New to me Model 19. Are these the right grips?

carlosmj · #1 06-29-2009, 10:05 PM

Hi guys,

just wanted to show off my new to me Model 19-1 I added to the family today. I picked her up during lunch. I wandered into one of my local shops, and there she was on consignment. It was love at first sight. The bluing is just beautiful. I dropped $350.00 OTD and out we went.

I have one question. Can someone help me with the grips. Are they original? I am not familiar with the design and I am not sure if it is some kind of reproduction. They do not look like any of the other target wood grips I have on other Smiths. This is my first 4 inch k frame .357 magnum.

Any info would be greatly appreciated. Here she is.

GF · #2 06-29-2009, 10:10 PM

Yep, you did OK considering the grips alone are worth $150!

carlosmj · #3 06-29-2009, 10:14 PM

Excuse me? $150.00 for the grips. Can you please tell me why so much? What is so special about the grips?

s&wchad · #4 06-29-2009, 10:18 PM

The 19-1 is kind of a scarce variation. You did very well indeed.

minuteman · #5 06-29-2009, 10:30 PM

Beautiful gun! I would have taken it for what you gave. I think the model 19 is one of the best revolvers ever built.
I believe the diamond target grips would be correct for a dash 1.

Vulcan Bob · #6 06-29-2009, 10:46 PM

A very nice find! As already posted ,I think the stocks are correct. However, I think you may need a hammer to get that ammo chambered! (just kidding)!

29aholic · #7 06-29-2009, 10:53 PM

I love Model 19's...to me they are the 29 of K-frames. Your 4 screw gun is most certainly correct with those diamond targets. The Combat Magnum and subsequent Model-19 shipped with football relief diamond targets from about 1957 (IIRC) until they dropped the diamonds in 1968.
Actually a previous poster probably under valued those grips by at least $50 from what I have seen on the auction sights.

While -1 guns are fairly scarce in N-frames, I dont think they are as much so in K-frames. All in all you got a great gun at a great deal, and one I would double your money on.

s&wchad · #8 06-29-2009, 10:54 PM

Yes, the stocks are probably worth $150 or more - that’s just the way it is. Keep them with the gun. They’re factory target stocks in excellent condition and most haven’t survived that well. The often get separated from the guns and collectors like to have correct stocks with a nice specimen. Check out ebay history for values.

I’m more impressed with the gun. Diamond target stocks are fairly easy to find. Good luck finding another 19-1, let-alone in that condition. Do they have any more????

Art Doc · #9 06-29-2009, 11:04 PM

The -1 models were only made for a year or so and aren't seen all that often. The stocks are the style made 1955-1967 called "diamond targets" (due to the diamond shaped area around the screw) so they are correct for your gun although no way of knowing if they are the original set that came on the gun.

I'd ask $600 for that gun if I were selling it.

bobbyz · #10 06-29-2009, 11:19 PM

Yep, I agree. They look right to me. Very nice for $350 by the way.

j38 · #11 06-29-2009, 11:56 PM

Very nice catch! I'd fall all over myself to buy that gun for $350.

Thanks for the post & pics,

Jerry

JayCeeNC · #12 06-30-2009, 12:18 AM

Carlos, you stole that gun!
I'd say you paid about half the real value for that gorgeous Model 19.
I agree, the grips are the correct style for that era K-frame target gun.

Darn fine catch, why does that never happen to me at lunch??

Zilmo · #13 06-30-2009, 12:20 AM

A beautiful gun at an incredible price. Congratulations.

Schmidty · #14 06-30-2009, 01:14 AM

Nice gun at a very nice price. Congrats!

Crazy K38 · #15 06-30-2009, 01:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GF

Yep, you did OK considering the grips alone are worth $150!

heck the ammo alone will be worth that if this shortage keeps up, lol

carlosmj · #16 06-30-2009, 07:02 AM

I appreciate everyones input on my purchase. I am happier now than when I bought it. I always wanted a Model 19 because I think it is the best all around .357 magnum revolver and I have a love for Smiths (that is why I visit this forum).

This is only my second blue Smith revolver. Living in south Florida, I have a big problem finding blue Smiths that are not rusted everywhere. Also, decent revolvers are in short supply in south Florida. Everyone wants pistols with lots of rounds. When I do find a decent revolver at a local show, they are asking a small fortune.

I had no idea about the grips when I bought it. I honestly thought they were some kind of repro because of the condition. I had never seen diamong targets in person. That is now icing on the cake. Maybe I should take them off and put them in the safe when I shoot the 19.

Thank you all. We have a great bunch of people on this forum.

18DAI · #17 06-30-2009, 09:23 AM

VERY very nice catch, congrats!

I'd have forked over double the amount you have in it, for a 19-1 that nice. Enjoy your 19 ! Regards 18DAI.

JayCeeNC · #18 06-30-2009, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carlosmj

I had no idea about the grips when I bought it. Maybe I should take them off and put them in the safe when I shoot the 19.

Many people do exactly that, they keep their nice grips in a safe place and use others when actually taking the gun to the range.
Grips are much easier to "bugger" up than the rest of the gun, and those grips are pretty valuable.

RKmesa · #19 06-30-2009, 04:27 PM

19-1's are the hardest Combat Magnum to come by (although the non-model numbered are more desired). I have only two 19-1's in my relatively large CM collection and I have only seen 3 or 4 others for sale in the years that I have collected CM's. The stocks are correct and you have received good advice to leave them at home if you are going to shoot it.

Congrats on a great purchase!

1blindref · #20 06-30-2009, 04:35 PM

Nice find Carlos! Congrats!!

Maybe go play the lottery - "191"??