Just curious about opinions of the model 19 Tx Ranger and knife combo in the Tx Ranger wooden display case. I've been told that these sets don't sell well - but to me they are a very attractive set. I picked one up about a year ago for $650- there isn't even a turn line on the cylinder and it has deep rich blueing - no wear at all visible and the knife looks brand new. So tell me--whats not to like about this beautiful S&W ?

Most Commemeratives do not sell well.

I think that the FBI Model 27 and the Texas Ranger Model 19 are probably the exceptions.

Personally I love mine








Of the 10,000 Model 19 Texas Ranger Commemoratives produced. 2,000 were the model 50104 without the knife. The remaining 8,000 all shipped with a matching serial numbered knife. Of those 8,000, 7,950 of them were the standard model 50101. The remaining 50 revolvers were the Deluxe, master engraved model 50102

I too love the TR packages (I own three or four of the sets) and find the finish to be nicer than the run of the mill 19's, plus I think the unique features (smooth wide trigger, cut away trigger guard, smooth back strap, smooth cut away target stocks, etc.) make them special to own - plus they look so dang cool.







I do however, notice that they sell a bit slower than some of their pristine non-TR model 19 counterparts. Beats me as to why???

__________________
Richard
Engraved S&W fan

The TR sets are very nice, but in general, commemoratives do not sell very well once the few collectors who want them acquire one for their collection.

Bill

As with most S&W commeratives, they made too many. There aren't 15,000 TR collectors out there. Employees bought the sets for under $500.00. You can still buy a set for around $600.00 to $700.00.
I bought a set from an employee for $350.00. Sold it to a fellow SWCA member.

__________________
Don Mundell

By the way. I know the S&W employee that ground down the trigger guards. He showed me his work order. He did just over 20,000 frames. So, you may find a plain jane Model 19 or any other K Frame Target with a TR trigger guard.

__________________
Don Mundell

I remember when they came out. Very nice. Unfortunately, I was 21, and a fairly poor college student and could not acquire the one I saw in a gun shop in North Hollywood, California. Have seen many for sale since accumulating some small semblance of wealth but am waiting to find the right one.... Have tried to decide between a "shooter" (one thats been fired) and an unfired one. I suppose I could get one of each but just haven't seen one yet that gets me there.... Maybe one day soon! They are quite the revolver in my estimation. Cannot beat a Model 19, in any form!!!

You have a few years on me......This is the revolver that started my passion for S&Ws.

I was in Lew Horton's shop in MA looking at one of the engraved Texas Ranger Commemeratives in the case. I did not yet own any handguns (I was 12). I told the salesman that I wanted that revolver. He told me not to worry that S&W was making 10,000 of them.

As I got older I learned the tragic news that S&W was not making 10,000 of the beautiful engraved revolver I had seen, but 10,000 overall. Most of them being standard revolvers. Only 50 of the Master Engraved Deluxe Texas Rangers were commissioned.

When I was old enough to buy a handgun, I began my quest to find one of those 50. It took me 12 years, but I finally found one for sale and was allowed to put it on Lay-A-Way.

I took every extra job I could to get that piece paid off and into my possession as fast as possible.

To this day, I absolutely enjoy going into my study and just looking at it.

I could not agree with you more. An interesting note - I was speaking with Tom Freyburger, (an engraver at S&W during the TR production time period) who told me that he engraved the Texas Ranger star on the side plate of the engraved Model 19's (he could not remember how many he did). I have looked at 5 or 6 of the 50 engraved guns and although the engraving on each of them is distinctively different, the Texas Star looks to be the same (give or take small differences) - consistent with Tom's claim that he engraved the star. I am a fan of Mr. Freyburger engraved guns and I smile and think of him each time I pull out my engraved TR.

__________________
Richard
Engraved S&W fan

I bought a new one when they first came out. Never fired it, kept it for well over 30 years and sold it to a member of this site about 5 years ago. Wish I hadnt. Dont know what I did with the money and dont have the gun either. Years ago I had a secound one for awhile but I was wheeling and dealing back then and bought it to turn over and make a few bucks. I do own a texas wagon trail 544 44-40 I believe unfired. Also a Uberti Gen George S patton copy of his silver plated and engraved colt SAA.

Thanks for the responses. I don't own the engraved version of the TR but the set I do own is beautiful. I live in Texas and know a Ranger personally who wishes he had a set!

I own a TR in great shooter condition and really like the thinned trigger guard. I also agree the bluing seems a deeper blue color.

Anyone remember the four WWI commemorative Colt 1911 sets from the late 1960s? They could hardly give them away at any price at the time, yet, every one I saw had a superb finish and fit. I remember them selling for around $100 at some places. I wish I had bought several of them back then. Unfortunately, many who bought them apparently stuck them unopened on a shelf somewhere in their garage and completely forgot about them. Those you see now are often rusted in spots due to such neglect.