357 Combat Magnum Revolver Model No. 19

[Marty4503]

I inherited a 1972 (I assume it's a 1972 model since I have the original receipt with 1972 on it) S&W .357 Combat Magnum Revolver Model No. 19 (no dashes) from my grandfather. I'm wondering how much this could be worth. Revolver is in good condition, looks like it's been shot a time or two but not too much, 4 inch barrel, and blue (I fixed it!) finish. Thanks in advance.

 

[Protocall_Design]

Looks like the nickel finish has taken on a nice blue patina over time...

 

[Inusuit]

If you post the all but the last couple of digits of the serial number, we will be able to tell you when the revolver was shipped from Smith and Wesson. If your grandfather bought it new as per the receipt, shipping date will probably be 1971 or 72.

If that's a picture of grandpa's gun, it has a blued finish not nickel, and is in excellent condition. In S&W terminology, it is a Model 19 (no dash).

Value may vary by location, but around here your revolver would probably list at $650 to $700. If you have the original box, tools and paperwork in addition to the receipt, that will bump the value by $50-$75.

I'm curious why you think it has a nickel finish?

Guns inherited from family are highly valued for original owners around here. You will probably received admonitions to keep it in the family rather than sell it.

 

[flagman1776]

If you release the catch on the left side & swing out the cylinder crane you'll likely find the Model marked on the frame. I suspect you'll find a -2 or some such engineering change beyond the Model number. No matter. It's still a fine revolver. You might find the serial number repeated there BUT the legal serial number is on the bottom of the grip frame & will require removing the target grips to see.

 

[tlawler]

You will probably received admonitions to keep it in the family rather than sell it.

Consider mine the first admonition. It's a piece of family history you'll never be able to replace. Sure, you could buy an identical version, but that's a gun that your grandfather held in his hand and derived great pleasure from shooting. Even if you get a very good price for it, the several hundred dollars will shortly be taken up by bills, etc., and you'll find yourself wishing you hadn't sold it.
Welcome to the forum, Marty. This may be the start of a very rewarding pastime for you. There's several hundred cumulative years of S&W knowledge here to help you out.

 

[gunnails]

Where I am from that is a $700 to $750 gun.

 

[Triathloncoach]

I do not believe most people hold an inherited gun in higher regard than $700. Many folks don't like guns. Or their grandfathers for that matter. �� The OP likely has other heirlooms to remember his grandfather. I don't believe the OP is much of a S&W Revolver Enthusiast. If so sell that thing. Grandpa likely kept it locked in a safe for the past 45 years.

 

[old bear]

Model 19's were popular revolvers and did not sit in inventory long. If your grandfather purchased it new in 1972 it's fair to believe the revolver was produced in 1971 or 1972. In which case it should be a dash 3 model.
The photo you posted is a blued revolver, not nickel finished. Can you post photos of the revolver you have?

 

[tlawler]

I do not believe most people hold an inherited gun in higher regard than $700. Many folks don't like guns. Or their grandfathers for that matter. �� The OP likely has other heirlooms to remember his grandfather. I don't believe the OP is much of a S&W Revolver Enthusiast. If so sell that thing. Grandpa likely kept it locked in a safe for the past 45 years.

Maybe I'm just nostalgic and sentimental, but I have some guns that belonged to my Dad that I would not sell at any price. They evoke fond memories of when he was teaching me to shoot them. Somewhere out there is an early model 36 that was the first handgun I ever shot and was stolen from our household goods being shipped from Hawaii after my Dad's duty at Kaneohe MCAS. I would love to have that Chiefs Special in my possession now, but sadly don't even have any record of the s/n of it to try and track it down.

 

[Snapping Twig]

Looks like the nickel finish has taken on a nice blue patina over time...

Love it! You win the interweb.

 

[Marty4503]

Thanks for responding. The SN on the receipt shows 2K45795. He paid $152.25 for it. Wish guns were still that cheap! Lol.

Anyhow, I said it was nickel because I didn't know any better. I'm not the smartest when it comes to this stuff. I'll be keeping this in a display case. Thanks again for the help.

 

[CelticSire]

According to that serial number, 1971 is year of manufacture, and it is a Model 19-3.

 

[Peak53]

No reason to put that youngster in a display case. It's one of the finest revolvers ever made. Shooting it won't hurt it