Inherited: S&W .357 Magnum 2.5" Model 19-5

[MWilson35]

In 1990, my father -- a retired police chief from Colorado -- died. I inherited his sidearm: a S&W .357 Magnum 2.5" barrel Model 19-5 revolver. It has been in storage for years along with his other things. So, I never got around to registering it. Now, I would like to sell it in order to buy a more suitable firearm for a California CC license.

What would be an appropriate selling price? Can anyone explain any precautionary concerns I need to be aware of before attempting to sell?

Thanks!

P.S. ~ This revolver does not seem to have a safety "switch" or internal lock. Am I missing something?

 

[hsmith9491]

It would be priceless being your father's sidearm. A weapon he carried while protecting others.

 

[dmthomp32]

Condition is everything. Also does it have the box or any additional materials from the factory as those also increase the sales price.
I'd seriously consider keeping it as these can be an excellent CC weapon. And if you sell it, finding it's replacement afterwards may cost you more than you'd like to pay. Good to excellent condition 2.5" k frame .357 would likely be $600-$750 in my area. Excellent-Like New would be $750-900. Add a $100-$150 for matching box/docs. Seriously I'd keep it and buy a glock 43 or S&W 442 for the carry role. Just my thoughts.



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[dmthomp32]

Just saw it was your father's. Definitely don't sell it. Great gun, served in the line of duty and a family heirloom= do not sell.

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[Camster]

My condolences on the loss of your father.
I'm not so sentimental.Buy the gun that you want, though it would be hard to improve on his gun as a CC piece.
The gun is from the pre-lock era. No worries there.
For starters, I imagine that you need to legitimatize your ownership in order to sell it in Cali.Transfer of ownership no doubt has to come off of your license,all of this most likely done at your local FFL.
Californians on this forum can better advise you..

 

[ABPOS]

Maybe you could carry that. It is a bit heavy and bulky but doable, according to many.

Got any pics? Sorry to hear about your Dad. I got a Model 19 in I think it was 2014 because my Step Dad passed away also. I don't really want to get rid of it, mainly because it really is a great shooter. But sometimes I wish I had a shorter barrel.

 

[Lou_the_welder]

I saw a 19-3 2.5", excellent condition at my LGS for $550 2 weeks ago(with original wood grips). Here in Los Angeles. And I passed on it.
Realistically for 5 or 6 hundred, I would just keep it.


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[rbmac52]

Whatever you do, don't be taken by someone who minimizes the value of your Model 19. For example, you might be offered a "straight trade" in exchange for a trendy new model that better suits your needs but is far less valuable than your gun. Don't do it! If you must sell, post it for sale on this Forum and get a fair price for it, then purchase your new gun with the proceeds. You are sure to have money left over!

 

[MetalMan]

I received my 19-5 in a "friends and family" deal from my BIL who is retired LEO.

This one never leaves my sight as long as I have breath......

 

[6actual]

This was your fathers If you sell this, one day... maybe far into the future or perhaps way sooner it will be one of your life's regrets. If there is any way you can keep it do so. Don't ask me how I know

 

[Beachcomber]

My condolences on the loss of your Dad. In regard to his Model 19 that you're looking to sell... I'd say hold onto it and save your money for the firearm that you want. The newer firearm that you want to buy will be available further into the future than the (original) Model 19 that your Dad owned. Also, the pride of knowing that this particular Model 19 was used as "your Dad's personal duty weapon" won't be attached to any of the newer handgun(s) you chose to buy.

 

[Czechvar]

It's been in storage for 28 years? Can you post any pictures? If it were me, I'd hold on to that one, but for different reasons. If it's in good shape, you darn near can't afford what pre-Locks are going for these days. People scoop them up, especially if they're in good shape.

 

[elm_creek_smith]

When my dad passed my older brother got his nickle-plated 4 inch Model 27 and promptly traded it for a "wondernine" because "the 27 was too big to carry concealed." Do I wish I had bought it from my brother? Oh, yeah.

Keep your dad's gun.

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[Mehutch]

My condolences on the loss of your father. My dad had
an old 22LR rifle that went missing after I moved to Europe. I would have kept that gun as it was my Dad's. Don't sell it.

 

[lkabug]

Welcome from the Commonwealth of Virginia.
You didn't mention what you would like to buy if you sold the model 19.
You are correct. There isn't a safety or internal lock on that revolver.

 

[Muley Gil]

Double action revolvers, like the M19 you have, do not need any safeties. As long as you do not pull the trigger, it will not go off and fire.

 

[SeamasterSig]

Now, I would like to sell it in order to buy a more suitable firearm for a California CC license.

Your 19-5 was manufactured in the early/mid-80s if I'm not mistaken. They simply don't make'em like that any more. It pre-dates the infamous internal lock and the long, smooth trigger pull functions as the safety. You won't pull the trigger back that far by accident. It's not intended for pocket carry, but it's certainly concealable with the right holster and belt – especially with the short barrel. I'm curious as to what would be a more suitable firearm for concealed carry in California.

 

[smithman 10]

I know I would keep it if the gun had belonged to my Dad. I still have his 12 gauge side by side his aunt and uncle used to send him out with to "shoot something for supper." It's worn, ugly and cannot be shot but I'll never let it go.

And now I've got a bad craving for a 2.5" Model 19! Had a 4" once but traded it.

 

[dr. mordo]

Sentimental value aside, a M19 snubbie is pretty small in the scheme of things, so any gun you get to carry that is smaller will also be fairly cheap. So you may not have to sell the M19 if you plan to buy a $200 LCP to carry in your pocket.

If you plan to carry on your belt, it's hard to beat a M19 snubbie, which is one of S&Ws greatest achievements. I would take the M19 to the range with some 38 SPL practice ammo and test it out. I have a M19 snubbie and I could happily carry it everyday if I didn't carry a larger gun. Revolvers are fantastic carry guns because you don't have the reliability concerns that come with a semi auto.

 

[sigp220.45]

In 1990, my father -- a retired police chief from Colorado -- died. I inherited his sidearm: a S&W .357 Magnum 2.5" barrel Model 19-5 revolver. It has been in storage for years along with his other things. So, I never got around to registering it. Now, I would like to sell it in order to buy a more suitable firearm for a California CC license.

What would be an appropriate selling price? Can anyone explain any precautionary concerns I need to be aware of before attempting to sell?

Thanks!

P.S. ~ This revolver does not seem to have a safety "switch" or internal lock. Am I missing something?

That would be a $600 gun all day long here in Colorado. I would think the limited pool of guns available in CA would make it worth considerably more there.

I'd try to sell it outright rather than get a lowball price in a gunstore or pawnshop.