Found a 2 1/2" Model 19-3

[Nframe_is_no1]

Stopped by the LGS today and found this cherry model 19-3 with 2 1/2" barrel, pinned and recessed. It shows hardly any sign of use. Serial number is 3K47xxx, dating it to 1972 according to SCSW. I guess it spent the last 53 years in a drawer. I almost walked away because I already have a 66-2 in 2 1/2". However, I have 19-3s in 4" and 6" so I ended up going back in and taking it home to finish the trifecta! I don't run into many snub 19s, but it seems they've crept up in value. How did I do for $649?

 

[Muley Gil]

I would say you stole it at $649!!!!!!!!!

 

[Baxter6551]

You did great !!!!

 

[Nframe_is_no1]

Thank you Gentleman!

 

[jmace57]

An absolute steal at that price and in that condition

 

[Housepuss]

Did you use your 66-2 when you robbed the LGS of that beautiful 19-3?
In my neck of the woods, that is a very good price.

 

[ameridaddy]

How did I do for $649?
Buy a mega millions ticket - NOW, while your luck lasts!

 

[Nframe_is_no1]

You guys are the best! Thank you for the wonderful feedback! I appreciate it very much!

 

[robertrwalsh]

Unless it turns out to be a complete wreck inside you did somewhere between WELL and REALLY, REALLY WELL. That right side grip panel looks a little weird, but other than that.......

 

[stansdds]

I think you did good! Not sure what is going on with the stocks, looks like someone might have modified them, perhaps for better speed loader clearance. Even less sure why they would have done that to the right side.

 

[jakerudy]

It would have come home with me. Nice grab.

 

[mtgianni]

You did well enough to make me check if this was a 10 year old zombie thread.

 

[blockislander]

That’s a nice gun!

 

[Brian Parrish]

Beautiful!

Why do you have all the luck?

I hate you now!

 

[45NUTT]

OP, that is an awesome revolver with an even more awesome price tag!!!! You know you did well, you just came here to show off! Well worth it. I looked for a couple of years to find my 19-5 snubbie and you got your for $100 less.

 

[raljr1]

Probably paid about $3-400 less than what I have been seeing for a couple of years.

Robert

 

[CH4]

SCORE!!!!!
You did VERY well.

 

[Bald1]

That’s a $1000 gun around here. With very little wiggle room.

 

[firefighterjohn]

You came across a great deal at the right time; especially a -3 with the box as well!

Just like bald1 said: That’s a $1000 gun around here. With very little wiggle room.

Around here that's the same thing. I found a 19-6 2.5" two years ago without the box at $900.

So ya, you got a great deal!

 

[scooter123]

I have the same 19-3 as you, down to the estimated year of production. In my case the Hammer Nose installed in this unfired sock drawer special was short and it had a tiny bit of freckling on one side. Note I am quite certain it was 100% unfired because when I took it to the range it wouldn't fire one single round in either double action or single action. So much for the quality for S&W in the late 60's and early 70's. Ordered a new Hammer nose kit from Powers Customs and properly fitted the new hammer nose for a projection just a touch more than the thickness of a dime.

Next time I was at the range with it was a very good shooting day for me. So when I was down to my last 12 rounds I ran the target back to the 50 Yard marker and decided to see how many rounds I could put on paper at that distance. BTW, technically it was an indoor rifle range but it's a great spot for handgun practice because all the knuckleheads use the 25 yard range. I was rather surprised by the results, I had 11 hits on the 14 x14 inch target. I also had 8 out of 12 in the 9 inch outer circle and 6 out of 12 in the 7 inch circle. That's not too bad for free standing and shooting in Single Action.

Point is that you don't have to consider these short barreled guns as short range only firearms. One big plus for short barrels is there is a lot less barrel whip and as a result can be mechanically more accurate than a longer barrel. The only limiting factor is the shooters ability to maintain an "ideal" sight picture and have a good trigger stroke.