The Smith & Wesson Model 19 was an 'upgrade' of the very popular Smith & Wesson Model 15 (which was the Model 10 with adjustable sights). With the advent of the more powerful .357 Magnum round, Smith & Wesson offered a newer version of the Model 15, beefed up to take the then new cartridge of the time. The .357 Magnum Model 19 was adopted by many law enforcement (and some military), however, budgetary concerns and 'political considerations' kept the traditional .38 revolvers such as the Model 10 & Model 15s in service for a long time, concurrent with the active usage of the Model 19.
The Smith & Wesson Model 19 revolver and variants have been seen in the following films, television shows and anime used by the following actors:
