History
In 1955, Border Patrol Assistant Chief Patrol Inspector Bill Jordan was well-known nationally and had the ear of Smith & Wesson. He gave the company his requirements for a new revolver chambered in .357 Magnum, and S&W introduced the Combat Magnum the same year.
By 1957, Smith & Wesson called it the Model 19 and started production for public and law enforcement use. Due to Jordan’s endorsement, the Model 19 became the issue firearm for U.S. Border Patrol agents. Every sheriff and police department across the country wanted one for its officers. A star was born!
Customization
This is an unusually customized S&W revolver. The long barrel and smooth long-eye-relief scope draw my attention. The firearm is heavy but well balanced. The original Border Patrol gun was fitted with a 4-inch barrel, making it a quick-draw wonder. This Model 19’s barrel is 2 inches longer and sports unique grips. Clearly, it was meant to reach out to long range accurately. I can envision using it for hunting javalina, jackrabbits, or even small deer.
My favorite features of this Model 19 are its grips, the Bushnell scope, and the smooth action. I cannot identify the maker of these smooth walnut finger-groove grips, but they feel good and improve my control of this heavy revolver. Extending and aiming becomes easy as my fingers fill each groove. The grips feel a bit fat, which aids in giving me something to hold onto during recoil.
The Bushnell Magnum Phantom 1.3X handgun scope is perfect match for this revolver. Its optics are clear, and its simple crosshair reticle is fine, allowing for precise aiming. Held at arm’s length as intended, it has a full field of view from short to long range. It adds much to the mystique of this older pistol.
Note that the rear sight has been replaced by the Bushnell scope’s mount. Although the front ramp sight remains, it is not used in aiming. The remainder of the revolver is unmodified.
MY IMPRESSIONS
I love the smooth action of the Model 19. Whether squeezed double action or cocked to single action, it is smooth and predictable. The serrated hammer and smooth, curved trigger lend themselves to single-action shooting. Cocking the hammer is effortless and natural, making long shots much more accurate. My fingertip feels the trigger so well that I do not notice when it breaks. The cylinder lockup is tight, and rotation is smooth.
My research shows that this gun was made after 1967. It could have been used then to compete in the new sport of metallic silhouette pistol competition. Steel targets in the shapes of chickens, pigs, turkeys, and rams are shot from the unsupported offhand position at distances from 40 to 200 yards in the Hunter class. This revolver would have been competitive in that sport with its modifications.
This special S&W feels great and handles well. It points naturally and is easier to hold than it may at first appear. It is a bit heavy, but that is a good thing when making long shots from the offhand position. Well-balanced weight is better than a whippy, light, short-barrel carry gun. This revolver feels as if it can hit hard at long ranges.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Overall Length: 11.5 inches
- Height: 6 inches (with scope)
- Width: 1.25 inches
- Weight: 3 pounds (with scope)
- Trigger: Double action 10 pounds, 12 ounces; single action 3 pounds, 6 ounces
- Barrel: 6 inches
- Grips: Custom wood with finger grooves
- Scope: Bushnell Magnum Phantom, 1.3X power, long eye relief
- Hammer: Extended, heavily serrated
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Mid-sized ‘K’ frame
SHOOTING TIME
On a windy day at the famous Tucson Rifle club, I loaded the Model 19 with Magtech .357 Magnum 158-grain JSP FN rounds. These are stiff full-power loads. Over six warm-up shots at 25 yards, I could see the steel target clearly with the Bushnell scope. Still, aiming a revolver with a scope is challenging. While similar in some ways to a modern red dot optic, it is heavier. I believe it is precise, as can be seen by my hits on steel.
The grips, smooth action, and precise scope allowed me to hit steel each time at 40 yards, still from the offhand position. The trigger is amazing. The 3-pound break seems much lighter. The grips are well thought-out and absorb the kick of the .357 Magnum round.
I have never fired a handgun from a tripod, but my Vortex Switchback Carbon lightweight tripod works well in stabilizing any rifle in its adjustable cradle. The Model 19 fit nicely on the tripod and was so steady that it was hard to miss at 40 yards. I might have to take this on a hunting trip soon.
My cameraman Ben’s favorite S&W Model 19 movie is “Lethal Weapon,” starring Danny Glover and Mel Gibson. Glover’s character, Roger Murtaugh, carries a Model 19 revolver despite Gibson’s character, Martin Riggs, insisting that his modern Beretta 92 is better. Murtaugh demonstrates his mastery of the revolver at the movie’s end by making a long shot connect on a bad guy. Rolling my head Murtaugh-style, I found the technique works for hitting that steel plate a few more times.
Despite the age and rarity of this older revolver, no malfunctions of any kind took place in today’s test. S&W discontinued the Model 19 in 1999 and although still available on the used market, this revolver’s special grips and rare scope make it a special find. In 2018, S&W reintroduced the Model 19 in .357 Magnum in carry-comp form with a 2.5-inch ported barrel. That model is still available.
PROS & CONS
