The Smith & Wesson Model 19 dash number is one of the first details I check on a Combat Magnum. The dash number does not replace the serial number, but it tells you which engineering version you are holding and helps separate early pinned-and-recessed collector guns from later production changes.

This guide covers the original Model 19 and the major dash-number changes through the 19-7. Use it alongside the Model 19 Serial Number Dates, the S&W K-Frame Serial Number Master Guide, and the K-Frame Lookup Tool when dating a specific revolver.

Quick collector rule: the dash number identifies the engineering variation. The serial number, found on the bottom of the grip frame, is used for production-date research. The model marking inside the yoke cut may read MOD. 19, MOD. 19-3, MOD. 19-5, and so on, but assembly numbers in that area should not be treated as the gun's serial number.
Smith & Wesson Model 19-3 .357 Magnum revolver showing classic K-frame Combat Magnum profile
The Model 19 dash number helps identify the engineering period, while the serial number helps estimate production date.

Serial Number Companion

Date the Serial Number After You Identify the Dash

Once you know the dash number, use the serial-number table or lookup tool to narrow the production year. A 19-3, for example, tells you the engineering version, but the grip-frame serial number is what places the revolver into a year range.

Model 19 Serial Number Dates Open K-Frame Lookup Tool

Where to Find the Model 19 Dash Number

Open the cylinder and look inside the yoke cut on the frame. Smith & Wesson commonly stamped the model designation there. On a Model 19, the marking may appear as MOD. 19, MOD. 19-1, MOD. 19-2, and so on. The dash number follows the model number and reflects an engineering change.

The serial number is different. On traditional K-frame revolvers, the serial number of record is on the bottom of the grip frame and may be hidden by the stocks. If the gun wears large target stocks, you may need to remove them carefully to see the full serial number.

Smith & Wesson Model 19 Dash Number Table

Dash NumberApproximate PeriodCollector Meaning
Model 191957-1959Original numbered Combat Magnum period. Early examples are especially interesting to collectors because they connect directly to the pre-dash Model 19 era.
Model 19-11959-1961Early engineering change period. These remain classic early K-frame magnums and should be evaluated closely for originality, stocks, finish, and serial range.
Model 19-21961-1967Important 1960s collector period. Many buyers associate this era with excellent polish, classic S&W workmanship, and strong pre-1970s appeal.
Model 19-31967-1977One of the best-known vintage Model 19 variations. These are pre-lock, pinned-barrel, recessed-cylinder revolvers, and many 1970s examples appear in K-prefix serial ranges.
Model 19-41977-1982Late pinned-and-recessed period before the major 1982 change. Clean boxed examples remain attractive to collectors.
Model 19-51982-1988Major collector dividing line. The 19-5 era is generally associated with the end of the pinned barrel and recessed cylinder on the Model 19.
Model 19-61988-1994Later production era with additional manufacturing changes. Collectors usually compare these against earlier pinned-and-recessed guns and later pre-lock examples.
Model 19-71994-1999Final original-production dash-number period before the classic Model 19 line left regular production. Condition and configuration drive appeal.

Model 19: The Original Numbered Combat Magnum

The original Model 19 marking belongs to the first numbered Combat Magnum period. Earlier guns before the model-number system are normally discussed as .357 Combat Magnums, while the Model 19 name begins with Smith & Wesson's late-1950s model-number system. For collectors, a no-dash Model 19 deserves careful inspection because early details, stocks, finish, and serial range can make a meaningful difference.

Model 19-1

The 19-1 is an early engineering-change variation. It does not have the same broad casual recognition as the 19-3, but serious Smith & Wesson collectors pay attention to these early dash guns because they sit close to the beginning of the numbered Combat Magnum story.

Model 19-2

The 19-2 carries strong 1960s collector interest. Many examples from this period are valued for classic Smith & Wesson finish, clean barrel markings, and early K-frame magnum appeal. As always, the dash number should be considered with the serial number, barrel length, stocks, box label, and condition.

Model 19-3

The 19-3 is the version many collectors encounter when researching 1970s Combat Magnums. It is especially attractive because it remains in the pinned-and-recessed era and overlaps with common 1K through 9K serial-number clusters. A 19-3 with original nickel or blue finish, correct stocks, matching box, tools, papers, and factory-letter support can be much stronger than an ordinary shooter-grade example.

1972 Smith & Wesson Model 19-3 reference photograph for pinned-and-recessed dash-number era
A 1972 Model 19-3 is a useful reference point for the pinned-and-recessed collector era.

Model 19-4

The 19-4 belongs to the late 1970s and early 1980s transition period. It is still generally part of the pinned-and-recessed collector conversation, which makes it important for buyers who want a late classic Model 19 before the 1982 change. Condition, barrel length, and documentation remain the real value drivers.

Model 19-5

The 19-5 is one of the most important collector dividing lines because it is associated with the end of the pinned barrel and recessed cylinder on the Model 19. That does not make every 19-5 undesirable. It means collectors should understand whether they are buying a classic pinned-and-recessed gun or a later production revolver with different manufacturing features.

Model 19-6

The 19-6 represents later original-production Model 19 collecting. These guns may be excellent shooters and still carry strong Combat Magnum appeal, but they are normally judged differently from earlier pinned-and-recessed examples. For a 19-6, focus on mechanical condition, bore, timing, original finish, stocks, box, and whether the revolver remains clean and unaltered.

Model 19-7

The 19-7 is the final dash-number family before the classic Model 19 left regular production in 1999. These examples appeal to collectors who want a late pre-lock Combat Magnum, especially when the gun remains in excellent condition with its original box and paperwork.

Pinned and Recessed: Why Dash Numbers Matter

For many Smith & Wesson collectors, the phrase pinned and recessed is shorthand for a desirable older production style. A pinned barrel has a visible frame pin retaining the barrel. A recessed cylinder has counterbored chambers that enclose the cartridge rims. On the Model 19, the change away from those features is one reason the 19-5 matters so much in collector discussions.

Inspection note: do not buy on dash number alone. A clean later gun can be more desirable than an abused earlier one. Check timing, lockup, forcing cone, screw slots, sideplate fit, bore condition, crown, finish originality, and stock fit before assigning a collector premium.

Barrel Lengths, Finishes, and Collector Appeal

Dash number is only one part of the Model 19 story. A 2 1/2-inch nickel revolver, a 4-inch blue duty gun, and a 6-inch target-style example can all share the same dash number but appeal to different buyers. Short-barrel nickel examples often receive strong attention, while 4-inch guns represent the classic police Combat Magnum profile.

FeatureCollector Note
2 1/2-inch barrelCompact Combat Magnum profile; especially popular when original, clean, and matched with the correct stocks.
4-inch barrelClassic duty configuration and the profile many collectors picture when they think of the Model 19.
6-inch barrelTarget and sporting appeal; condition can matter more than barrel length alone.
Blue finishTraditional S&W appearance; polish, edge wear, and originality are important.
Nickel finishStrong display value when factory original and clean; refinish or flaking can sharply reduce value.
Box and papersMatching label, tools, papers, and factory-letter support can move a gun into a stronger collector tier.
Greg Cook holding a nickel 1972 Smith & Wesson Model 19-3 Combat Magnum
Author with a nickel 1972 Smith & Wesson Model 19-3, a Dash 3 Combat Magnum from the pinned-and-recessed era.

Photo Notes

Nickel Smith & Wesson Model 19-3 left-side profile photograph
Nickel Model 19-3 profile photograph used for dash-number and collector-condition reference.
Smith & Wesson Model 19-3 K-frame .357 Magnum display photograph
K-frame .357 Magnum presentation view of the Model 19-3.
Smith & Wesson Model 19-3 detail photograph showing collector condition and finish
Model 19-3 detail photograph for checking finish, markings, and collector condition.

Common Model 19 Dash-Number Mistakes

  • Confusing dash number with serial number: MOD. 19-3 is not the serial number. It is the engineering version.
  • Using yoke assembly numbers as serial numbers: assembly numbers can appear in the crane/yoke area and should not be used for production dating.
  • Ignoring the stocks: target stocks can hide the serial number on the bottom of the grip frame.
  • Overpaying for a story: agency markings, special-order claims, and rare barrel-length claims should be documented.
  • Judging only by age: earlier is not always better if the revolver has poor timing, refinish evidence, altered parts, or heavy wear.

From My Library

For readers researching Smith & Wesson history and Model 19 variations, Roy Jinks and the Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation remain important reference points. A factory letter can be especially useful for high-grade or unusual examples.

History of Smith & Wesson

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Collector Resources

Collector Tools & Supplies

Serious collectors rely on a few basic tools to inspect, document, preserve, and store collectible firearms. These internal guides cover the supplies most useful for research, safe storage, photography, and collection records.

Cleaning SuppliesBore lights, screwdrivers, cleaning mats, cloths, and light maintenance basics. Storage & PreservationGun socks, humidity control, safe organization, and document protection. Reference BooksModel identification, values, serial-number context, and manufacturer research. Photography ToolsLighting, tripods, backdrops, macro photos, and documentation photos. Inventory ToolsLogbooks, labels, file storage, backups, and collection records.
Smith & Wesson collector cluster

Continue Through the Smith & Wesson Cluster

This page is part of the Gun Collectors Club Smith & Wesson research cluster. Use these companion pages to move between serial-number dating, Model 10 variants, K-22 target revolvers, magnum duty guns, galleries, and modern S&W arms.

Hub & serial research

Model 19 / .357 Magnum

Model 10 research

K-22 / Model 17 target revolvers

Modern S&W arms & accessories

Quick tools:S&W K-Frame Lookup ToolSerial Number GuidesRevolver Guides
Greg Cook

About Greg Cook

Greg Cook writes about firearms collecting, personal history, and the stories behind interesting guns. His Army MOS was 76Y, Unit Armorer, and he brings that practical background to his collector articles.

Research Sources Consulted

This guide was prepared as a collector-facing companion to the Model 19 serial-number and .357 Magnum pages. Dash-number information should be confirmed against factory records and established Smith & Wesson references for high-value examples.

  • Roy G. Jinks, History of Smith & Wesson
  • Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation factory-letter guidance
  • Smith & Wesson collector catalogs and period product literature
  • Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson reference data
  • Author observations and collector notes from documented Model 19 examples