How common is this-

[beagleye]

...a very clean 4" 19-4 with target hammer, target trigger, red ramp front sight and white outline rear sight? That seems like all the bells and whistles but I guess I don't know what was normal in 1980.

I checked out one today at a pawn shop, marked at $599.

At a different shop, same price, I inspected a nickel 19-3 with 6" barrel. I think either one would probably be mine for $450 plus tax.

Both seem like good deals, but I oscillate on which one is cooler.

As always, your enthusiasm and experience is much appreciated!

 

[GB]

K-frame magnums are my fav. 4" guns are probably a little more common but 6" are pretty nifty also. If you can truly get them for under $500 out the door. Buy the one you think you will like the best. Then if you can afford it, see if you could put the other on layaway! I know, it probably isn't in the cards, just a thought.

 

[butchkent]

Jump on both for $450 each. What are you waiting for? Be there when they open but don't look too anxious.

 

[ma deuce]

I've got 19s in all barrel lengths, including a 19-4 4" exactly as you describe. Although the snubbie beats it for cool factor, all around the 4" is my favorite. I'm looking for a nice M19 4" nickel, my grail gun.

 

[murphydog]

They are both good deals at $450, but (if you care) the 4" is worth more in today's market in equal condition and would be a more handy length.

 

[Kframes4me]

I have the exact 19-4 four inch as you described, I wondered if it was unique but as time goes by I have learned most likely not. With that said it is a favorite of mine to shoot and would be my pick of the two. Good luck !

 

[muzzleblast]

I think you should buy the 4" for Thanksgiving and the 6" for Christmas.

Seriously, a total of $1050 for a nice pair of model 19s sounds reasonable to me. But, my recommendation would go to the 4" if only one is to be had at this time. A blued 4" TH, TT, red ramp, white outline is the ultimate combination and truly represented the "peace officer's dream" as Bill Jordan intended.

Good luck,
MB

 

[Tom_R]

Grab the 4" model 19 tomorrow morning. It will become the best gun in your collection, seriously.

If you can only get one, get the 4".

One of S&Ws greatest offerings.

 

[beagleye]

You know that devil that sits on your shoulder and tells you what to do? Well you guys are like a whole squadron having a dance party on my shoulder. And I love it. I will update you with the results soon!

 

[CajunBass]

Target hammers and triggers were kinda popular back in the 80's so I doubt they're "rare." At least I'm not surprised to see them. The wide trigger is supposed to hamper D/A shooting but I've never used one so I can't say. They were designed with S/A in mind. Probably more common on 6" guns than 4" ones.

I've got a 19-4, 4" with a smooth "combat" type trigger. I've wondered how rare or common those were.

 

[Hapworth]

Three "T"s and red ramp/white outline weren't the standard 19-4 leaving the factory but many were ordered that way or converted later; no way of knowing for sure without the original box or a Jinks letter.

All else being equal, the 4" 19s command a little more cash on the open market compared to the 6".

In determining which if any to buy, first determine your needs and which if either revolver serves them; next, determine the mechanical condition of the revolver -- a good deal at first blush can become less so if you didn't do your proper checks.