Hello. I'm considering selling an S&W revolver that I have. It's a snubnose 19-4 with pinned barrel and recessed cylinder. Serial 91K17XX. As I understand it, this was late in the 1980 production cycle.

Any opinions as to it's value?

She's wearing Ahrends grips made of Moradillo right now, but I do have some brand new S&W factory grips (new grips, not the original for the 19-4), as well as a Tyler T-Grip (in excellent/like new condition). I also have the Pachmayr Decelerator grips that it was wearing when I bought it (in good shape). So I guess the new owner could take the grips and decide what they like. I'd probably only add in a little extra for the Ahrends grips and the Tyler T-grip as apparently Tyler is now out of business.

Lock up is tight. Forcing cone is in perfect shape (I am aware of the issue with the 6 o'clock position, and have made sure only to fire 158gr rounds through it). Finish is 95%+ - only minor wear on the bluing on the front sight, the cylinder arm (very small) and of course where the cylinder turns.

I guess whatever amount I can expect to possibly get for it will determine if I put it up for sale.

Thanks for any opinions. Here's a picture, it's in great shape. Thanks for any insight you can provide!

I am not qualified to quote a value but the state that the gun is in can make a difference in what it will sell for. For instance, guns that are out of production can bring a higher price if they are presently in California because they can no longer be imported into California. Also the 2" S&W's are well sought after.

Here in fl, a friend gun shop owner had 3 19-3 LAPD revolvers never opened or fired in collector box. They had coin and key for box He wanted $300 each and they sat for months on end. Finally I think they sold. They were 6 inchers so that seems to be the death of them here. Too hard to conceal. I guess I am trying to say, part ot country, timing, desire, employment factor all add into equation. Be Safe. Fun hobby, you will never get rich though, in fact you know the rest.

I'm in Illinois. Thanks for the replies!

I’m going to sound a bit off here. Hold on to it for one huge reason. I don’t think you know what you have. Honest. That gun is pretty much the end of an era. You can find them fairly often on the used market so it isn’t that I’m trying to convince you that it is rare or anything, but in all seriousness it is one of those type guns that one day you will slap yourself for whatever amount of money you get for it. I bought my snub 19-4 and paid $450 for it. I have seen guys pay over $600 for them at gun shows. But I know one thing for sure. Mine is in the “from my cold dead hands” category of my firearms collection.

I just bought, off this board, a model 19-4 in 90-95% condition. It had box and papers. The seller wanted 550 plus 50 ship. I thought that was a bit high but the gun looked very nice in the pics. From the pics I thought it was 99% but I was not disappointed when I received it.

The issue I had with this sale is that the timing is off. The seller didnt know about this. I think the seller was an up and up guy.

I paid 575 shipped and he is giving me 45 back for the timing issue.

I probably paid 50-75 to much but The gun has box and papers and it is very nice.


4 inch BBL by the way

The timing issue is going to make me way under water with this gun. But this is one of thoses guns that wont get sold.

Life will go on.

Your viewpoint is one that I've felt growing in me for the past few days. I feel very strongly the same way about my H&R M1 Garand.

I am honestly torn between keeping this and not. I am someone who has always said that if I don't use a firearm, it's time to pass it along. This revolver is really making me reconsider that stance.

Some time back, I emailed S&W Service because the grips I'd ordered (which are pictured) didn't come with a grip screw. The reply was that they were sending out 2 screws, along with 2 pins for the butt of the revolver (the "bottom" pins, can't remember what they're called). Then the service guy said something interesting - that I had what in his opinion was one of the finest revolvers S&W had made, and to take good care of it. That kind of struck a chord with me.

So thanks for throwing out your feelings on the matter. It really is a beautiful revolver, and it's getting harder to think about letting it get away.

If nothing else, it's interesting to hear what she's worth monetarily.

I agree that this is one to hang on to. The 2 1/2" model 19 is one of my favorites. It has the old S&W quality fit, fine blueing, no MIM, no lock, forged trigger and hammer with nose pin, recessed cylinder, and pinned barrel. You can't buy new ones like that, and the old model 19's are just going to go up in value. I have seen nice ones 95% - 98% with no box sell for $550 - $600. You might regret selling it in a few years. Look what the prices of Pythons have done.

I was kind of hoping you would wander over here and fall under the influence of these guys.

As others have stated, there won't be anymore like yours, it's worth hanging on to.

Of course I may be somewhat biased. I own 3 Model 19's including this one.

Dammit, Iggy, I was setting 'cutter up for an offer of $451.99 after I posted on the "other" forum!

(justplayin'!)
oneathemfellersMike

I kinda figgered you was one of them fellers from over h'yar when I seen you was a collector of S&W and them other guns.

Anyway, mebbe we got that "cutter" feller talked into hangin' on to that ugly ol snub nosed six shooter.

i sold my 19-4, P&R 6" to a friend recently to pay a medical bill. He gave me a really fair price. My 19-4 was made in 1981 and I believe that is about the last year for P&R 19's.
Mine had a slick tuned action that was good as any and it was a great shooter, but not as attractive as yours. I should have sold something else!!! I regret doing it and like Colt Pythons they don't make 'em like that anymore. When I get back to work I intend to TRY to get it back even if I have to pay substantially more.... my mistake. Sleep on it for awhile, it's value will not go down, but up, over time. Blessings - Mikero

Iggy,

I hope I gave him a good argument to keep it, over yonder.
'cutter seems like an intelligent fellow with excellent taste, and besides, "takes one to know one"!

Mike

Mike,

My best argument was sendin' him here.

Iggy,

Well played, Sir!

Mike

If you don't use it but decide to keep it and tuck it away, I'd sell the rubber grip, the Ahrends and those late model factory stocks and find a nice set of correct magnas for that gun. The right stocks will run you $50 or less and you can pocket the rest. Put the T-grip on it and you've got a real classic in great shape.

I had a M19-3 and sold it. Sold it for more than I paid for it. Worse money I ever made. Took me two years to find the right M19 to purchase. Now, like others have said, it will be one of the last ones to leave my possession. Think about it.

Haha, I think you have ;-)

I spent a little time last night going over it.

I think I'm going to retire her from her HD role. If I had to use her I KNOW she would do her part...but I wouldn't want to part with it if i had to turn it over for evidence or something. I can certainly part with my Glock 19 and just go buy another in the interim, if I had to. The thought of ever having to use it for HD was what first started my thought process on getting rid of it, and getting something else I'd shoot.

Don't get me wrong, I know if I had to defend myself the last thing I'd be really worried about after that is what will happen to my S&W 19-4...but I have a feeling a Glock 19 would fare better being neglected in a police storage locker than a classic S&W revolver that's in beautiful shape.

I think I'll just take good care of her and tuck her away to take out on special range trips here and there

So, in that vein, just regular wipe downs with oil will keep her happy, yeah? I won't store her in a foam case or anything.

I'll take a look around for some magnas, great idea

If you guys keep this up, I may have to start looking for a Model 19.
The ones I see here on this thread look drop-dead....Great!
'cutter, that gun is a work of art, glad you'll hang on to it.
TACC1

Cutter,

There, we got you properly straightened out.

Keep it, shoot it, clean it, and enjoy it. That's what it was made for.

Keep it!!

IMHO it's worth $600 with the extra grips and adaptor.

Question - how can I ID a "correct" pair of magnas for my 19-4? Are there any characteristics I should be looking for? Many of them look very much alike. Thanks!

Can do!

I've been trying to get the Ahrends grips off, but obviously I don't want to damage them. They're on there really good. Any tips? I remember them "snapping" onto the revolver quite firmly when I installed them. And I don't see any spot where you could sort of pry them apart.

I bought this model 19-3 a couple months ago. No box but the seller shipped it to me in a wooded box, I think that he made. The gun is beautiful. I went back and forth with the seller, and ended up paying $450 shipped to my FFL. I think you should keep your 19, I made the mistake of selling a few and I am very pleased with this one. This one is a keeper.

The magnas you have in your photo are the current version S&W is using. These are outsourced plasticated/laminated stocks without metal locating washers on the reverse they started using in the 21st century. Ideally, you'll find a set of '80s-era factory K-frame round butt magnas with silver locating washers on the backside and without a serial number (I believe they stopped serializing stocks by the time your gun was produced). You want something like these:

Thanks, I think I found some grips that would work. I like the idea of having a set of grips that matches (pretty much) the timeframe of when it was made. The laminated ones definitely aren't as nice as a set of real walnut grips.

I did order some grips from Sarco Inc sometime back for $6, the description for them was S&W GI walnut round butt grips, from Model 10's. They're in okay shape, but condition-wise wouldn't match up with my revolver. Also one of the washers is black, but the other is silver? Is that just a mismatched set of grips, or is there a reason they'd be different?

That would be a mismatched set.

'cutter,

Don't go pryin' on the grips, you will mar either the beautiful gun or the beautiful grips - or both!
You can back the screw out some and gently tap the screwhead with the plastic screwdriver handle to "pop" the offside grip loose, or you can e-mail Kim Ahrends (I know his grips fit "gootntite") for his recommendation. I have found Kim and Judy to be very responsive.

Personally, I go 'tother way -- I will pull factory grips on a quality gun and place them in a zip-lock marked with the gun's I.D. and use the (still manufactured) replacement grips for everyday wear n' tear use.
Original K/L frame S&W magna grips are easy to find.

Good Luck,
Mike

A few months ago this board encouraged me to buy a 19-3 that I saw in a gun shop, but did not know much about. Money well spent, I appreciated the advice I got here. I aint selling her either. They are beautiful revolvers.

Attached Images

Model19 004.jpg (78.5 KB, 60 views)

I have a 19-5 which I intend to hang on to as long as I can. It's almost as easy to pocket carry as a J-Frame and quite a bit easier than an L-Frame.



I have a small track on the 2-1/2 inch Model 19:

Smith & Wesson Model 19 2-1/2 inch barrel. Revolver in .357 Magnum,.38 Special, Plus . Bluebook of Gun Values (32nd Edition) indicates between $325 in 95% condition and $550 in 100% condition for this gun. I have 27 recorded prices for this model gun from $395 to $795 over a period of 4 Yrs 2 Mos ending June 22, 2011. The average price as of that date was $531. No refurbs, no refinishes, regular sights. All represented as 95% or better. No distinction for engineering revision, if any, no special editions, no distinctions for box, papers, tools. Current or last MSRP is $457.

I don't have a particularly high data count Average Price Trend Chart for this but I think it's safe to say the snubby 19 is increasing in popularity and the average price is trending upward.

The monthly count seems to be increasing, too, probably to take advantage of prices being obtained. That could be good news or bad news depending on whether or not the model remains in demand. Either way, prices will almost certainly increase for a while.

Here's the chart:



Note the Average Price Trend as of June was about $540. I'd have more confidence in that if there were more data points, so I'd say that was high by as much as $40 for the average. Better examples of the model would command higher prices, especially with box, papers, etc.

__________________
Bob

Ahrends grips are very easy to remove if you know how. Right behind the trigger loop you will see a lip. I set a rag over the frame and loop. Then I take a slotted/flat head screw driver and put the edge under the lip of the wood behind the trigger loop. Gently use a lever motion with the screw driver by pushing down on the handle which will push on the wood lip with the trigger loop acting as a fulcrum. The wood should lift up and pop out. They are fit real tight sometimes and that is why they shouldn't be popped on and off all the time. They will begin to losen up with regular removal and being put back on. I love mine and think they are one of the best designs out there for shooting. The original magnas may look good and be factory correct but without a grip adapter I don't think they work at all. With a grip adapter they are usable but I so much prefer the Ahrends that I just put the magnas in bags and toss them in the back of the bin.

Iggy - those cocobolos are making me drool a little.

I was thinking about selling mine last year but, on a tip, lettered it instead. Turns out it was one of 50 shipped to the State Department in March 1980. Serial is 80K84xx, probably just a bit older than yours.
My vote is to hang on to it.
Craig...

My dad told me one day he had bought a 357 from his cousin for a couple hundred. I asked him if he knew what is was as I expected a Rossi or Taurus for what he paid...and he said he thought it was a Smith.

Not only that..he told me it was shiny and not blued. Then he also told me he had it sold to another guy...well thankfully not long after that guy sold it back to me dad and I have it now.

So it is a 19-4 nickel snub that I plan to keep in the family as long as I am part of it. There is only one finish spot on the cylinder (looks as though it was in contact with something for a prolonged period of time) otherwise it is fine shape.

It is always interesting to see these old threads and what prices were like only 5 years ago.....

I have the Combat 19/357/ 6" barrel.
Just last week @ a Gun Show we were talkin about
it. they Q me about $500.00 ( Original Box also. Can't talk about box. some Mgr. here gets upset) I paid $208.00
it dates 1974.
Condition good to better then good.
Its been in 45 States, used from hunting to target shooting
Most reliable, I still shoot it once , twice week. Also picked
up a XL Hunter 357 to install a scope. ( can't on the 19)
Trouble is the 19 is more accurate then the Hunter.
Its my 1st civilian handgun. I would never sell it.

__________________
NRA Life VVA Life USN Seawolfs

Wow ......old thread........looking at the prices I was thinking how things have changed......... 25 years ago I bought a new 3 inch 66-3 for IIRC $270 out the door......with a nice action polish job included!!!! So figure the gun was about $225.......

Liked it so much bought a second........

flash forward to 2000 ...... decided I really needed to have a 4inch 19/66....figured I'd just stop in at a LGS and grab one....... none, zip, nada to be found ............. anywhere....................took me several years to "accumulate" the 19/66s I wanted ......even got another 3" 66-4 for $325!!!!!



can't remember the last one I saw in a LGS.........at least 4/5 years.

I recently picked up a nice 19-2 blued snub. Checked the serial & found out it was made in 1966, which according to the SCSW was the first year of regular production of the 2.5 inch barrel. Needless to say it is a keeper-and a very handy shooter! And as 5Wire mentioned above, they are almost as handy as a J-frame.

Agreed 100%, I sold a 66-1 combat that I've regretted ever since.

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

Here's an update on the used price chart to add emphasis to your observation...

__________________
Bob

uploadfromtaptalk1467571494685.jpg

While we're here. Got this 19-5 on layaway. Got price knocked down by 50 bucks as red ramp was missing. Easy fix but does anybody have pictures of neon
Lime green or yellow inserts.
With older eyes I'm looking at a move that way when it gets out of jail.? Oh yes $750 as is.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk

Zombie thread - I got about 5 posts into it and saw "bought one for $450" and "probably overpaid at $575".

Amazing what 5 years will do to the going rate, eh?

Jim

Where did you get that chart?

just this friday, i passed on a 2-1/2 " model 19-5 at a shop in western PA. very clean, barely a turn line, but wearing cheap rubbers.....price was $399.95 ...also had a model 28 for the same price.....now i'm thinking i should drive back up there.

__________________
Robert
SWCA #2906, SWHF #760

Uh, yah. Buy both and you can double your money on each!

Made it in Excel from data collected over the years. Takes about 30 minutes.

__________________
Bob