The is an iconic .357 Magnum revolver built on the company's famous medium K-frame. Produced from 1982 to 1988 , the "-5" engineering revision marks an important historical milestone: it was the first iteration of the Model 19 where Smith & Wesson eliminated the pinned barrel and recessed cylinder to streamline manufacturing.

: Earlier iterations featured individual counterbores (recesses) so that the cartridge rims sat flush with the rear face of the cylinder. The Model 19-5 dropped this feature; the cartridge rims sit directly against a flat cylinder face.

This guide will walk you through finding, interpreting, and recording your Smith & Wesson serial numbers, as well as maintaining the firearm’s integrity.