The Smith & Wesson Model 19

by
posted on March 26, 2010
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
2010326105254-1109pix-002_ms.jpg

Smith & Wesson, the legendary gunmaker, experienced a wave of innovation in the 1950s. Basically, it was adapt to modern methods and models or die a commercial death.

Company president Carl Hellstrom was not going to let that happen, so a lot of great new models came out of the old Springfield plant. One of the most prolific guns, according to Bill Jordan, was the “answer to a policeman's prayer.” It was the revolver numbered as the Model 19 and named the Combat Magnum.

Today's pistoleros may not be aware of how big a breakthrough this medium frame Magnum actually was. While the .357 Mag. cartridge had been around since 1935, it was always found in big, heavy “N” frame revolvers. When modern engineering permitted the powerful round to be fired in a “K”frame gun, it meant that police officers could get the on-target performance of the bigger gun in a much lighter and more maneuverable package that was easier to carry, deploy and shoot.

Almost overnight, the Model 19 was the gun to have for the working cop. Made in high-polish blue or nickel finishes and with standard 2 1/2, 4 or 6-inch barrels, the Model 19 is encountered in (scarce) 3-inch and (rare) 5-inch versions. And at least one 3 1/2-incher was made in the old days.

When stainless steel blossomed in the 1970s, the stainless Combat Magnum was called the Model 66. However, it is the original Model 19 was a gun that I remember fondly as the first revolver I ever carried as a professional tool.

Latest

Heritage Mfg Roscoe Rifleman Review 1
Heritage Mfg Roscoe Rifleman Review 1

Rifleman Review: Heritage Mfg. Roscoe

In recent years, Heritage Mfg. has expanded its centerfire offerings, and the Roscoe is one of the latest new models, a retro-styled revolver chambered for .38 Special that's capable of dedicated defensive use.

Chiappa Expands Rhino Revolver Lineup

Chiappa Firearms is updating its unique line of Rhino revolvers with several new models, giving consumers an all-new 10 mm Auto chambering, as well as complete stainless-steel construction.

Review: TandemKross Manticore X

In 2024, TandemKross (TK), best known for its high-quality competition upgrades for rimfire platforms, launched the first ever lower-receiver assembly designed for the rimfire Ruger 10/22 platform.

Rifleman Q&A: Surreptitious L.C. Smith

American Rifleman staff recently received the following question about markings on a possible L.C. Smith shotgun. Read what we learned:

USA Clay Target League Breaks Participation Record—Again

The fall season is underway for the USA Clay Target League, and the number of student athletes participating speaks volumes about the growing popularity of shooting sports among high school- and college-age students.

Hunting For The Perfect Partner: Ruger/Dead Air’s Centerfire RXD

The result of a joint venture between two giants of their respective industries, the new RXD30Ti exemplifies just how beneficial a well-designed hunting suppressor can be in the field.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.