Is this gun worth this much?

[wlp624]

The online auction sites are very much like the French Quarter after dark - you better know what you're doing and there is danger lurking around every corner. Buying there as a newbie can be very costly. You not only need to know your guns and gun values, you need to know your enemy, er, I mean the seller. They come in all flavors, from the reputable and honest, to the down right crook. It takes a lot of experience to know the difference, and experience is expensive. Patience is essential, as is knowing what you want and what is a fair price so that when the right deal comes along you are ready. One final note, a large percentage of the claims many sellers make lie somewhere between unverified and knowingly false. Even the truth is often stretched. Think of the descriptions as resumes - ever read a resume that wasn't mostly inflated or flat out B.S.? A good rule of thumb is to count the exclamation points, ALL CAPS, and the word 'Rare'. When those things appear ridiculously often, RUN!!!

 

[Hapworth]

Unsurprisingly, this auction ended without the "buy now" price of $1599 chosen or the hidden reserve met. Highest bid was just over $1100.

It's relisted with a "buy now" price of $1495, reserve again hidden.

A Gunwatcher search originally listed this auction at $1999, so at least 1) folks who know better are holding off, and 2) the seller is noticing that and adjusting accordingly.

Now, so long as someone with more money than sense or experience doesn't come along...

Interestingly, in the seller's description, he says the Model 19s were "the most durable 357 magnums ever made", and "a gun that you could never wear out by shooting it."

Maybe that's why it costs so much?


EDIT:

If anyone checks out the listing, is it my tired eyes or does it look like that 19-3 has a non-serrated service trigger?

 

[loeman]

Don`t forget to check out the Pawn shops that`s where I found my M-19 .They can be a great source and they will negotiate.

I found my md 19-4, pinned and recessed, 6 in. barrel, nickel finish in about 95% condition in a pawn shop marked $700. This was about 6 months ago. After some fierce negotiations I walked out the door with a $550 price. I was happy and they were happy!

 

[M3Stuart]

No, it's overpriced by a grand.

Welcome to the forum!

 

[Squarebutt]

S&W is selling the Model 66 again. It's a stainless M19, and a brand new one will cost you less than half of the asking price of that gun.

 

[mc5aw]

Mr Raptor ... You would be well advised to post a WTB ad in the Classifieds section, and deal with established Forum members who: a) Know their S&Ws; b) Will be square dealing with you; c) Will sometimes offer a three-day no fire inspection period. Watching auctions with "get rich quick" prices are amusing to observe, but are unrealistic to participate in. A clean 19-3 as you described can be found for $800+ depending on various factors. The auction seller is either a dreamer or a crook.

 

[g8rb8]

My real world experience.

I will generally agree with other opinions that you should be able to find a nice collectable shooter for half that much or less. It wont be as hard as finding Bigfoot but it probably will require some time, effort, and a little luck.

 

[turbo38gn]

I just saw a 19 4" , good shape and blue... nice looking on my local BB for $550... or best offer..

 

[357-RevolverGuy]

I've seen nicer ones for less. $1,500 for a model 19 is ridiculous. Just a few weeks ago saw a 19-3 Texas Ranger commemorative, which is one great looking revolver, had the original wooden box and matching knife sell for $525.

 

[highpower3006]

I'll add to the chorus in saying that the price on that gun is way out of line. I just picked up a 99% 19-2 with all the goodies for $625. I even hesitated at that price because I thought it a little high.

Just keep looking, one will show up sooner or later at a fair price. In my case, it took a few years, but I did get one.

 

[Hapworth]

Well, he bumped his "buy now" price to $1895. Scratch my "adjusting accordingly" observation.

Must be pie in the sky or not sincerely trying to sell but instead gauge what the market will bear by fishing highest bids.

 

[johnscates]

I had a guy want to swap me one for my Ruger Super Redhawk 44mag Leopold scope 300rds speedloaders etc. and I pay him $300. So yeah some people think they are worth $1500 or more. I feel like they are $600-700 max if really nice. But that is just my thoughts.

 

[mickeyblueyes]

There is one more option, you can buy a ugly beat gun for the best price possible and send it back to SW and let them do the factory magic on it. You will likely end up with just what you want.

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

I've got a RARE stainless steel Model 19 WITH the ORIGINAL box wearing magnas and a RARE Tyler T grip that I will sell you for $1,895 which INCLUDES shipping. Pinned and recessed too. Hell, I'll drive it over to you.

 

[TIMETRIPPER]

They made more than one.
I see plenty of nice model 19s at local gun shows tagged for between $500-600, box or no. Just saw a beautiful 2 1/2 RB model 66 last week for $495. 'Course I wasn't looking to buy... if I were they'd a been asking $1500!

John

 

[Hapworth]

"Buy now" price now $1995; starting price now $1395 (up from $.01 earlier today and hundreds more than the highest bid last time listed); zero current bids.

 

[mc5aw]

"Buy now" price now $1995; starting price now $1395 (up from $.01 earlier today and hundreds more than the highest bid last time listed); zero current bids.

Gun show tables are filled with these "deals", as are firearms auction sites. I guess there's not much space eaten up with unsellable inventory, so it doesn't matter how long an overpriced gun sits.

 

[Cpo1944]

You would think Gunbroker would wise up and forbid unreasonable auctions, or at least not permit constant re-listing.

 

[Derosa]

I hear S&W will soon make bridges for sale, too, and take orders paid in full in advance.

 

[shouldazagged]

Are you familiar with the acronym "BOHICA", Raptor?

As everyone has said, you can do far, far better than that ridiculous price.