S&W 19-3 or 19-5??

Shark Bait · Apr 3, 2015

I found a couple of snubbies available, a 19-3 and a 19-5. Both are blued and appear to be in very good condition. I don't know about box and paperwork. Is one more desirable than the other? What would a reasonable price be for each? Thanks!!

MTPioneer · Apr 3, 2015

I think I'd go with the pinned 19-3 if it were me.

CelticSire · Apr 3, 2015

Buy them both.

XAVMECH · Apr 3, 2015

Either or both...

All things being equal, I prefer these revolvers pinned and recessed (P&R). Can't say that makes them any better guns, but both my 66 and 19 snubs are P&R. Started with a nice 19-5 and finally found a 19-3 snub. Truth be told, my 19-3 fits my hand better and points better than my 27-2 snub. Either way, I'm sure you'll be happy with the magic S&W has done here. Buying both, and deciding later which you really like the best isn't a bad thing... Enjoy!

Voyager28 · Apr 3, 2015

Assuming comparable condition, either or both, you can't go wrong.

Bob

UncleEd · Apr 3, 2015

Doubt you'd be using either for something like IDPA but if so the 19-5 might be preferred since it doesn't have the recessed chambers.

The recesses can and do build up a tiny bit of carbon during extensive shooting, making full seating of a cartridge more problematic.

I'd go for the 19-3 just because it is pinned and recessed.

howiema · Apr 3, 2015

I will try and help, these revolvers are a bit scarce from what I have seen lately with the boxes and all poeple are asking 800 to 1200 even 1300 for the nickeled ones. Boy I wish I kept the 3 I had. Without box and in good shape start by offering in the 600 area and see what happens. If I had the dinero I would grab both, I personally don't think you are gonna lose on this investment.

Good Luck

Pete

Hapworth · Apr 3, 2015

What's your intended use?

In comparable condition, the 19-3 will command a bit more value due to the pinned barrel and recessed cylinder; this is sentiment and nothing concerning greater mechanical value. If to be made a safe queen, you'll pay a little more for the -3 but likely see more should you sell it.

If you're looking for a shooter, I'd get the -5 as you'll save a little cash and -- again, provided they're in comparable mechanical condition -- lose nothing performance-wise.

Member 5-Wire regularly updates an excellent graph of 19 snubby sales prices; search his name for the most recent. If in very good to excellent condition, gun alone, $650 to $750 should get you in.

Checkpoint Charlie · Apr 4, 2015

Another vote for the 19-3. Just bought one in January and love it! No box or docs; that's OK, I'm a shooter, not a collector. Bet you can't buy just one. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

"Fast is fine, but accuracy is everything." -- Wyatt Earp

sodacan · Apr 4, 2015

Forget the -5, buy the -3. Shoot it and take care of it, and it will always be worth more than a non P&R dash 5. Good luck. thanks

5Wire · Apr 4, 2015

Hapworth said:
...If you're looking for a shooter, I'd get the -5 as you'll save a little cash and -- again, provided they're in comparable mechanical condition -- lose nothing performance-wise.

Member 5-Wire regularly updates an excellent graph of 19 snubby sales prices; search his name for the most recent. If in very good to excellent condition, gun alone, $650 to $750 should get you in.

Thanks for the kind words. I agree with the "shooter" aspect. By both then sell the -3 for P&R bux and reduce your net expense on the -5.

Here's my track on the Model 19 snubbie:

Smith & Wesson 19-5 2-1/2 inch barrel. Revolver in .357 Magnum,.38 Special, Plus P. Blue Book of Gun Values (35th Edition) indicates between $325 in 95% condition and $650 in 100% condition for this gun. I have 103 recorded prices for this model gun from $417 to $1060 over a period of 4 Yrs 11 Mos ending March 18, 2015. The average price as of that date was $603. No refurbs, no refinishes, regular sights. All represented as 95% or better. No distinction for engineering revision, if any, no special editions, no distinctions for box, papers, tools. Current or last MSRP is $457.

The last 7 prices I have for this model since 1/1/2015 range from $450 to $850 averaging $673. They're still going up...

Shadow106 · Apr 4, 2015

I just brought home a 19-5 6". Paid $650 which included a 4" barrel that I will never use. I cannot believe I've forgotten how smooth the action is on the 19. My first issued revolver was a K-38 4", which I carried until I bought my first Python after a year on the job.

I have detail stripped it, and in spite of the fact that it is pristine, I cleaned and 'bathed' it anyway. After I put my very old dark wood S&W grips on it and tossed the Pachmeyer grip into the ho-hum box, it is simply bloody gorgeous!

Anybody wanna make an offer on the 4" barrel? Its in terrific shape.

S&W 19-3 or 19-5??

Shark Bait

US Veteran

MTPioneer

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CelticSire

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XAVMECH

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Voyager28

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UncleEd

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howiema

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Hapworth

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Checkpoint Charlie

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sodacan

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5Wire

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Shadow106

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