Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: 19-6, “The .357 Combat Magnum”

Serial Number: BHV4074

Year of Manufacture: 1992

Caliber: .357 Magnum

Action Type: DA/SA Double Action & Single Action Revolver with Swing-Out Cylinder

Barrel Length: 6”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated, ramped blade with an orange plastic insert integral to a ramped base on the serrated rib. The rear sight is a white-outlined square notch leaf in a base that is micro-click adjustable for windage and elevation.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut magna stocks with S&W medallions. The left panel has a small loss and some finish wear at the top corner. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The checkering is well defined. There are no cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good-plus condition as not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 10/10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. There are a few minor marks. The action shows minor operational wear with a thin turn line on the cylinder. The screwheads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Fine-plus condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes in a serial-matching box with paperwork including manual, cleaning rod, brush, mop and sight adjustment tool.

Our Assessment: The Model 19 was introduced in 1955 and built on a K frame that was slightly larger in the yoke area and was initially offered only with a 4" barrel. The Model 19 was intended to be a "peace officers dream" and offered a heavy barreled four-inch K-Frame with a shrouded ejector rod and adjustable sights. In the '60s was this revolver offered with a 6" barrel and then in a more concealable 2 1/2" barrel configuration. The model was a major success and would go on to be used by the uniformed officers of the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service and U.S. Border Patrol until they replaced them with .40 S&W semi-automatic pistols. This example looks like it has spent more time in the included original box than out. It is a 6" example, built on a square-butt frame which offers a bit more control than the round-butt. Combine that with the 8" sight radius, and you have a full-frame .357 with a 6-round capacity that can be used for home defense, carry, or target shooting and excel at all three. Please see our photos and good luck!