S&W did not offer the Model 19 with a 5" barrel and even knowing a factory rep who tried, Smith would not make one for me. I did the second best thing by having a S&W service center cut a 6" barrel, pin a new ramp sight. ( early sights were pinned) and after having a duty holster custom made I had my dream pistol. The pistol handled beautifully and would fire tiny little groups from seven to sixty yards on the PPC course, I carried it for some time when the semi auto craze hit and a Model 39 replaced the revolver in my holster.
A five inch is rhe perfect length for a Combat Magnum in my opinion but Smith apparently did not think the same.