19-4 2.5 The Great Pumpkin Came Early

[DAdams]

Two revolvers on my S&W bucketlist. Models 19 and 66 in 2.5 inch.
I have been following prices and they definitely aren't coming down!!
I didn't want to buy one sight unseen (via photos) from GA or GB. So, I have been waiting patiently for a couple of years now. Two sets of eyes are better than one and my Son found this one at a LGS. It was a week before I could get in and look at it. I wasn't really concerned that it was going to be gone...with the price they had on it.
Based on The Standard Catalog description I would say this is "As New in Box" or "Excellent Plus" at the absolute minimum. Box matches and is 99.5%, wax paper is intact and tools are there and unopened. All paperwork and marketing material included and like new. You can barely see a turn line and I don't know if has been fired or not although it is questionable.

It appears that is sat around as the first indication of sale is 1981 in Indiana. Did S&W test fire and include a spent cartridge in the mid 70s? There isn't one present.

SN 91KO 3XX. Anyone know what "Special Features" 370 and INS 23 means?
What is the vintage? 1975?

You know how hard it is to shoot blue stuff, but here are three pics. This thing is simply beautiful!!

I'm hoping that when the 66 turns up it is more like a 95%.

 

[kbm6893]

Care to tell us what it set you back?

 

[-db-]

The spent cartridge thing is a much more recent development. In other words, yours isn't missing one. Nice find.

 

[old bear]

That guy really looks new. I to have been on the hunt for a clean M-19 2 1/2" and like you I hope to be able to inspect any potential purchase before I buy. Now please get it to the range and let us know how it shoots.

 

[murphydog]

Looks to be a 1980 ship date. Don't know what the Special Features code means, but someone else does.

 

[bronco45]

19s' 2.5" What a iconic S&W. This is the weapon they should be adding to their Classic series, with the old rib on the bbl and frame.

You Sir, have a bonafide treasure.

 

[Ashlander]

Very nice.

 

[Yurko]

Simply Stunning!

Congrats on a great find.

 

[stevieboy]

Congratulations on a superb purchase. You are now faced with an enviable dilemma. Do you fire a gun that pristine or do you keep it in original condition? I know what I'd do, I shoot 'em all, but that's just me. If you do shoot that gun I suspect that you'll find it to be as outstanding a shooter as anything you've fired. I have a 19-3 2 1/2" and every trip to the range with that gun is sheer pleasure.

 

[Gunsandguitars]

Beautiful gun, sir and one that is on my bucket list as well. I have a 4" but have been lusting after a 2.5" for some time now. Rare as hen's teeth in my part of the woods.

Personally, I'm a shooter kinda guy. I've got a pristine Model 27-2 nickel that I just can't keep off the range. But if you just want to take it out of the safe and fondle it now and then, good on ya! :0)