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09-17-2017, 02:06 AM
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Questions about a 19-3
I am still relatively new to revolvers. There is a 19-3 I have been eyeballing online. From the pictures it looks like the finish has minor wear. I am going to reach out to the guy and ask about round count. Asking price is $550.00 and it includes box and papers. If it's in good shape is that fair?
Also, I am looking for a shooter that I can enjoy and that my kids can learn on. I don't want a safe queen. Would this be a gun I would have to worry about breaking? I plan on mainly putting .38s through it but also want something that can handle .357s. I don't plan on running hot rod loads, just off the shelf ammo. Any advice or information is appreciated.
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09-17-2017, 02:13 AM
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Pricing sounds like it's in the range....so much depends on condition.
What's the barrel length? Snubbies seem to carry a premium.
Make sure that you check the forcing cone for cracks as this appears to be the weak link in M19/66's.
If all checks out ok, the gun will last a couple of lifetimes shooting .38's and 158gr .357's. Stay away from "hot" loads and you'll be fine.
Below posted by member "5Wire" on another M19 thread;
"Smith & Wesson 19 2-1/2 inch barrel. Revolver in .357 Mag. Blue Book of Gun Values (38th Edition) indicates between $325 in 95% condition and $650 in 100% condition for this gun. I have 140 recorded prices for this model gun from $395 to $1225 over a period of 7 Yrs 5 Mos ending September 1, 2017. The average price as of that date was $629. Sold for $625 on 2/26/2017. 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. The last 10 prices I have for this model since 11/23/2016 range from $550 to $1225 averaging $747."
Last edited by MetalMan; 09-17-2017 at 02:19 AM.
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09-17-2017, 03:04 AM
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Hey thanks for the info! It's a 4" barrel.
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09-17-2017, 04:00 AM
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The price seems good - just have someone knowledgable check it over - don't believe "round count" or other "stories". If you intend on shooting mostly .38 Specials the M19 should last a lifetime. If you do shoot .357's on occasion, I'd restrict it to 158 grain Magnums. Light weight ,357's are what caused cracks in the Forcing Cone area on these M19's but if you get a solid one and take care of it - they're great!
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09-17-2017, 06:56 AM
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Some "off the shelf" 357 Magnums are distinctly on the hot side and most commercial loads are actually a bit warmer than what most hand loaders make for range use. Common consensus regarding the use of 357 Magnums in a model 19 is to only use loads featuring a 158 grain bullet because of the potential for splitting the forcing cone if loads featuring a lighter bullet are used.
Light off a 158 grain American Eagle 357 Magnum in a model 19 and you'll quickly understand whey so many model 19's sold are wearing those big ugly Pachmayr grips. Because this rather warm load can be a bit painful to shoot with a model 19 equipped with Magna grips.
BTW, before purchasing any 357 Magnum K frame revolver you will want to take a look at the flat machined on the bottom of the barrel extension inside the frame window. Because this flat is where the forcing cone spits and the cause for this problem. BTW, the flat is there to provide clearance for the gas ring.
Concerning the price and your provided description that price is actually a bit of a bargain in most areas of the US. Here in the Metro Detroit area the last 4 inch model 19 I saw for sale at a local gun show had an asking price of 700 dollars.
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09-17-2017, 07:21 AM
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Follow the advise in the 3 above posts and you won't go wrong .The 4 inch 357 magnum revolver is probabaly one of if not the very best choice for a handgun as far as versatility goes.You are definitely on tne right track .Let us know if you buy this revolver or decide on another .Good luck.
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09-17-2017, 09:36 AM
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Well unfortunately I will be the most knowledgeable person that will be inspecting it lol. So basically check the timing and look at the flat part of the forcing cone to check for cracks?
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09-17-2017, 11:38 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by t3hgruu
Well unfortunately I will be the most knowledgeable person that will be inspecting it lol. So basically check the timing and look at the flat part of the forcing cone to check for cracks?
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CHECK LIST
1) Check Timing
2) Check End Shake
3) Check Barrel / Cylinder Gap
4) Check Yoke for proper alignment and possible gap from front view
5) Check Forcing Cone and area all around it
6) Check for Hammer Push-off
7) Check for clocked Barrel
8) Check Bore
9) Check for original finish
10) Check to see of Grips are original to gun - serial # should be on grips inside
Common sense also plays a big role. Believe your eyes and hands and NOT the stories they tell you.
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09-17-2017, 01:59 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by chief38
just have don't believe "round count" or other "stories".
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In my opinion, even asking about round count on a 40 year old gun kind of marks a person as a noob. No one's going to know, and it really doesn't matter. Unless the guy specifically said "I bought this brand new in 1978" or whatever. A gun with 10,000 rounds can be near mint, a gun with 100 rounds can be junk. Let the condition speak for itself. I've taken to logging all the rounds I shoot though a gun, but it's really just for my own benefit. Not really even benefit--more like entertainment.
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09-17-2017, 02:13 PM
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[QUOTE=shakyshoot;139748864]In my opinion, even asking about round count on a 40 year old gun kind of marks a person as a noob. No one's going to know, and it really doesn't matter. [QUOTE]
Unless he's the original owner (unlikely) he will not know round count.
And who can keep track of that for over 40 years.
If the gun checks out, buy it.
Round counts are typically a question you ask when buying a relatively new gun
from original owner, and he may have to venture a guess.
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09-17-2017, 02:41 PM
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I think I paid almost $700 for my 4 inch 19-4 on GB about a year ago. No box, no papers, but very little wear on it.
For a 19-3 with all the goodies, if it's in good shape $550 seems like an excellent price.
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09-17-2017, 03:57 PM
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Around here a 19-3 with correct box ect. at $550 is a bargain!...look it over close, or get someone to help you!
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09-17-2017, 10:31 PM
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Thanks for the advice guys. I appreciate it.
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