Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > Smith & Wesson Revolvers > S&W Revolvers: 1961 to 1980
o

Notices

S&W Revolvers: 1961 to 1980 3-Screw PINNED Barrel SWING-OUT Cylinder Hand Ejectors WITH Model Numbers


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 09-23-2010, 11:22 PM
4D5 4D5 is offline
Member
Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2 Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2 Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2 Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2 Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2  
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Carson Valley, NV
Posts: 316
Likes: 2
Liked 364 Times in 102 Posts
Question Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2

Well I was a one of my favorite local pawn shops recently an saw this very sad S&W model 19-2 pinned and recessed four inch bull barrel blued (well some blued). It was priced ~ $475 which would be a good price provided it be actually cosmetically ok. Mechanically it checked out good.

The finish is bare metal on half the cylinder and most of the frame and it has muzzle wear on the sides. The sides of the frame behind the cylinder actually felt pretty rough. Looks like it was bleed all over or has citrus drink spilled on it. At this point I didn’t bother to pull the grips (diamond) thinking there might be more bargaining power there. The case hardened hammer has quite a bit of rust on it, however I think it would clean up ok.

So I decided it might make it a good project gun figuring I’d be able to get it in the neighborhood of ~ $200. Well I went prepared to bargain with similar references in hand for like specimens in good condition. I spoke with the owner, on good terms with him because I’m a preferred customer He runs the numbers and says it could be mine for $347

I said at best it’s only worth $200 as it needs refinish and a little fix on the end shake, easily $300. Well no joy, he held firm and I said it’ll have to stay there because we aren’t even close.

So I’m looking for thoughts if I am in the ball park. I may be in a better position after it languishes there for a while. But for now it’s still looking for a new owner.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 09-23-2010, 11:28 PM
dnonac's Avatar
dnonac dnonac is offline
Member
Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2 Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2 Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2 Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2 Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2  
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Baytown Texas
Posts: 876
Likes: 297
Liked 307 Times in 70 Posts
Default

Sometimes, you just have to walk away. I guarantee there will be others.

That said....I have a tough time walking away too.


Craig...
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 09-23-2010, 11:41 PM
jglsprings's Avatar
jglsprings jglsprings is offline
Member
Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2 Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2 Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2 Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2 Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2  
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 306
Likes: 463
Liked 324 Times in 92 Posts
Default

I picked this guy up for $350.00...





It's my current "winter project" gun. It's pretty beat up finish wise. Mechanically SOLID.

I probably paid to much. But, I'm happy with the pistol. How does your pistol compare?

Last edited by jglsprings; 09-23-2010 at 11:44 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 09-23-2010, 11:43 PM
Art Doc's Avatar
Art Doc Art Doc is offline
SWCA Member
Absent Comrade
Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2 Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2 Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2 Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2 Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2  
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: The kidney of Dixie.
Posts: 10,509
Likes: 49
Liked 13,409 Times in 3,290 Posts
Default

I wouldn't give $200 for it unless I could live with it as is.

This would be #21 of my 99 FAQs.


Restoring or rebuilding guns.

21. If you are asking about refinishing a worn looking gun or rebuilding a beater gun, in the vast majority of cases the cost will exceed the value of the finished product. Just rebluing a revolver will run $250 or more by the time you add shipping costs and refinishing the gun will actually lower its value in most instances. If the gun is an heirloom, or has some special meaning, and you want it looking like new and the cost be damned then go for it. But most times refinishing a gun is not economically feasible.
__________________
No life story has happy end.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 09-24-2010, 12:27 AM
4D5 4D5 is offline
Member
Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2 Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2 Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2 Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2 Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2  
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Carson Valley, NV
Posts: 316
Likes: 2
Liked 364 Times in 102 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by jglsprings View Post
I picked this guy up for $350.00...

It's my current "winter project" gun. It's pretty beat up finish wise. Mechanically SOLID.

I probably paid to much. But, I'm happy with the pistol. How does your pistol compare?
Well it's about the same category I'd say. My idea was for a "winter project gun" as well.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 09-24-2010, 12:32 AM
JSR III's Avatar
JSR III JSR III is offline
SWCA Member
Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2 Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2 Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2 Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2 Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Massachusetts USA
Posts: 9,575
Likes: 3,695
Liked 8,924 Times in 3,545 Posts
Default

I have a book on rebluing that I will either rent to you or photocopy pages for you for only $100. This way you can learn how to reblue the gun yourself and the total investment will still be in the ballpark.
__________________
James Redfield
LM #497
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 09-24-2010, 12:33 AM
4D5 4D5 is offline
Member
Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2 Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2 Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2 Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2 Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2  
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Carson Valley, NV
Posts: 316
Likes: 2
Liked 364 Times in 102 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by SaxonPig View Post
I wouldn't give $200 for it unless I could live with it as is.

This would be #21 of my 99 FAQs.


Restoring or rebuilding guns.

21. If you are asking about refinishing a worn looking gun or rebuilding a beater gun, in the vast majority of cases the cost will exceed the value of the finished product. Just rebluing a revolver will run $250 or more by the time you add shipping costs and refinishing the gun will actually lower its value in most instances. If the gun is an heirloom, or has some special meaning, and you want it looking like new and the cost be damned then go for it. But most times refinishing a gun is not economically feasible.

I'm kid of that same mindset however, my thoughts were, if I scored it for ~$200, to bead blast it and do a electroless nickel finish myself (under $100 total). Granted it won't be like from the pro's but it would be saved and put in good serviceable condition and I'd have a project gun complete for ~ $350.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 09-24-2010, 12:36 AM
4864 4864 is offline
Member
Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2 Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2 Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2 Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2 Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2  
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,057
Likes: 1
Liked 54 Times in 20 Posts
Default

For $347 I would buy it, clean up the rust, shoot it and enjoy it.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 09-24-2010, 02:01 AM
MR. IHC MR. IHC is offline
US Veteran
Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2 Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2  
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: upstate, ny
Posts: 166
Likes: 1
Liked 5 Times in 2 Posts
Default

i just bought a nice 19-3 from gander mtn. for 299, with box and tools. if that helps. had a little stock damage and some holster wear, but what a nice gun over all. thes sell pretty cheap around here. they had 3 other 19's for 250 apiece, but they were 4" and i wanted six.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 09-24-2010, 02:56 AM
murphydog's Avatar
murphydog murphydog is offline
Moderator
Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2 Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2 Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2 Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2 Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2  
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 26,785
Likes: 938
Liked 18,878 Times in 9,241 Posts
Default

It sounds as though you have the skills to rehab the gun at relatively low cost - but $347 in the condition stated, no. Perhaps e-mail Mr. IHC and get one of the $250 ones he saw .
__________________
Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 09-24-2010, 09:27 AM
gunlovingirl's Avatar
gunlovingirl gunlovingirl is offline
Member
Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2 Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2 Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2 Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2 Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2  
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: MI
Posts: 6,305
Likes: 922
Liked 870 Times in 256 Posts
Default

My opinion, for what it's worth, you did right by walking away.
__________________
Misty
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 09-24-2010, 09:45 AM
Scary Gary Scary Gary is offline
Member
Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2 Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2 Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2 Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2 Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2  
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Aloha Oregon
Posts: 235
Likes: 5
Liked 34 Times in 19 Posts
Default

Sounds like walking away was the right thing to do but for me that's easier said then done. Keep an eye on it and keep letting them know that you have $200.00 bucks for it. I get bummed out when I think I have missed out on a once in a lifetime gun deal just to pick up a better gun at half the price three weeks later.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 09-24-2010, 09:59 AM
Odessaman Odessaman is offline
Member
Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2 Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2 Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2 Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2 Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2  
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Florida
Posts: 75
Likes: 3
Liked 17 Times in 8 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Scary Gary View Post
Keep an eye on it and keep letting them know that you have $200.00 bucks for it.
I agree with this advice. See if he still values it at his price in 60 or 90 days. Eventually, he'll probably realize this isn't the one he's going to retire off of, and that he needs room in the case for a piece that he can actually make money on.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 09-24-2010, 10:03 AM
cavscout684's Avatar
cavscout684 cavscout684 is offline
Member
Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2 Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2 Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2 Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2 Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2  
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default

If you can't throw down the money that the dealer wants its best to forget about it. Thing is, gun stores will let those things sit for a long time before they will let it go for under what they paid (most likely he's trying to make 50 bucks off the deal meaning he probably bought it for around 300). If its still sitting there in 6 months he might let it go at cost.

PS I work for a local gun store, I swear I'm not just talking out my butt!
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 09-24-2010, 10:10 AM
roaddog28's Avatar
roaddog28 roaddog28 is offline
Member
Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2 Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2 Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2 Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2 Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2  
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Escondido, CA
Posts: 1,147
Likes: 185
Liked 214 Times in 72 Posts
Default

Hi,
I agree with others about you walking away. The revolver is not worth more than $200. Sometime back I went in to a gun shop and saw two S&W revolvers that needed a lot of work. One was a 19-4 6 inch and a 36 no dash. The 19-4 had rust on two places on the cylinder and a little rust spots on the right side plate. The 36 was in worst condition with rust on alot of the revolver. I looked at both and checked the bore and I could not see any rust or pitting. After much bargaining I bought both. The 19-4 6 inch cost me $219 plus fees total $269. The 36 cost $99 plus fees total $138.
Bottom line, as much as you might want to buy a gun at a shop over paying for a revolver that is not in great condition is wasting money. Some of these gun shops and pawn shops think they can now ask insane prices for poor condition guns.
Its better to be patience and wait for a fair deal. Here is my 19-4 after I cleaned the revolver. It turned out ok. The 36 I am about ready to reblue the revolver.
Howard
Reply With Quote
  #16  
Old 09-24-2010, 11:24 AM
deanodog deanodog is offline
US Veteran
Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2 Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2 Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2 Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2 Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2  
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: KY
Posts: 3,568
Likes: 4,479
Liked 1,189 Times in 509 Posts
Default

Here are two that I bought for just over 200 but I didn't do anything to them. I just shoot them. The model 36 has been pocket carried and skinned up and the model 15 was not properly stored and has some pits on it.


It's hard to walk away sometimes.
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 09-24-2010, 11:40 AM
clang444 clang444 is offline
US Veteran
Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2 Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2  
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: IL
Posts: 1,854
Likes: 1,023
Liked 3,574 Times in 954 Posts
Default

Last year I bought a Nickel 19-3 with a 6" barrel in a Presentation Case for $325. Both gun and Case are darn near NIB.

No need to think too hard about the gun, visit some local gun shows to help take your mind off it.
__________________
My sgntr is mor thn 30 chrctrs
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 09-24-2010, 12:09 PM
Scary Gary Scary Gary is offline
Member
Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2 Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2 Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2 Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2 Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2  
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Aloha Oregon
Posts: 235
Likes: 5
Liked 34 Times in 19 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by cavscout684 View Post
If you can't throw down the money that the dealer wants its best to forget about it. Thing is, gun stores will let those things sit for a long time before they will let it go for under what they paid (most likely he's trying to make 50 bucks off the deal meaning he probably bought it for around 300). If its still sitting there in 6 months he might let it go at cost.

PS I work for a local gun store, I swear I'm not just talking out my butt!
That's a good point as well. I frequent the local gun shops here and I usually only buy used. I always try to talk them down. But sometimes it just is what it is. I once talked a local mom & pop gun shop down on a gun and later found out that they had only made $30.00 on the deal. I felt bad and I can't figure out how they would stay in business making me deals like that. And if they are willing to hold a gun for me till I can come up with the money I don't even try to talk them down.
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 09-24-2010, 02:49 PM
geneboy's Avatar
geneboy geneboy is offline
Member
Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2 Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2 Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2 Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2 Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2  
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Pittsburgh Pa.
Posts: 124
Likes: 11
Liked 10 Times in 5 Posts
Default

nice gun, way to much money. if you could get it cheaper- tr gun kote(professionally done) would make it great for carry
__________________
The absence of pain is...death
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 09-25-2010, 11:00 PM
Nframe_is_no1 Nframe_is_no1 is offline
Member
Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2  
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Posts: 766
Likes: 50
Liked 1,207 Times in 177 Posts
Default

I would say you are definitely in the ball park. That shop owner is completely out of his mind for a gun in the condition described. I've picked up near new 19s for $350 and a 6" with minor holster wear for $299.
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 09-25-2010, 11:36 PM
Bat Guano Bat Guano is offline
Member
Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2 Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2 Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2  
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Wyoming
Posts: 3,260
Likes: 1,224
Liked 2,526 Times in 1,043 Posts
Default

Pretty hard to come out on a project gun unless you can do almost everything by yourself or work a deal with a friend. Shipping is getting to be pricey and a factory refinish on a 19 is around $200 last I knew. At the moment I have a decent holster worn, $250 Model 19 into S&W for endshake, etc.; but I got a real break on shipping and don't plan to get it refinished.

Good deals are where you find them. Buying in haste hasn't worked out well for me, whereas stubborn patience and persistence has.

God grant me patience and grant it NOW.
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 09-28-2010, 10:43 AM
Chop's Avatar
Chop Chop is offline
Member
Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2 Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2 Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2 Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2 Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2  
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Wyoming/Alabama
Posts: 492
Likes: 88
Liked 287 Times in 88 Posts
Default

I have two Smiths I rescued. One was a 24-3, 3". Finish was bad, rear sight was missing and one of the combat grips was cracked. Paid $375. Had S & W refinish it, new rear sight, and a member here on the forum sold me a used set of combat grips. Have a little over $650. in it now. Not sure if it was a good investment, but I have had it for nearly 12 years and put a lot of rounds through it. Second was a 36-6 Full lug. Someone had carried it as a Belly/Court gun and the finish was a mess. Sent it to S & W for a refinish and also had them put on red ramp and w/o sights. Have well over $600 in it. Perhaps not a good investment but again I have had it for several years.
Both were kind of un-common revolvers that I did not see for sale often. Guess if you have the money, why not. Its only money, you will earn some more.
Chop
__________________
MSG US Army
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 09-30-2010, 09:59 AM
Snowbandit Snowbandit is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 531
Likes: 1
Liked 53 Times in 22 Posts
Default

Often guns with extreme rust issues in unusual patterns are suicide guns. Blood plays hell with bluing.
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 09-30-2010, 11:46 PM
Scary Gary Scary Gary is offline
Member
Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2 Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2 Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2 Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2 Thoughts on a sad S&W 19-2  
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Aloha Oregon
Posts: 235
Likes: 5
Liked 34 Times in 19 Posts
Default

I can vouch for that. I picked up a Mod.10 that has deep rust putting on the left side . And other things have me believing that it was only fired once and then sealed in an evidence bag.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
650, bull barrel, endshake, model 15, model 19, presentation, recessed, rrwo, s&w

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
M&P 40C, what're your thoughts? gunny4053 Smith & Wesson M&P Pistols 72 08-15-2015 08:34 PM
New M&P 40c - thoughts? SpartanZeroOne Smith & Wesson M&P Pistols 6 02-21-2015 08:42 AM
Your thoughts on this 38/44 HD? Elkins45 S&W Hand Ejectors: 1896 to 1961 24 07-09-2013 10:50 PM
Thoughts on value? 52-2 WNC Seabee Smith & Wesson Semi-Auto Pistols 6 04-24-2013 09:31 AM
A few thoughts... walkin jack The Lounge 1 12-18-2012 06:08 PM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 10:01 PM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)