break now and then, K?
Started my career in 1977, with a S&W 19-2 . 4 inch barrel blued . I still have it and I have a model 66 . I'd love another K frame in .357 mag .
Dream pistol! I'm a small dude with small wrists. 357mag is probably the highest velocity pistol I could shoot comfortably. Atleast, until I start hitting the gym and getting back into shape.
Can't wait to try it out
This is my first firearm. Bought it at a flea market in Canton Tx for $500. Only different is it's a 2.5 barrel. I got it last year.
Miss my combat magnum 7.5" bl , made mid 60's . I wore that thing out , it shaved lead from slop in the cylinder and the barrel was nearly smooth inside lol .Sold it for $350.00 in 1999 .It was well used .
You mean who wouldn't want 2 357 mag S&W model 19's !!!!!!!!
I just bought one! I absolutely love it 😍!
It’s 19-3 and it is a commemorative piece! It was a Pennsylvania State police officer! It’s got the i engraved with his badge number on it and the state police emblem engraved with his badge numbers on it? The presentation box has the state emblem engraved on it also! I’m going to give it a bath and oiling and put it in my safe!
just bought my first pinned and recessed sunday! 19-3 with a 6" barrel. The gun has a pretty good amount of holster wear but i got it for $400 out the door! couldn't pass it up its gonna look great next to my 15-3 :)
I just got a 686 No Dash 😍 Im in love with it!!! Might have been make in '82