Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this EXTREMELY RARE double-action revolver today for a penny-start auction; this is the Smith & Wesson 19-5 U.S. Government Contract!
This Smith & Wesson Model 19-5 U.S. Government Contract revolver is exceptionally rare due to its clearly documented institutional provenance and highly specific factory configuration. According to the factory letter, this example was shipped on December 15, 1986 directly to the U.S. Government Office of Finance & General Claims in Arlington, Virginia, confirming it was produced specifically for official government use rather than commercial sale. These contract revolvers were manufactured in very limited quantities, far fewer than standard commercial Model 19-5 production, and were built to precise specifications—including the 2.5-inch barrel, ramp front sight, glass bead blue finish, and checkered walnut round-butt grips—with later-added rubber grips noted as non-factory. Because most government-contract revolvers were issued, carried, and eventually rotated out of service, surviving examples with factory documentation are scarce, and short-barreled government-issued Model 19-5s are particularly difficult to encounter. When combined with the late-production K-frame lineage, confirmed government shipment, and intact factory letter, this revolver stands as a highly desirable and legitimately rare Combat Magnum with true institutional history.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson
Model: 19-5 - U.S. Government Contract
Serial: ANP5539
Date of Manufacture: 1986
Caliber: .357 Magnum
Finish: Glass Bead Blued
Barrel Length: 2.5"
Optics/Sights: Adjustable Rear w/ Serrated Ramped Fixed Front
Stock/Grips: Checkered Synthetic Pachmayr Compact Presentation Grips
Action: Double-Action
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Smith & Wesson Model 19-5 U.S. Government Contract revolver represents a late-production evolution of the legendary Combat Magnum, built on Smith & Wesson’s highly regarded K-frame and chambered in .357 Magnum. By the time of the 19-5 engineering change, Smith & Wesson had refined the platform through decades of law-enforcement and institutional feedback, resulting in a revolver known for excellent balance, durability, and a superb double-action trigger. The Model 19 was originally developed to provide magnum performance in a lighter, more controllable frame than the large N-frames, and it quickly became one of the most respected service revolvers of the 20th century. What elevates the 19-5 U.S. Government Contract above standard commercial examples is its institutional provenance. Revolvers produced under government contract were typically manufactured to specific specifications and intended for official use rather than civilian sale, resulting in comparatively limited production numbers. Many of these revolvers were issued, carried, and later rotated out of service, meaning surviving examples—especially those in high condition—are increasingly difficult to find. For collectors, a documented government-contract Model 19-5 combines the desirability of the classic Combat Magnum with the added historical significance of official service use. As interest continues to grow in traditional double-action revolvers tied to law-enforcement and government history, the Smith & Wesson 19-5 U.S. Government Contract stands out as a highly collectible example of peak-era American revolver production.
Contents:
Model: 19-5 - U.S. Government Contract
Serial: ANP5539
Date of Manufacture: 1986
Caliber: .357 Magnum
Finish: Glass Bead Blued
Barrel Length: 2.5"
Optics/Sights: Adjustable Rear w/ Serrated Ramped Fixed Front
Stock/Grips: Checkered Synthetic Pachmayr Compact Presentation Grips
Action: Double-Action
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Smith & Wesson Model 19-5 U.S. Government Contract revolver represents a late-production evolution of the legendary Combat Magnum, built on Smith & Wesson’s highly regarded K-frame and chambered in .357 Magnum. By the time of the 19-5 engineering change, Smith & Wesson had refined the platform through decades of law-enforcement and institutional feedback, resulting in a revolver known for excellent balance, durability, and a superb double-action trigger. The Model 19 was originally developed to provide magnum performance in a lighter, more controllable frame than the large N-frames, and it quickly became one of the most respected service revolvers of the 20th century. What elevates the 19-5 U.S. Government Contract above standard commercial examples is its institutional provenance. Revolvers produced under government contract were typically manufactured to specific specifications and intended for official use rather than civilian sale, resulting in comparatively limited production numbers. Many of these revolvers were issued, carried, and later rotated out of service, meaning surviving examples—especially those in high condition—are increasingly difficult to find. For collectors, a documented government-contract Model 19-5 combines the desirability of the classic Combat Magnum with the added historical significance of official service use. As interest continues to grow in traditional double-action revolvers tied to law-enforcement and government history, the Smith & Wesson 19-5 U.S. Government Contract stands out as a highly collectible example of peak-era American revolver production.
Contents:
This example will ship with the Factory-Original Smith & Wesson box, paperwork, and Factory Smith & Wesson Letter.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3-day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3-day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
Our #1 priority is customer satisfaction. We want to build a lasting trust in the relationship with our customers, so that you will always look to us for all your firearms needs. If you have any issues with your transactions please contact us, and we will work with you to resolve any issues you may have. We greatly appreciate your trust in us and we look forward to fulfilling all your future firearm needs.
Bryant Ridge also reserves the right to cancel any sales that may occur while gunbroker.com is experiencing technical issues that affects the entire site or a complete site outage, within an hour of the auction ending.
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About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection. 
Additional Information
GunbrokerLink: |
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1159913566 |
BidPrice: |
0.01 |
AuctionEndDate: |
2026-03-15 22:00:00 |
CurrentBid: |
1301 |
SoldOutTime: |
2026-03-15 18:25:57 |
