Offered here is a S&W prototype of a short barrel Model 19 DA revolver built on a pre-war K-22 Outdoorsman frame. The K-22 Outdoorsman host revolver was originally shipped on November 6, 1940, and delivered to Janney, Semple, Hill & Co. of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Although it lacks S&W service department markings, the gun was subsequently returned to the S&W factory and was rebuilt into a short barrel Model 19 prototype by talented S&W research and development employees. The K-22 Outdoorsman frame is mated to a Model 19 cylinder and barrel. In order to fit the barrel to the frame, the top strap was expertly reshaped and rounded. The grip frame was also reshaped and features a round butt. The inclusion of a round butt required the relocation of the serial number, which was applied to the front strap. The barrel was skillfully shortened to 3 inches and muzzle re-crowned and displays the roll markings for a longer length barrel. The revolver is fitted with pre-war sights. The .357 Registered Magnum hammer was bobbed and grooved. The revolver wears a set of highly figured bird's eye maple grips which were beautifully crafted by the S&W factory stocking department. For decades knowledgeable collectors have rightfully considered this revolver to be a prototype of a short barrel Model 19. The revolver was once owned by Charles "Trigger" McGowan. McGowan had a 50 plus year career at Smith & Wesson as a service department employee. His firearms collection contained S&W prototypes such as this revolver. Built on its K-frame, S&W introduced the Model 19 in 1957 and was quickly embraced by law enforcement agencies across the country. The model was originally available with a 4 inch barrel only, and 2 1/2 and 6 inch barrel lengths were offered later in production. Very few were manufactured with a 3 inch barrel. Provenance: The Charles "Trigger" McGown Collection; Property of a Gentleman

Very fine overall as a S&W prototype, retaining 97% plus of the factory blue finish with scattered handling marks and a cylinder drag line. Mechanically excellent. This is a great opportunity to acquire a piece to the S&W Model 19 legacy.