19-5 2.5 inch round butt-Range Report added 8-12

[steamloco76]

I tried not to buy this one. Left it at the dealer for two weeks after first sight but, it was still there today. Model 19's are "unobtainium" in my area these days, with snubbies being really rare and often severely overpriced. This 1986-87 Model 19-5 shows little wear and over 98% original finish. The stock Magna grips are nearly perfect. The only issues are typical of the 1985 to 1988 S&W guns I've examined- not quite up to the polish and finish of the older guns. Got it for under $470 including tax and fees. Not sure if I did alright or not on this one. Added the figured Goncalo Alves Hogues from my stock of stocks!

 

[TNDave]

I think you did all right. They get a little scarcer every day.

 

[IAhunter]

I would have paid that for it. Cant find them around here. Been looking for a 2 1/2" M19 for a couple of years, and have settled for 2- 2 1/2" M66's, and a 4" M19 during my quest. Still looking..................

 

[Messer]

I think you did fine! If I had been in that shop, I would have bought it too.

Have a good weekend,
Bob S.

 

[BAM-BAM]

A model 19 in a W Pa. gun shop for under $500 for two weeks..........

unbelievable!!!!!! I haven't seen a nice 19 in maybe 2 years. Then I swaped a nice -5 for an even nicer -4 P&R. What shop? Maybe I need to get out more!

 

[Maximumbob54]

I found a pre-1980 model for close to that price but it is no where near the condition of yours. Plus, it was so filthy that I thought parts were worn and in need of replacement. The filth was cleaned off and now she is a great shooter, but she still doesn't look near as nice as yours. I think you got a great deal on a gun you know S&W will never make another one of and you also know it just about takes someone dying to give one up!!!

 

[M1Lover]

That is a SWEET 19-5 and, I think, a great deal at the price. I traded for this Nickel 19-5 here on SW Forum. Much like yours, it surely hasn't been fired much!

 

[Cashdog]

That's a better price than I see them for around here. Think I'd a brought her home too.

 

[Florida Guy]

Looks like a pretty nice gun for the $$$.

 

[Sportsterguy]

Don't fret. You did great! Gungrats!

 

[Xfuzz]

Nice Smith...everyone needs a 2.5 mod19

 

[slowburninsteve]

I think you did good. I paid $475 for my snubbie 19 a year ago.

Steve

 

[steamloco76]

Range Report

The 19-5 snub passed its first range test with flying colors. Shot both .38 Spl 158 gr LSWC's and some .357 Mag 158 gr plated FP's at 10 and 15 yards offhand. Really printed nice, tight clusters with the medium magnum load I was using. Killed a couple of soup cans too. The gun definitely has accuracy potential that I will only find shooting off a bench with sandbags!
Need to post a new picture since I changed out the big Hogue grips for a set of Altamont checkered super rosewood boot grips. The Hogues are now on my wife's new find-a model 10-15 HB (which she was shooting last night).

 

[Joe in SC]

I think you did AOK. Model 19/66 snubs are great guns. Many years ago I bought a nickle 19 snub, probably about 1975, and kept it about 6 months. Couldn't warm up to the nickle finish, but I liked the gun real well.

Flash forward to about 2005. I purchased a blue 19-5 just like the one pictured in the OP's post. All these years I couldn't get that revolver out of my mind. I think the round butt with a set of aftermarket grips that fit my hand better than anything else I have ever tried was the the key. I know a lot of folks here frown on goodyears and I agree they aren't as easy on the eyes as nice figured wood. For those of us that actually shoot our guns and have small to average hands the Pachmayer compacs and similar turn the 2 1/2 inch snub into a good shooter.

My range results are very much the same as steamloco76. These short barreled 357's with adjustable sights can be surprisingly accurate to the un-initiated. I plan on keeping mine this time around. I would like one in stainless to carry more often.

 

[Maximumbob54]

Slowburninsteve -

Tulip wood?

 

[redbos]

You did good, that would be a $550 gun in my buddies gun store, nice M19. Grips look nice also. Congrats....

 

[Icopy1]

That price is what they are around my neck of the woods, when you can find them. Which is nearly never. Great find.

 

[geneboy]

I tried not to buy this one. Left it at the dealer for two weeks after first sight but, it was still there today. Model 19's are "unobtainium" in my area these days, with snubbies being really rare and often severely overpriced. This 1986-87 Model 19-5 shows little wear and over 98% original finish. The stock Magna grips are nearly perfect. The only issues are typical of the 1985 to 1988 S&W guns I've examined- not quite up to the polish and finish of the older guns. Got it for under $470 including tax and fees. Not sure if I did alright or not on this one. Added the figured Goncalo Alves Hogues from my stock of stocks!

The more you pay the more its worth.

 

[ldp4570]

19's an 66's with the 2.5" barrels are true business guns!!
Not as pretty as all the others here, but she spends lots of time with me.

 

[gilroy]

My set of three 2.5s, 66, 19 blue, and 19 Nickle, all P&R excellent with box and all are the most prized wheelers in my stable, even though I have others that are worth more money. Everything about them is just plain right! You did good.