This past weekend I purchased this 19-3 for $450 at a local gun show. I was actually on the hunt for a specific 686, but when I ran across this it was hard to pass up.

It was pretty dirty when I purchased it and it had some really ****** aftermarket grips installed. Once I got her home, cleaned her up and put a nice set of grips on she looks 100% better.

On thing though is there is some minor pitting and one small spot that is a little bigger. You can see it on the pic.



It's functionally sound and locks up tight, so it's just an aesthetic thing. I'm thinking of contacting S&W and having her re-nickeled even though I'd never get my moneys worth back in the end. I almost never sell a gun, so this is more for me then anything else.

Just wondering what you folks think about doing this.

You're going to get lots of opinions with this question, trust me . My guess is those areas of finish damage were probably due to moisture trapped at or near rubber grips.

Personally, I would make sure there is no corrosion forming in those areas, wax and not worry about it. However, as you know the only way to restore it to 100% is a complete refinish. Good luck in your decision, and enjoy!

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Those grips look good on that short barreled 19. Nice choice. That would make a great carry piece. An option would be to save the $$ and put it toward your next purchase (the 686). Or, get it refinished....whatever decision is best for you.
The advice on this board regarding this kind of subject is about worth what you paid for it. Good luck.

Don't listen to those other guys. Just kidding. More knowledge here than any of us could accumulate in a lifetime. Take the opinions given to bolster your own. Beautiful gun. Great grips. I agree find cost put that toward that 686. I have a 686-4 2 1/2 inch I will not trade. I also have a snub 19-3 blue that is not perfect but is a blast to shoot. The only truly valuable advice is............. more guns!

My opinion is that most people who like revolvers but are not die hard S&W purists are not going to mind about a refinish on a gun if it is done the right way. I think only the purist would not buy this gun if it was refinished correctly. Actually I bet down the road you would probably get your money back on it. I also bet most people would not know if it was refinished anyways if it was professionally done.

James

Think of that blemish as a beauty mark. After a while, you'll be comfortable with it, and a re-finish will seem silly. I've paid a lot more for guns in far worse condition. You've got a good shootin' buddy there.

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Why, I aughta.....

Marks on nickel finishes , for the most of us... can't be removed by Nu-finish scratch remover or, "Maas, Simichrome, Flitz, or the less famous, Wenol (German) all metal polishes .
They all help, used judiciously....The problem is, some tarishishing goes through the copper underplate. At $ 400 small, keep it as clean as possible, use Rennaissance wax to keep it from getting worse. Please spend all extra moneys for it ,on ammo and ....enjoy.... as you hone your skill.

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Dino in Pittsburgh's Rat Pack

The two rules that I have learned about this forum;

All S&W's regardless of condition and number manufacture are collectable.


Any modification to the gun destroys the afore mentioned "collectors value."

I have had Smith renickel 2 guns and I am most satisfied with both and have never looked back. The 58 is so nice, I can't shoot it.

If you don't mind me asking, how much did it cost you to have one re-nickeled?

If you're going to keep it, fawn over it, baby it and safe it -- and truly enjoy the aesthetics of a flawless nickel finish -- send it S&W and get it done.

If you have any intention of putting this nice snubby to use, leave it be, take reasonable care of it, shoot it, carry it, practice your draw with it, run courses with it, etc -- and worry not that you might be undermining a perfect finish because someone already politely did that for you ever so slightly, and now you can truly enjoy the thing without wrecking your peace of mind.

Nothing makes for a safe queen faster than a nice finish.

If you are going to carry/use/shoot it, I would not spend the money to refinish it.

IF I wanted a perfect gun to collect, I would not refinish IT either, I would look until I found the "perfect" collectable Mod 19...