Smith & Wesson Model 19-4

Description

Utilizing the powerful .357 Magnum cartridge, the carbon steel Model 19 was first introduced in 1957, as sidearm for U.S. Immigration and Border Patrol officers.

To cater to a varied market, like other revolvers in their inventory, the Model 19 was offered in a blued finish, for official/government use and a shinny/nickel-plated finish, which is often deemed more appealing to the civilian collector.

Over the years a number of variants have been produced, in fact 9 in total (19 to 19-9). These were either short and specific production runs, such as the 19-3, which only numbered 500 in total and was ordered by the French police tactical unit – GIGN (Groupe d’Intervention de la Gendarmerie Nationale). Or they signified a component upgrade/design modification, such as this variant, the 19-4, which moved the gas ring from the yoke to the cylinder.