Model 19-3 price help

[ANGCorsair]

I'm looking at a NIB 4" Model 19-3. Gun looks immaculate and I believe the NIB description. My problem is the seller won't move off his asking cost of $800. I'm thinking it's a good $150-200 high but looking at the online auctions seems to support his price.

I'm a pistol guy and looking to scratch the wheel gun itch. This would be my first revolver.

Whatcha think?

 

[P&R Fan]

I'd say that's about $300 too high.
Then again, I'm kinda cheap.
Jim

 

[peepaw]

In todays market NIB, I don't think the price is really
out of line. He could get that easily on GB.
If this is face to face, then you don't have to worry with
transfer fees, shipping, etc.
Not a bad deal to me.

 

[ma deuce]

I'm looking at a NIB 4" Model 19-3. Gun looks immaculate and I believe the NIB description. My problem is the seller won't move off his asking cost of $800. I'm thinking it's a good $150-200 high but looking at the online auctions seems to support his price.

I'm a pistol guy and looking to scratch the wheel gun itch. This would be my first revolver.

Whatcha think?

Grab it. Grab it quick. $800 is NOT high for a NIB 19-3, especially a 4". If it has options, even more!

 

[holo]

paid $340.00 for the well used one a month ago and ain't look-in back. if you want it grab it the prices are not comin down any time soon.

 

[ANGCorsair]

This is a FTF sale with no additional charges. Your replies mirror what I'm getting from friends with enough knowledge whom I asked. Too high, not bad and about right. I do realize that the NIB condition is the factor driving it up. It's not why I'm considering this purchase but it is nice. Honestly I was thinking of a used Model 19 or GP100 to get my feet wet and came across this.

Thanks for your thoughts.

 

[BAM-BAM]

It's High...... but;

...... about 6-7 years ago I suddenly realized I didn't have a 4 inch 19.....I had sold mine to friends or traded..... thinking I could always "just grab another"..........

So I went out to "grab another"........ took at least a year to find a nice one/95%......... another 2 years to find another "really nice" one..... and I haven't seen another around here since!!!!!!

In todays market if you want a nice one today or in the future...... grab one when you are lucky enought to find one.........!!!!!!!! 19-3s are still P&R which adds $100-150 to the price of a nice 19 IMHO.

I keep telling myself that I'm glad I bought most of my guns in the 80s,90s and early 2000s. I'd hate to be buying today........ and it will be harder tomorrow.

 

[mr.jbk79]

That's a great Smith to scratch your itch. Based on the condition, that price is pretty close to what I'm seeing lately. Sellers are holding firm, they are not asking. They are saying this is the price, period. I know not the same comparison, but this morning I was at a show with a friend, and he sold a minty 2.5" 19-4 w/ box/contents for $850. He was firm on his price, and he didn't make it 1/2 way thru the show before it sold at his price. Good luck finding the $500 ones.

 

[66Park]

It's High...... but;

...... about 6-7 years ago I suddenly realized I didn't have a 4 inch 19.....I had sold mine to friends or traded..... thinking I could always "just grab another"..........

So I went out to "grab another"........ took at least a year to find a nice one/95%......... another 2 years to find another "really nice" one..... and I haven't seen another around here since!!!!!!

In todays market if you want a nice one today or in the future...... grab one when you are lucky enought to find one.........!!!!!!!! 19-3s are still P&R which adds $100-150 to the price of a nice 19 IMHO.

I keep telling myself that I'm glad I bought most of my guns in the 80s,90s and early 2000s. I'd hate to be buying today........ and it will be harder tomorrow.

I tend to agree with this. When I find THE ONE I'm looking for, I usually pay too much, but after awhile, I just have and enjoy the magnificent gun, and the overpaying is really secondary.

 

[mc350]

$600 Max...be patient, there's alot of them out there. I picked up a mint 19-5 (blue) for $475 OTD 3 weeks ago......There was a 19-3 (blue at a local gun show last week and was about 90% condition, owner was asking $450, probably could have got it for $400.......

 

[mr.jbk79]

$600 Max...be patient, there's alot of them out there. I picked up a mint 19-5 (blue) for $475 OTD 3 weeks ago......There was a 19-3 (blue at a local gun show last week and was about 90% condition, owner was asking $450, probably could have got it for $400.......

NIB and 90% is a pretty fair gap?

 

[mrflash]

Back in the early to mid 80's I had a Mod. 19 that I really liked. Unfortunately, so did my neighbor, & he kept bugging me to sell it to him. I did, along with a black, leather, basket weave Roy Baker pancake holster. I always missed that gun & figured I get another some day, but the nice ones I saw, I considered, were over priced. (As they usually are at gun shows) A year or so ago I picked up an exc. 19-3 w/6" bbl. for a good price. Considering: 1.) I rarely shoot .357's in my guns. 2.) I have an exc. Mod. 14, 6". 3.) I have an exc. Mod. 15 w/TT, TH, TS,.... I'm going to dump the 19-3. My question is: What do Y'all think is a fair price for a Mod. 19-3, 6", exc. cond., w/box & manual (no tools)?

 

[KLYDE]

I'd say if you want it, buy it. As many here have said, the prices will not be going down. Also the factor of a FTF in hand transaction. You can inspect the gun, something you are not able to do via the internet.

What it polluting the gun market today is the gun broker type sales sights. If a seller has done any research they know a pristine model can fetch ridiculous sales prices. Either they get what they want FTF or they go to the internet.

How many NIB guns have you seen in your area lately?

 

[Jack Flash]

A lot of good advice has been given. Depending on your situation, each one could be correct.

If you plan to shoot it a lot, you could sure get one for less money that is in very good to excellent condition. If you shoot it a lot, it will not be NIB for long, so why pay the NIB price?

Some folks may have $800 in "fun money" and may want the very enjoyable experience of buying a "new" gun and breaking it in. I would rather spend my money that way than at a casino or race track.

Or then there are collectors who swoon over NIB S&Ws ...

You get the idea -- it's your money, spend it the way you want to.

 

[GypsmJim]

The 19-3 I bought last year for $400 wasn't NIB, but it was darn near. I just bought a pre-14 99% for $250. My last purchase was a 25-5 with (reportedly) 12 rounds put thru her for $400.

They are out there, you just have to be somewhat patient and VERY diligent in the search.

IMHO the $800 asking price is insane. The only reason people are asking those prices is because someone is willing to pay that much. Now, if you're selling, more power to you. If you're buying, there's always another opportunity down the road.

 

[BJoe]

These days it's CONDITION...CONDITION...CONDITION. All the sellers know that and if they don't get their 'bit high' asking price they will next month.
I spend the day on auction sites and CLEAN QUALITY guns are going up daily.

 

[ANGCorsair]

Thanks for all your thoughts.

To this day I have always treated my firearms as tools. I enjoy developing several accurate loads for each of them. I hunt with them all no matter their condition, rarity or sentimental status. I CCW with those suitable and enjoy target shooting them all.

I'm certain that I will quickly get this revolver to the range and lose any reason to buy a 40 yr old NIB revolver at a premium price. If it wasn't for a total lack of any used handguns in the area I wouldn't have considered it when I saw the asking price. Only after I saw its condition did I get serious about it. I prefer FTF sales for used firearms so most online sales are out for me. I'm going to sleep on this decision.

 

[BAM-BAM]

I've posted my thoughts above (post 7).........but an additional thought as you sleep on it...LOL

While I love this forum and have been here quite awhile, posting from time to time, one thing to remember......

People are posting from all over the country/ world; so the posts about "I got a 95%__________ for $350 just last week" are anecdotal. I can tell you a story about buying a Registered Magnum in this Century for $350.....if you see one for $1000 my advice is don't hold out and wait to match my buy............ and that's the last Reg. Mag I've "seen" around here....let alone for sale.

My last purchase was a "nice" 95% Model 17 with box...... for $400. .. because I was the only one standing in the Gunsmith's shop when an older gentleman walked in and wanted to put it on consignment for $400. What are the odds?

While a bit corney; Ben Franklin said it best " A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush."

If you want a "nice" 19 in your safe, and can afford it, grab this one! Take it to the range, take care of it and at worse it goes from "nib" to "anib". Then for all the other uses you talked about in your last post begin your search for a anib Model 66. which I think is a much better gun for those uses.

My thoughts, FWTW....... which isn't much........... Good luck!!!!!!

 

[BAM-BAM]

I've posted my thoughts above.........but an additional thought as you sleep on it...LOL

While I love this forum and have been here quite awhile, posting from time to time, one thing to remember......

People are posting from all over the country/ world; so the posts about "I got a 95%__________ for $350 just last week" are anecdotal. I can tell you a story about buying a Registered Magnum in this Century for $350.....if you see one for $1000 my advice is don't hold out and wait to match my buy............ and that's the last Reg. Mag I've "seen" around here....let alone for sale.

If you want a "nice" 19 in your safe, and can afford it, grab this one! Take it to the range, take care of it and at worse it goes from "nib" to "anib". Then for all the other uses you talked about in your last post begin your search for a anib Model 66. which I think is a much better gun for those uses.

My thoughts FWTW which isn't much........... Good luck!!!!!!

 

[Snake Plissken]

There is nothing like a beautiful blued Model 19-3. Use it , enjoy it and keep it nice. To me you never over pay for quality cause they don't make em like this anymore, IMO

 

[old bear]

be patient, there's alot of them out there.

That's what a good friend and firearm mentor told me 2 1/2 years ago when I was ready to buy a 95% condition M 27-2 3 1/2", so I did. I'm still looking for one in the same shape but now I'm looking at close to a grand..

O/P the price is somewhat high, right now, but what would you have to pay for the same M-19 in 12 -18 months?

If you can afford to buy it, do so.

 

[Warren Sear]

Two years ago I paid $100 more than I should have for a M28-2. I felt a little foolish afterward, knowing I paid too much, but it was exactly what I wanted and it was in perfect shape.

I look back on that purchase now, and smile with satisfaction!

Someone said, "You don't pay too much for a Smith & Wesson; only too soon".