Cheap 19-5, am I missing something?

[Messersmith]

I was the only bidder on a 19-5 on gunbroker. It went for $300 which was cheaper than I expected. Am I missing something or did I get a good deal?

It's a local sale so I'll pick it up tomorrow.

Here is a link to the closed auction: Smith & Wesson S&W 19-5 TS RR WO 6" : Revolvers at GunBroker.com

[MPSGT]

I'm no expert and I haven't seen the gun in person obviously, but it sounds like a good deal to me at $300.00. Though I'm certainly wary of the listing as a target trigger when the photos show a (Tyler) trigger shoe add on.

[Big Kahuna 19547]

Actually you just got a deal in my opinion. I also recently purchased a SW revolver on GB, and in researching the previous auctions, the identical type and model gun sold in two preceding auctions for $975 and the last one was $1245. I got mine for $799. Amazingly my model revolver had only 500 made by Smith and Wesson, so I have no idea why I got off so cheaply..

[armybass]

In my opinion you stole that gun. Congrats.

[murphydog]

I saw that one, looks like a great deal. Seems to be a few model 19s up for auction recently.

[Skeeziks]

Let us know how it turns out after you pick it up & get it home.

[snowman]

Hi, Messersmith. I'm not nearly the expert that others here are, but I know that a blued revolver with a rubber grip, either Pachmayr or Hogue, and without the original wood will generally lower the bidding considerably on GB, though not usually as much as this one.

Also, the gun does not have a target trigger as per the description, but a standard service trigger with a trigger shoe attached. That(the shoe) will lower the bidding somewhat also, but again not down to the level of this one.

The seller also demonstrates a bit of ignorance by claiming the gun has a target trigger, and "target sights", which somehow has entered the S&W nomenclature through a number of sellers and buyers, but really isn't a proper description(a S&W either has fixed sights or adjustable sights). I don't know if this affects the bidding at all; perhaps some potential buyers see this and don't trust that the seller knows his S&Ws well enough to tell them just what they may be getting.

The above, as they say, is worth about what you paid for it. Congratulations, it's a nice-looking gun; hope you enjoy it a great deal.

Andy

[Sigfest]

I don't see how you could lose on that.

[scha]

Interestingly, the photo of the box label shows Target Hammer and Target Trigger, neither of which appear on the gun. The trigger has an aftermarket shoe and the hammer appears to be a semi-target hammer. Perhaps it is the wrong box or perhaps parts have been switched?

It still appears to be a good deal for the price, however.

Steve

[Mule88]

Id buy em all day long at that price...you did good.

[Vulcan Bob]

Nothing at all wrong with a dash five. It was the first dash to do away with the P&R and that may be part of the lack of interest along with the goodyear's. I have a dash five and a six and both are great gun's. I think you got a good deal if it's in good shape.

[northslope]

You betcha - that's a nice snag. The combination of it being a non-P&R, rubber grips, and trigger mod probably kept a lot of buyers away.

I picked up a 19-5 a couple years ago here in California for a shade over $400; it had factory target grips (no box or papers). It had languished on gunbroker for months - I finally contacted the seller, who was local, and accomplished a PPT. (The same guy later sold me a 581-nodash).

In my opinion, the non-P&R guns like the 19-5 and 27-3 (et al) are the 'sleepers'.

--Neill

[Messersmith]

Thanks to all for the feedback. I was looking for a shooter so I'm not terribly concerned that it's 100% correct as long as it functions and shoots well.

It is curious that the box (which if it's correct would be serial numbered to the gun?) lists features that don't appear to be on the gun.

I'll post an update after I pick up the revolver.

[Messersmith]

What is P&R?

[scooter123]

Odd that the box label shows the target hammer and trigger when it's pretty obvious the hammer is the basic service hammer. I also suspect that you'll find the standard service trigger under that trigger shoe.

To me that model 19 looks exactly like what I would expect a Cop's house gun to look like. Pachmayr grips and lockwork identical to what he was used to using in his service gun. I would suspect that the original owner may have had the grip, trigger, and hammer swapped out before he even picked up the gun. Odds are he told the retailer what he wanted done and it was transfered to him just as you see it now. I also would be surprized if you find the action has been tuned and it's smooth as silk in double action. I have an ex PD model 67 with those same grips and it's a very sweet shooter.

IMO you stole that gun. Around here they usually start at about 500 bucks for a model 19 in that condition. I also think that it's seen more handling than actual use, I don't see any evidence of casing impressions on the recoil shield.

[-db-]

P&R stands for pinned barrel and recessed cylinder chambers. Both are features the factory eventually discontinued.

[Messersmith]

So I picked the 19-5 up last evening and I am very happy with it. The first thing I did was remove the trigger shoe.

There is a little blueing wear around the muzzle, a few lights nicks on the left side of the barrel (like it rubbed on a snap or a buckle while being carried) and a few darker areas on the top rib - not rust but the metal is darkened there. The cylinder is nice and tight.

I think scooter nailed it with his description of the action.... It has definately been worked on. Compared to my 15-3 it's very crisp in single action and smooth in double action (I always thought my 15-3 had a nice trigger but the one on this 19-5 is exceedingly nice).

Here is a low res iPhone photo. I'll work on getting some better ones.

[Messersmith]

A few more photo's:

[deanodog]

Nice gun....I surely would like to have it for that price.Enjoy

[zoom6zoom]

Ya done, good, son!
Sure would look nice with some wood grips instead of the Goodyears.

[ol timer]

How'd you like to make a 3650% APR return on your investment?




I'll give you $330 bucks for it today and you can keep the trigger shoe.

Nice score!

[GJH77]

Messersmith
I watched that one, and was also surprised it stayed that low. But the week prior that gun had a buy now price of $495, and one bidder at $250.
Just a month ago, I got a 19-5 for $275 on GB and I was the only bidder also. The auction photos (number was # 179103058) showed some rust which I attributed to no bidders. But the rust was not as bad as it appeared, and came off with no effort. I took the chance on the rust, but still thought I was real fortunate. I was also pleasantly surprised by how nice the trigger was.
So congratulations.

[jimmyj]

Hi:
The Seller is going by the information on the box label.
he also stated that the hammer and trigger is not as wide as he has observed on other target models. I would guess he is not that familiar with Smith and Wessons Revolvers. I noted that the firing pin opening in the recoil shield appears to be oblong instead of round?
IMHO you got a great deal. Remember a Shooter does not look at a weapon the same as a Collector.
Jimmy

[Messersmith]

Ol Timer: I don't ever plan to cash in on this deal.... you'll need to check with my wife or kids when I'm dead and gone

GJH77: Your 19-5 appears to be in nice shape, certainly a great deal for $275. It cleaned up well compared to the GB listing photo's! The wood grips really look sharp on it.

JimmyJ: I'll check the firing pin hole. It might be some dirt or gunk as the gun is in need of a good cleaning.

[MR. IHC]

funny, i bought a model 19-4, 6" from gander mtn. today they had 3 that were priced very low i thought all three were under 300 bucks. mine was the most expensive at $299. they had 2 -"4 for i think 1 was 244 and the other was 275. mine has a bit of holster wear on the barrel near the end, and the grips were chewed up a little, but at that price i was glad to knab it.

[Nakanokalronin]

Terrible deal, I'll take it off your hands for $301.00.

[stantheman86]

Where's the trigger shoe A few of my older Smiths have an Ace or Tyler shoe, I think it adds a vintage touch since so many shooters used them "back in the day".

The economy is prompting private sellers who bring guns in to shops to take less for them from the gun shop owners, so in turn the owners are asking less for them. I just bought a nearly mint, hardly fired 28-2 6" yesterday for $410 out the door, the owner said "a lady who's husband passed away just brought this in yesterday, I was about to put it on GunBroker but I'll let you take a look at it first" and the price tage said $390 and my eyes nearly popped out of my head, I couldn't say "yeah I'll take this" fast enough.

[Gary7]

Originally Posted by Messersmith

What is P&R?

Video explanation of "pinned & recessed."

[Messersmith]

Thanks Gary, helpful video. So only magnums were once recessed?

Stan: The trigger shoe felt really odd to me, especially in double action. I put it in the box in case there is a need for it some day.

[Gary7]

Originally Posted by Messersmith

Thanks Gary, helpful video. So only magnums were once recessed?

Magnums (357, 41, 44) and (I think) 22LR.

[roaddog28]

Great buy. Any M19 is worth $300 unless the revolver is worn out. I scored recently on a M19-4 6 inch for $269. The revolver did not have a box but I don't care. Its one of my best shooters.

Good luck with yours,
roaddog28

[stantheman86]

$269 for that M19!

If I saw that at a gun shop I would take about .1 second to say "I'll take that!"

[Messersmith]

I don't claim to be the best shot in the world but I had an enjoyable afternoon at the range with the 19-5. This group was fairly representative of my abilities with the exception of a flier.

[Gary7]

Originally Posted by Messersmith

I don't claim to be the best shot in the world but I had an enjoyable afternoon at the range with the 19-5. This group was fairly representative of my abilities with the exception of a flier.

What range were you shooting at? Here's how my 19-4 did at 15 yards:

[Messersmith]

Gary,

I was shooting at 25 yards. Your group at 15 yards is nice!

Dave