Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: 19-3, The .357 Combat Magnum, 150th Anniversary Texas Ranger Commemorative

Serial Number: TR5115

Year of Manufacture: 1973

Caliber: .357 Magnum, Recessed Chambers

Action Type: 6-Shot, Double Action / Single Action, Swing-Out Fluted Cylinder Revolver

Barrel Length: 4”, Pinned

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramp blade with a red insert, pinned to a rise in the barrel’s solid rib. The top of the barrel is serrated and matte finished for glare reduction. The rear sight is a flat top, square notched and white outlined leaf in a base that is micrometer-click adjustable for windage and elevation.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth walnut presentation stocks with brass Star of Texas medallions. The left panel has an extractor "football" cut, the right is relieved to show the Texas Rangers Commemorative Commission seal on the sideplate. The grips have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Blued, most markings are gold paint-filled.

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is a little stubborn copper fouling. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 9 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. There are only a few scattered minor marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Excellent 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 standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is a wood presentation case fit for the revolver and serial-matching knife, leather sheath, serial matching revolver box, manual, and serial matching knife box.

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 was adopted by numerous law enforcement agencies. This particular Model 19 is a limited, 1 of 8,000 run Smith & Wesson 19-3 Texas Ranger Commemorative. A law enforcement agency with statewide jurisdiction in Texas and based in Austin, the Texas Rangers have investigated crimes ranging from murder to political corruption, acted as riot police and as detectives, protected the Governor of Texas, tracked down fugitives, and functioned as a paramilitary force at the service of both the Republic (1836–45) and the state of Texas. The Rangers are the oldest state law enforcement body in the United States. The Rangers have taken part in many of the most important events of Texas history, and were involved in some of the best-known criminal cases in the history of the Old West. This commemorative set was released in 1973 for the 150th anniversary of the Texas Rangers. This example comes with its original serial matching knife, boxes, and case. The revolver looks to have been treated well, with only a few minor marks, a true beauty. This is a great find for those who have served or have relatives who have served with the Texas Rangers, or who are interested in their long and storied history. If you’re not from the Lone Star State, just remember to make your bids Texas-sized!