New to this forum and browsing gunbroker.com myself by recommendation of my local gun shop clerk. There's a 19-5 nickel-plated model on auction right now. I'm pretty stoked about it. It's almost 1/2 what you paid, however
. Sorry to break the bad news. Current bid is $410. Description reads:
"Smith and Wesson Model 19-5 .357 mag Nickel finish, 4in. barrel, large wooden grips numbered 34, 6-shot. Overall good condition. Has many small scratches and has a faint drag line on the cylinder. However, a good cleaning would make this gun shine like new! Mechanically perfect!"
So, I'm looking at a bit of a beat up gun externally, it sounds like, but mechanically sound. What do you guys think? I'm planning on customizing it with engraving and ivory grips so I'm okay with the scratches mentioned. I've never bought a gun online but I really want a 19 model and nickel-plate.