Crusty Model 19-5 - 2.5" Barrel - Opinions Please

[Moo Moo]

Hi All

2023 has been a relatively slow year for me in terms of firearm purchases.

Earlier this month, I had the chance to take a look at this crusty 2.5" Barrel Model 19-5. Due to reasons I do not want to go into, the trigger lock could not be opened and I did not have a great deal of time to inspect. This Model 19-5 might be looking for a new home early 2024.

It appears that it's in a bit of rough shape and could do with a good cleaning. There's a little surface rust here and there. Bore and cylinders looked fine. As mentioned above, I couldn't check trigger pull etc. Just looked up the Standard Cat 4th Ed puts it about 1983: 254K***.

As mentioned before, due to Australian Gun Laws, revolvers with barrels smaller then 4" are prohibited unless you have a special type of Post 46 Collectors Permit. Therefore, the value in these snubbies isn't the same compared to the +4" barrel Australian Market (we can only have handguns for Target Shooting too and Self Defense / Conceal Carry isn't allowable) or US Market.

If I do take a chance on picking this up, I'm thinking around $300 USD would be about right. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[RMFnLA]

$300?

I'll take ten of them.

 

[zeke]

Am always appreciative of the firearms that don't have to worry about surface finish. So long as they function. One of my favorites is a M28, whose finish is only a little better. Felt no guilt in modifying it to my taste. Looking at the recoil shield , it does not appear to have had heavy use.

 

[stansdds]

As rough as it looks, in the U.S. market today, that would easily sell for $400, maybe more. The short barrel revolver market is still pretty hot here in the states.

 

[CH4]

$300?

I'll take ten of them.

Me too!
A little TLC and she'd see a lot of use from me!

 

[wproct]

That or the model 66 in that bbl length has been on my want list for many years. I would prefer the 66 but would take a model 19. I had two good opportunities to own a model 66 in that bbl length, but I just didn't pull the trigger and buy them. I have regretted those mistakes ever since.

 

[LittleAugieMo]

Think if that were here in the good ole' USA on a table at a gunshow w/ $550 tag it wouldn't last long. Not saying it would bring that but not saying it wouldn't.

 

[Heinz]

Hope the pistol has had better care than the trigger lock ;-). At 300 US I do not think you can go wrong

 

[Hawg Rider]

Looks to me like that 19-5 just has some finish issues...but until you can get the trigger lock off and check the timing and function I'd be careful. If lockup and function are fine, then I think the revolver would clean up and make a great shooter. Although I prefer earlier P&R models, I would definitely take a serious look at that one for $400. $300 would be a steal for a fully functional 19-5. Good luck. Cheers, Mate!

 

[max503]

That would have me cranking up the Dillon and buying primers.

 

[oink]

Looking at the recoil shield , it does not appear to have had heavy use.

Looking at what can be seen of the shield it looks like very low mileage.

 

[Krogen]

I don't think it's possible to compare the Australian and US markets. Short barrel guns are less salable in Australia so values may be lower than the US market. In the US, differing state restrictions can influence values. Another example is suppressor cost. US costs are astronomical in my opinion, then add $200 USD on top. I think your suppressor costs are downright reasonable.

So, in a nutshell, if you like the gun and the price doesn't make you wince, I suggest you buy it. It may be rough, but it looks completely serviceable.

 

[AJ]

Well?? Are you going to pull the trigger?

AJ

 

[cowboy4evr]

I have a 19-5 , snubbie . It's one of my favorites . It gets lots of use and NO , not 38 special loads . I load 357 magnums for it , but they don't have to be " top end " loads . They are much more than 38+P but not full magnum loads , about iike 38-44 loads . I've had it quite a few years , it's still as tight as the day I bought it. I will continue to keep it and enjoy it . Have fun if you buy it , regards Paul

 

[BE Mike]

If I were in your shoes, I'd hold out for a 4"or 6". They are much easier to shoot accurately and since you can't carry, why would you want it? I used to carry a S&W model 66 with 2 1/2" barrel and it was easier to conceal than a 4". I now have a 4" model 19 and a 6" model 66. The longer the sight radius, the better I can shoot them accurately. I don't carry either, but they are good range guns.