Model 19-3 value? age?

jplayz71 · #1 07-18-2018, 03:06 PM

Hello,
brand new to the forum, picked a k frame model 19-3 in a trade yesterday. serial # k 850xxx, was wondering if I could get some help as to year of production...and possible value?

thanks so much in advance!

Bullseye 2620 · #2 07-18-2018, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jplayz71

Hello,
brand new to the forum, picked a k frame model 19-3 in a trade yesterday. serial # k 850xxx, was wondering if I could get some help as to year of production...and possible value?

thanks so much in advance!

Welcome to the Forum! Your Model 19 was made in 1969.

I can't tell if this gun has been refinished. The finish on the barrel appears to be different than the finish on the frame and cylinder. Some more pictures, including the recoil shield, area around the forcing cone, and the right side of the gun would be helpful. The Goodyears don't help the value. A nice set of period appropriate K frame targets would.

Bubba2014 · #3 07-18-2018, 03:34 PM

Manufactured 1969. Approximately $550.

jplayz71 · #4 07-18-2018, 05:09 PM

Thanks guys! I didn't realize it was that old...i figured late 70's. I kinda doubt it has been refinished, tho I'm obviously no expert. I think the lighting wasn't great on the pic. I'll try an post more tonight.
As to period correct grips...where the heck can ya find any that they don't want $100+? I'd love to find some..

i appreciate it fella's..

ISCS Yoda · #5 07-18-2018, 05:19 PM

I wouldn't worry about period correct stocks unless the gun is an investment and you plan to make money down the road on a sale. If you plan to shoot it and play with it forever and ever amen then it makes no difference what stocks you use.

I believe these are period correct:

But I much prefer this look and feel in my hands:

Not an investment gun for me by any means - shooting and handling is the name of the game. I might have those original stocks somewhere. If I find them I'll let you know.

old bear · #6 07-18-2018, 05:29 PM

The rubber grips are effective and not expensive, but they trap moisture. So remember to remove them every six or so months to check the frame for any rust build up. Before you put the grips back on wipe the grip frame with a silicon cloth, or just give it a shot of silicon spray.

jplayz71 · #7 07-18-2018, 05:41 PM

Good info...thx!
Some nice eye candy there Yoda! I do have a pair of those smaller k frame grips from your bottom pic, I could easily acquire that grip adapter...a nice look, and feel I'm sure.
Yes...if ya find any old targets tho, please let me know.

Bullseye 2620 · #8 07-18-2018, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jplayz71

Good info...thx!
Some nice eye candy there Yoda! I do have a pair of those smaller k frame grips from your bottom pic, I could easily acquire that grip adapter...a nice look, and feel I'm sure.
Yes...if ya find any old targets tho, please let me know.

Here ya go: K frame magnas, used, showing wear consistent with that on the gun: Smith & Wesson K Frame Grips | eBay

$35.00.

jplayz71 · #9 07-18-2018, 06:12 PM

Thanks for the link blue ridge. As it turns out I have a pair of magnas...with the diamond. They don't seem to align correctly, or fit flush on the backstrap. So perhaps I need the period correct ones you sent me?

ABPOS · #10 07-18-2018, 09:30 PM

Yoda, who's grip adapter is that with the magnas?

JP@AK · #11 07-18-2018, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ISCS Yoda

I believe these are period correct:

No. In 1969 they would not be. Target stocks with the speed loader cut didn't appear on K frames until approximately a decade later (maybe as early as 1977). In 1969, it would have shipped with targets having the football shaped extractor relief. They almost certainly would have been made of Goncalo Alves, so the wood would be the same.

jplayz71 · #12 07-19-2018, 12:18 AM

Thanks Jack, but are you referring to combat grips then? Or are targets an combat the same thing?
I guess I thought the football shape your referring to changed it to "combat" style.
Those I believe are even harder to find..sigh

jplayz71 · #13 07-19-2018, 12:40 AM

These additional photos were in response to blueridgeboys thoughts on this being reblued..or refinished. Not sure if these pics are more helpful in your determination?

Riverboys · #14 07-22-2018, 05:46 PM

Congratulations! I think you have amazing taste in guns - I just did what you did, bought a 19-3 at a gun show with Pach grips.
I then joined this forum as you have done.
I love mine. I have shot regular .38, .38 +P 110 gr and .357 158 gr.

Your gun seems to be in excellent shape. Have fun shooting it.

This is my 19-3.

JP@AK · #15 07-26-2018, 04:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jplayz71

Thanks Jack, but are you referring to combat grips then? Or are targets an combat the same thing?
I guess I thought the football shape your referring to changed it to "combat" style.

First, I apologize for not seeing this sooner. I just now found your additional question.

No, Combat stocks and Target stocks are not the same thing. The stocks seen in the picture at Post #5 and Post #11 are Target stocks, but later than the age of your gun. The speed loader cut was added on the K frame stocks in c. 1977 or 1978. Both those and the "football" style were shipped during the same period up until about 1982 or 83, when supplies of the "football" style were used up. Thereafter, they all had the speed loader cut.

Here is a picture that shows both styles and a pair of Magna stocks from the same period. The "football" style is in the middle and you will readily see why they got that name.

jplayz71 · #16 08-06-2018, 06:11 PM

Thx for the info Jack! That's helpful...looks like I need some footballs..lol
Great find riverboat! Loving mine, enjoy buddy.

jplayz71 · #17 08-06-2018, 06:13 PM

Riverboys...yours is a beauty!