Looking for a 19 2.5" for a working gun.

[SquarePizza]

I find myself in need a black gun for a new CCW. I know that sounds silly, but the agency I will be working with has black uniforms and all of my current 38/357 revolvers are modern stainless models which seem to stand out like the sun.

I've always wanted an excuse to buy a model 13 or a 19 anyways so this is good enough of a reason.

I don't want a nice gun, this thing is going to get banged all over hell as we bounce down the road. And I'm thinking of bobbing the hammer anyways to make for a smoother pocket draw. The deep pockets of 5.11 pants will swallow an N frame so I am not worried about a K frame.

Anyways, thats a long winded way of getting to the question of what should I expect to pay for a used model 19? One that has wear or is otherwise unattractive to the collector.

I'm kind of eyeing this one, I like the aftermarket FO sight, but the seller doesn't give much in the way to information about lockup and endshake, so I will email him later.

*edit* Deleted the link, I did not know they were not allowed for illustration purposes.

 

[robertrwalsh]

I finally got around to a 19 snubbie a couple of years back. I really like it. I think I paid right around $500 for it but I honestly don't remember. It was very clean in very good operational condition and somebody had jeweled the trigger and hammer. Looks slick. Some muzzle blue wear and a modest turn line. Correctly timed. I felt I got a good deal at that price.

 

[dmthomp32]

The 2.5" variety always seem to be in demand compared to the 4". My guess is you could shop around and find a used but functional example for around $500. However examples in the $600 range will likely be more common for condition you describe. I've watched some of the distributers on GunBroker and have seen 66's with the 2.5" barrel consistently hit the $600 and they have had a fair amount of wear on them. Just my opinion, others depending upon the area they are from may have better prices.

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[gmborkovic]

I have a 1972 Mod-19 blue. It has been around but not abused. A few scratches but tight as a tick. Even has the matching Magna grips.
A great carry/car gun.

 

[colt_saa]

I would NEVER buy a firearm with a FO sight when I intend to have it " banged all over hell as we bounce down the road" FO front sights are to easy to break or have fall out for that kind of environment

I also do not understand why you would care if the firearm were stainless or blue if you are "thinking of bobbing the hammer anyways to make for a smoother pocket draw"

If it is going in the pocket who cares what the color is?

Additionally a Model 66 can be easily buffed or bead blasted once you get tired of all the scars from getting it " banged all over hell as we bounce down the road"

However, I think that $600 for a 2 1/2" Model 19 in serviceable condition would be a bargain

I love snubby 19/66s

 

[murphydog]

With a good pocket holster and nothing else carried in the same space, your gun should not suffer a great deal of finish or metal damage with being carried. This means you should buy a much more expensive and nicer gun than you planned. You're welcome!

 

[raylan007]

By GB standards that is on the extreme low end and I am surprised that it being a "Buy It Now" it is still available. As to your comment to lack of information that is also the standard for most GB sellers and as you can see by the number of sales this person is hardly a professional so I would guess these are no returns available not that you would want to go thru that **** show. Lastly advertising a highly sought after model S&W is never a good idea if you intend on potentially buying it yourself. I can honestly say in watching for a M19 or 66 2.5" primarily on the online sites you won't find one much cheaper although the lack of information and photos is a negative on this sale but once again to be expected. It is to bad folks don't take the little bit of time to place a more professional listing as it is just not that hard and makes for a satisfied buyer and seller in the end.

P.S. Watch out, seller originally states shipping to be $10 via Priority Mail (USPS?) then notes below shipping and FFL to be $35. My guess this seller is not a FFL and has no idea how much it will cost to ship and noting Priority to me means USPS which he is not eligible for. I'm pretty sure what we have here is your classic "BUBBA" GB seller.

 

[yfdcap]

Still one of my all time favorites. I carry mine quite a bit. As said above I would ditch the fiber optic sight but that gun seems like a good deal for around here anyway. Never see any 2.5's. If I do I will more than likely buy it.

 

[WCCPHD]

S&W actually did a "black" Model 19-5 for the Diplomatic Security Service and also for the Connecticut State Police. They are not seen every day but can be found. The finish is more black than the original blue and came with Pachmayr grips from the factory.

I was luck enough to find one at a LGS who thought it was a refinish that came out too dark. Not perfect, but not too bad for $250 OTD.

 

[flagman1776]

If I was going to conceal / pocket carry it, why worry about the color? For CC... I'd opt for fixed sights. Less likely to hang up or be damaged. In short, a M13 or M65.

 

[dmthomp32]

S&W actually did a "black" Model 19-5 for the Diplomatic Security Service and also for the Connecticut State Police. They are not seen every day but can be found. The finish is more black than the original blue and came with Pachmayr grips from the factory.

I was luck enough to find one at a LGS who thought it was a refinish that came out too dark. Not perfect, but not too bad for $250 OTD.

That's interesting and an amazing deal!!

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[medic15al]

Why not a new M-66 2 3/4 in coated black? No worries if used in a shooting and 125grn magnum ammo tolerant. Remove lock and plug it.

 

[dr. mordo]

Personally, for pocket carry I'd get a M12 snubbie. The weight is far less than a M19 and they can be gotten in good shape for ~$450 on GB.

 

[JWM]

Pocket gun means no sharp edges to facilitate a smooth draw. That 19 you are thinking about has the square, sharp rear sights that I'm sure would snag your draw. Have you considered the fixed sight guns: Ruger Speed-six, S&W models 12, 10, etc...?

 

[dmthomp32]

I will agree with a number of the comments here as when I have carried my model 66 in the past those squared off sights we're uncomfortable at time and I imagine in a pocket they wouldn't be ideal. All my carry revolvers are fixed sight now. Just my opinion.

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[Eddietruett]

I’d recommend a 3” Model 13

 

[31FordA]

I haven't seen a 2.5" Model 19 for less than $600 in a while. There is well worn one (19-4) for sale near me now for $625, and I bought a 2.5" 19-4 for $650 a few months ago.

I would opt for fixed sights for pocket carry. My first choice would be the Model 12, it carries comfortably in pants pockets. Model 12's also seem to generally sell for no more than $500. If an all steel revolver is preferred then a Model 10 or Model 13. The Model 13 is likely to be hard to find and expensive, the last one I ran across (13-4) was $850.

 

[Loyaljeeper]

I think your desire and need for a black gun is well earned. I too once needed the black gun for camoing.

I’m getting ready to make you sick, but I fell into a shooter grade 2.5” m19 for $350ish in the last year. It outshoots every 4” and 6” gun I own. The sights are a hinderance, and I wish they were smaller. The gun will still pocket carry better than the 3” 65’s I have owned in the past. Despite this m19 being a superb shooter, I still carry other snubbs in its place. My j frames and my Detective Special get more pocket time. I have a 2” model 12 that may one day get into my carry rotation. I love this m19, but I have much more practical snubs.

 

[SquarePizza]

To answer those asking about if its CCW then why care about color.

I'm a medic, I'm going to get slammed into stretchers, the wall, etc flying down the road doing CPR. I'm going to be bending, reaching, moving, being in all sorts of unusual positions and sometimes that can expose a little of the butt of the gun. If I notice the shiny handle of my 649 sometimes, then I would not want others to see it. So I figure a darker color will just put my mind at ease a little better.

 

[BAM-BAM]

Looking at Posts 1 and 19..........

I'd just go with a little J-frame...... you're talking carried a lot and maybe never needed/shot...a 442 would be my first choice......

well unless you are in Chicago