I have recently found that I have been bitten by the Smith and Wesson revolver bug, and as a result, have fallen in love with Smith and Wesson revolvers. I've been a gun lover for 30+ years now, but am ashamed to say that it wasn't until just recently that I realized my love for these old, revolvers that were made with a quality and craftsmanship that is relatively unseen in todays world of "fantastic plastic" wonder 9's. Don't get me wrong, I have my obligatory Glock, some Walther's, S&W M&P, etc. But I have just realized how much I love the old school revolvers, but haven't been "into them" long enough to have the knowledge that I wish I had, that's why I read old posts on this forum a lot and ask the occasional question. Which brings me to the one I have now. I am looking for opinions, advice, etc on a couple of S&W M19's. I own a newer M19-7, 2-1/2" barrel, round butt, have the factory box, factory grips (came with Uncle Mike's rubber combat grips) which is all not really much since it's one of the newer Smith's. I may have a chance to trade my M19-7 for a M19-3 with a 4" barrel, and what appears to be factory wood target grips (if that's possible?) The revolver seems to be in excellent condition, I have only seen pictures of it, and will post pics of mine and the one that might be a possible trade. Any advice, opinions, etc would be greatly appreciated so I can have a little more knowledge going into this, before I talk to the owner. He has it listed on a local site looking to trade for a 2-1/2" Model 19.

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Don't trade. You gun is worth more...........NEVER TRADE.......Just buy.

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S&W Accumulator

The pictures show the Model 19-3 wearing correct target stocks made of Goncalo Alves. Very likely they are original to the gun, but you can't prove it because target stocks were not numbered to the gun.

Personally, I'd make that trade in a heartbeat, even if there is a disparity in the market price. But to each his own.

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

I would keep the snubby if I had to choose between the 2.

I wouldn't trade, because I'd rather have the snubbie. Also suspect yours is. worth more.

I would make that trade any day

I totally agree with everyone that says "don't trade, never trade, just accumulated/buy" oh how I wish I had the means to do so. I recently retired and retirement payments won't start coming in until March 1st 2021, only a few months, but ohhhh soooo long. I am very much in love with model 19 snubbie. I also have a M&P, pre model 10 snub ser# C 126138, that is in excellent condition that I love as well. They are like a big brother and little brother. I just didn't know if going from a -7 to -3 would make up for the difference of going from the 2-1/2" to the 4", as well as the model 19-3 having a pinned barrel and recessed cylinder. (Being new to this world made me forget to add that piece of information, I don't know if that's standard for the 19-3 or not). But in general, I do agree and would much rather have the snub.

Keep the 2 1/2" as they are more desirable and harder to find. Especially for CCW.
4" Model 19s are common and easily found. Quite frankly, If I wanted a 4" .357, I'd be much more inclined to go with a L or N frame gun. Much more durable, heavier to absorb recoil and simply better shooters.

I do have a beautiful model 28-2, Highway Patrolman with a 4" barrel. That's the revolver that started my love affair with Smith and Wesson revolvers.

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There is just something right about the looks of a Model 19 4inch, just looks like a revolver should look. Just my thinking.

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Mighty 90's,Trying 4 a 100!

You have a 4” .357 So if your going to trade off
Your
19 look for something different like a 14–15-16–17–18–24
25–27–29–53–57 or other great S&W

Pre-lock, non-mim but CNC machined? Blue 2.5"? That's a keeper! I'll bet it shoots great too. 4" 19s are much easier to find and generally sell for much less than a 2.5" gun like yours.

The target stocks are really nice looking, but for shooting I found that I've come full circle and am now putting Pachmayrs back on all of my range guns. The target stocks and Ahrends go into a box, carefully wrapped, but the "goodyears" as some guys call 'em are what I use.

I have a wish list that I'm trying to put together, along with what I already have the ones I would like to get the most are a model 13, a model 15 (preferably a pre 15 K38 combat) and a 4" model 10.
I do appreciate all the input I received and believe that I have to go with the "keep what I have, don't trade" philosophy and will keep my 2-1/2" model 19 and if the opportunity arises, I will buy an older 4" model 19.
Thank you everyone for your opinions on the subject, you have helped me see the big picture with more clarity.

Keep the snub. It’s a good carry 19 is not a shooter so the 4” doesn’t help you. Keep snub of trade for a 4” 586.

The above are entirely correct. I do not have a 2 1/2 inch 19. I do have a 4” 19-3 ANIB. Also have snubby 66’s And a 4” 66-1. Keep your snubby. You can buy a nice 4” 19 to keep it company.

A long time ago I had to trade to get a new gun I had the hots for. I found that sometime later i "needed" that gun and had to pay more to get one like it or do without, but just about everything that went away has been wanted again later. SO, I only bring them home, just never let them go.

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Richard Gillespie
FBINA 102

Don't get rid of the 2 1/2" Model 19; you WILL regret it later. They are getting harder and harder to find, especially in the situation we are in now, with ammo being practically unable to find at a decent price and the panic in gun purchasing. Good luck in whatever you decide.

I have to go with the "you'll regret it later" group.. I once sold a 19-3, and I'm sick about it 40 years later. #2k77211 if anybody has any knowledge, please let me know. Keep what you have.

I'd do the deal, buts that's me! with that said what are you going to do with the 19-3 you couldn't do with the 19-7? carry it, home defense, add to your collection, trail walk, range gun?

I'd make the trade, or just buy the 19-3 too. If you want a snubby 19 to carry and you do carry it, it will show signs of that sooner or later. If the 19-3 is in really nice condition and you want it, trade for it. Buy a snubby 19 in "carried" condition and carry it if you want one. I've bought two recently in cosmetically challenged condition for reasonable cost; a 19-7 for $250 and a 19-3 for $500. There are plenty more out there. Good luck.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

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I would keep the snub, and go buy a Mod 66

Another vote for keeping the pre-lock 19 snubby.

It sounds like you really like the snub. I agree that you'll eventually regret getting rid of it.

It also sounds like your financial position is going to improve in about 4 months. The good news is that the gun you're looking at may be nice but it's not particularly uncommon. There will be more and the thrill really is in the chase. Finally getting the gun can be almost anti-climactic.

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Just Say No - To Social Media

I think you made the right decision. Those shorter barrel guns are much harder to find. You'll easily find a 4" in April when some more money comes in. You might even change your mind and want a different model. Easy to fall in love with 3" K frames...like that M13 you mentioned.

You are right though. Hard decision with that 4" looking so clean, P&R (pinned barrel & recessed cylinder), and those pretty grips!

EDIT: Did you see this thread?
OLD or NEW?
Maybe down the road get a new M19. I grabbed one in late December 2018 and still haven't shot it, but she sure looks good!

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If this is a carry gun, keep the snubby. If you are looking for long term value, make the trade.

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Some collect art; I shoot it!