LGS 19-5 2.5" Nickel

[dsbock]

Stopped at my local gun shop today and they have a Model 19-5 2 1/2" round butt for $535. It does not come with the original grips, box, etc. But is in great condition with only a few light scratches in the nickel. And yes, I checked under the grips and saw that nice big N on the frame.

According to the SCOSW S/N ACM81XX was born in 1983 and an excellent condition example lists for $400.

Dilemma time. I think the price is high, but she's the nicest example of a nickel 2 1/2" K frame I've seen.

On the other hand, there's a Model 39 no dash with OEM S&W magazine that's been in the case for months listed at $400. Didn't get the serial number.

Any thoughts?

Thanks.

David

 

[TDC]

How many chances do you get to have a 2 1/2" nickle 19? My guess is not many and if that's what you want you better jump!

If you should find another cheaper in like or better condition later you can always sell one or the other for what you paid for it...

Better to pay a few bucks more than you'd like now than to spend later decades agonizing with the "shouda, woulda, coulda's."

JMHO

 

[jrs70]

Buy it! Nice nickle guns are bring nice money. In a LGS by me a 4 inch P&R mint no box is $630.

 

[dsbock]

I'm going back and forth.

I prefer short barrels on J-Frames. On K-Frames and larger I prefer 4-6" barrels. On the other hand, it's a nice revolver.

On the other hand (three) I prefer my Smiths to be pre 1980. On the other hand (four) I don't have one of those. I do have a 19-5 blued 4 inch that I take as my backup deer hunting.

On the other hand (five) it would probably sit in the safe since I think it's too bulky (though the cylinder) to carry regularly.

And, I recently heard of a K22 with box at another shop...

You see my dilemma.

David

 

[TDC]

Yea..... I see your dilemma... Better give me the address of the nickle 19 to help you relieve your severe pain and uncalled for anguish.

These guns are such annoying bastids. Better yet.....give me the address on all of these dastardly guns before the pain gets too acute!! You're already exhibiting signs of Buyersremorseitis... that can be fatal...

 

[PH-2]

David,

The catalog prices are years out-of-date. The 19 is reasonably priced for a 95%, or better, gun. On the (fourth) hand, that 39 may be a steal if it's a long-style ejector gun in high condition.

Mike

 

[JCS&W]

There was a thread here recently about a M19-5, nickel for $700, actually $770 and could be talked "down" to $700. Given that example, and the fact that I said that non P&R Smiths should not cost more than the same model that is P&R, I think it is about right. Of course I would try and talk them down some, but K frame snubbies are getting expensive. I try to buy within my budget, but for some reason, I forget what a budget is when I see a nice nickel Smith. I would have probably bought it and would be enjoying the shine right now.

 

[Sportsterguy]

That IMO is a great price. You're getting one of the best revolvers ever to have left the factory. Makes an outstanding SD or hiking weapon as they can be extremely accurate. I paid $500.00 for mine a few years back with the box and all and wouldn't take $800.00 for it now. I packed it for a few years as my Harley weapon and the nickel has held up great. I don't carry it these days as I have a 2.5" 66-2 that I can carry without worrying about its finish, though nickel is very tough.

My carry weapon is a stainless Colt Commander that's in the shop having a new set of sights installed and the front strap stipled. I carry it IWB and it's larger than the 66. In it's place is the 2.5" 66 in a Lobo IWB holster. Very comfortable for all day carry and I feel well armed. Have it on right now and don't know it's there. An outside belt holster would be more comfortable and Lobo's pancake holster will make it dissapear under a shirt. They are very easy to conceal and carry with the right holster and a quality belt from the BELTMAN. I used to pack my 3" 657 in the winter in a pancake holster and got used to the weight. I've been packing a concealed weapon for 22 years and have yet to have been made or suffered from packing one.

That 19 would be a breeze to pack with the right holster and belt. With some good SD ammo you are well armed! Send me a PM and I'll help getting you set up.

Here's my 19-3 with some Stags and a Tyler and it will be my detective daughters weapon when its my time. Been through many a T-storm, soaked to the bone and still looks and shoots great IMO.

 

[dsbock]

Sportsterguy,

Nice pistola!

Sunday night we had a household budget discussion. I was reminded that we still haven't finished paying for post-Irene repairs to the house.

Looks like it may need to wait until tax return time.

David

 

[zoom6zoom]

I think that's not a bad deal. SCSW is a great reference, but as a price guide it's way out of date.

This is a 19-3 I recently picked up at what I considered a steal, despite no box and having the wrong grips. $400.

 

[dsbock]

Zoom6zoom,

If it was a 19-3, there would have been no hesitation even at $535. A 19-5 should cost less than a 19-3.

$400 for a 19-3 is a great price, much less in the condition yours looks to be.

David

 

[sophie]

Problem solved, buy them all.



______
James

 

[Steelwimp]

Model 19

Quick and dirty shot to test my rusty photo posting skills. Revolver looks better than the pic!

 

[rburg]

I'm having trouble believing you guys are relying on a price guide this long out of date. Its the one the vendors use to buy your guns! Its how they find a fair price to offer you and still make their 50% profits when they sell 10 minutes later. Or maybe I'm way off base, but I do go to a lot of gun shows, and M19s and M66s are guns I tend to watch.

Now go read the thread about MIM, 2 piece barrels, and locks. You can't buy the old guns with hammer mounted firing pins, without locks, and with 1 piece steel barrels. If you go looking, you'll find the new guns are listed for a few hundred bucks more, don't look anywhere as nice. Its becoming more and more difficult to find the nice 30 year old guns. When the next round of inflation kicks in, you'll be wishing for the good old days. You know, back when M19s were available for under a grand.