I'm supposed to look at a M19 2" this afternoon. The seller said it's stainless but that can't be right, stainless version is the M66. So I'm thinking it has the Armaloy (sp?) finish.

Could anyone give some insight on this model and a estimated value?

Thanks!

Kind of hard to say without knowing just what it is and what the condition is. Generally these sell for $500 to $650 (and more if LNIB) if in very good condition but with a possible after market finish I don't know.
I was lucky enough to find one locally for $350 that is pretty nice and I carry it some. If it is some kind of refinish (most likely) it kind of comes down to how bad you want it.
Not much help I know but there it is.

Armoloy was an extremly hard, durable and corrosion resistant finish. I believe it was an electroless application as well. However it was easily distinguishable from stainless. I did not like the appearance.

On the other hand, properly applied industrial hard chrome is almost a dead ringer for stainless steel. For most people it takes two side by side to tell the hard chrome item is not stainless

If the plating job was done to increase the corrosion resistance of the firearm, the value is greater in my mind than if the job was done because the original finish was worn or damaged.

A firearm with an aftermarket finish is going to be less desireable to most people and going to appreciate in value slower than one with it's original finish intact.

A 2 1/2" model 19 has always been a favorite of mine. This is obviously going to be a shooter and not something collectible.

Depending on condition both mechanically and cosmetically, type of grips, and availability of the box and paperwork, I would pay between $300 and $500 for a shooter snub nosed model 19 that was not a factory finish.

If it's a M- 19 it will have a 2 1/2" barrel and a blued finish, it will not be stainless steel. The easiest way to determine the correct model number is to check on the yoke.

If, as you believe it is a refinished M-19 its' only value is for a shooter grade revolver, and there is nothing wrong with that.

As smarter folks than myself have suggested before, believe the gun not the story about the gun..

Or maybe it's simply a nickel M-19, which are common, and the seller mistakes that for stainless.

Here is a 19-4 2 1/2" with an industrial hard chrome "Metaloy" finish. it wears like iron, I also have a 1911 I had the frame metaloyed over 25 years ago, and used in competition a lot and it still looks great. I will let you all determine if the value has been reduced by the refinish.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

I had a model 19-2 1/2 inch Armoloyed somewhere around 1973-74. I also had a Colt 1911 A1 Armoloyed at the same time. Regrettably I traded the S&W for a rifle around 1980. I was very impressed with the finish and at the time they stated it was used on the nose cones of rockets( I can't verify this). Both my weapons were coated inside and out--it was a complete coating. You may want to check this. I cannot give you an idea on price. You will need to determine that. I am going to attach a photo of my 45 so you can compare the finish(at least I hope I can)
P.S. My 45 was in the safe--it is getting dirty--I will give it a good cleaning. Thanks for a reminder

Attached Images

	45 001.jpg (66.4 KB, 59 views)
	45 002.jpg (92.1 KB, 58 views)
	45 004.jpg (58.6 KB, 54 views)

Excuse my spelling--should be Armaloyed...Well it sounds the same!!!!

Bingo. The 19 2" I looked at today is nickel. Oh well.....

Mikey, your "Oh well" seems to indicate you did not buy it... ?

I didn't buy it, yet. But I'm thinking about it. I'm just not a fan of nickel plating.

But I did a major score by buying a Lew Horton M24-3 in the box from him today.

These finishes are hard chrome which is an electro-plated coating.
Various companies offering it often use brand names like Armoloy, Metaloy, Metalife, etc, but it's all hard chrome.

Hard chrome is still the best all around gun finish.

I really think you ought to buy the nickel 19. If you hate it, sell it here. Put it up for trade and you might get some interesting offers!

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Even older, even crankier....

Do ya want a collectors item/safe queen/investment , or do ya want an excellent carry SD revolver that ya don't have to worry about getting all scratched up?

It was a duty weapon so it does have wear and tear, and a few chips in the nickel plating. Magna grips in sad shape. Mechanically sound though.

I did make an offer, on this and a M19 4" blued that has a lot of wear but sound. He's thinking about it.

I still have a mod 19-1 I carried in jungle/humid wet conditions for a couple years. It is an early 70s vintage, was armoloyed when new, and still looks as new....... JST