MODEL 19-3 VALUE

[TEXVET]

I have run onto a like "N.I.B." Model 19-3 (6" barrel). It has the original box and paperwork and appears to have never been fired. The box is in great shape, almost like it was a current production item. Here is the kicker, the store wants $925 for the revolver. Here in Texas, older S&Ws are selling for a ton of money. Even rough ones can bring $500 or more. Would $925 be out of the ball park for a pristine 6" Model 19-3? I understand these revolvers were made between 1967 and 1977, so I probably have this in the wrong place. Please bear with me, I am new to the neighborhood.

 

[2ndAmendmentNut]

That is way high. I don't think a 6" barrel is that rare (could be wrong). I know what you are saying about high prices for S&W in Texas. A local shop has had a beat to heck little hump backed model 49 for over 8 months. Asking price is $600. The guy behind the counter told me to make him an offer, I declined saying we are not even on the same page.

3 months ago I bought a very good condition Model 19-3 with a 2.5" barrel only a slight turn line and no other finish wear for $475 off of gunbroker. Cost me $25 to ship plus $30 ffl transfer, but for $530 out the door I was happy.

 

[Mike McLellan]

Anything "pristine" commands a higher price than most of us expect to pay. I'm very happy with a "really nice" model 19 that I got for $420.00 this year without any boxes, tools, wrapping papr, etc. I guess, what I'm saying is my apple was a better deal than your orange. Everything is debatable.

 

[TEXVET]

I have a Blue Book of gun values and if you add in all of the items they show that increase the value of the Model 19, it comes up to about $625. I was looking at this revolver as an investment since it had the box and appears to be unfired. I also have a Model 15-4 that is the same condition with box and appears to be unfired. I probably won't shoot it, but all of my other new S&W toys have made it to the range with me. The Model 29 with .44 Special loads is fun to shoot, but full strength .44 Mag rounds are another story. A short story at that. That for the feedback.

 

[boatbum101]

A pristine 19 - 3 in condition you describe is a collectible & usually priced as such . I think $ 750 would be more like it . $ 925 is waaay too high & I suspect it'll sit there for a loooong time @ that price . Also bear in mind the 19's have a rep of cracking forcing cones with hot 125 JHP loads . I don't know your intended purpose , but if it involves heavy loads a L or N frame would be better suited & for less money too . All that said the 19's are very nice & much lighter to pack . The old saying was shoot them with 38 +P's & ocassional magnum loads . Do you really want a safe queen for a shooter ?

 

[TEXVET]

Again, I was looking at this as an investment. No plans to shoot it.
I have four other recently acquired revolvers to play with at the range. The Model 19 is coming from a Cabela's in Missouri to the Cabela's near me. The Gun Library manager at our local store is an old friend of mine. I also have a Model 66 coming in from Arizona. The 66 is priced at $519. I planned to offer $1,200 to $1,250 for both revolvers. If he refuses to take the offer, I will take the Model 66, and write off the $25 Cabela's charged to transfer the Model 19. The gun auctions have steep prices on guns like the Model 19, so I turned to you guys for your advice.
I sure would like to know how you guys buy these old Smiths off of the internet. Every time I go to Gun Brokers or Guns America all of the Smiths have been sold.

 

[JP@AK]

I will just say this TEXVET, at $925 this is going to be a very long term investment. I really think you can do better, even for an ANIB example. I agree with a previous poster who wrote that $750 would be top dollar on the gun you described.
FWIW.
Jack

 

[model70hunter]

I recently retired and was living in the St. Louis Area. I used to buy a guns at Cabelas. I had then ship in my first 27-2 in 3.5" from their Nevada store and picked up 2 Pythons there. But that was 3-5 years ago. My wife bought me a German 300 Weatherby MK V there for my birthday a couple of years ago. Early German $850, I taught her how to deal on guns, make your best offer and pull out the check book. They wanted $1050, similar Weatherbys are now $1500.

What I now see there are used guns priced $2-300 over value. I really did love the place but they put big prices on items and folks buy them.

Your object desire also seems to be over priced. It depends if you really want it and can live with the purchase price. And yes a time or two in my life I sorta remember paying extra. Dang Pre-64 Model 70's.....

 

[boatbum101]

If looking for investment quality go to Smith and Wesson Collector Firearms . Not only is David a forum member , his stuff is first class . You'll see many scarce & beautiful S&W there . David is also a first class gentleman . Forum owner Handejector also sells collector grade S&W & also has first class stuff . Like David , Lee is also a first class gentleman . Lee goes by noconeetrader for his business .

 

[JP@AK]

If looking for investment quality go to Smith and Wesson Collector Firearms . Not only is David a forum member , his stuff is first class . You'll see many scarce & beautiful S&W there . David is also a first class gentleman . Forum owner Handejector also sells collector grade S&W & also has first class stuff . Like David , Lee is also a first class gentleman . Lee goes by noconeetrader for his business .

I'm in complete agreement with this post. Well said.
Jack

 

[Camster]

Forget Blue Book.Forget investment.You buy it for the pleasure that it gives you,now,and for as long as you own it.Period.That said,I don't think the price is that crazy,perhaps 10% high,and it you really like it,that shouldn't stop you.

 

[Point 357]

These guys here really know what they're talking about. I recently bought an extremely nice 19-3 from a forum member at a premium price. The fact is that I wanted a nice one, I got a nice one. No regrets about what I spent, and I am not sleeping in a spare bedroom. Mrs. Point 357 thinks it's 'pretty'! I would have no problem parting with $925 for one as nice as this one you describe.

Just my two cents...

 

[pileit]

These guys here really know what they're talking about. I recently bought an extremely nice 19-3 from a forum member at a premium price. The fact is that I wanted a nice one, I got a nice one. No regrets about what I spent, and I am not sleeping in a spare bedroom. Mrs. Point 357 thinks it's 'pretty'! I would have no problem parting with $925 for one as nice as this one you describe.

Just my two cents...

What he said.

 

[ma deuce]

Well, I'm no great authority, and I don't know prices in TX, but IMHO the Blue Book is of value mainly as a doorstop. I've preached a good deal on this forum about regional variations in prices. Still, if this gun were here in MD or environs, in the condition you describe, I'd be sorely tempted, even at $925. $100 less and I'd definitely jump on it.

 

[Point 357]

Well, I'm no great authority, and I don't know prices in TX, but IMHO the Blue Book is of value mainly as a doorstop. I've preached a good deal on this forum about regional variations in prices. Still, if this gun were here in MD or environs, in the condition you describe, I'd be sorely tempted, even at $925. $100 less and I'd definitely jump on it.

What he said!

Especially here in Maryland.

 

[THEWELSHM]

I bought a 99percent model 19-4 for $425 its a transitional gun everything but pinned (1980) It would sell right now for $650 ( its not for sale just saying) I would add $100 to that if it were a 19-3. The weapon was about $100 plus or minus in 1980. so basically if you kept yours for 32 years non shot @ $950 it may be worth 4 or five times the amount to a passionate buyer eg $5k ( which I highly doubt) that being said if it was you make maybe $126 per year on your investment or $10.54 cents per month. I would buy a shooter and shoot it and clean it or pay $750


thewelshm

 

[Model19man]

It seems awful high to me. Maybe if it was at Jackson Arms that would be the price. Me, I live on the other side of the freeway from Jackson Arms so I can't afford those prices.

I have run onto a like "N.I.B." Model 19-3 (6" barrel). It has the original box and paperwork and appears to have never been fired. The box is in great shape, almost like it was a current production item. Here is the kicker, the store wants $925 for the revolver. Here in Texas, older S&Ws are selling for a ton of money. Even rough ones can bring $500 or more. Would $925 be out of the ball park for a pristine 6" Model 19-3? I understand these revolvers were made between 1967 and 1977, so I probably have this in the wrong place. Please bear with me, I am new to the neighborhood.

 

[Retired W4]

I am not adverse to paying top market value for a gun I really want, but $925 for that gun might make me shy away.

 

[Left Twist]

These guys here really know what they're talking about. I recently bought an extremely nice 19-3 from a forum member at a premium price. The fact is that I wanted a nice one, I got a nice one. No regrets about what I spent, and I am not sleeping in a spare bedroom. Mrs. Point 357 thinks it's 'pretty'! I would have no problem parting with $925 for one as nice as this one you describe.

Just my two cents...

I second these thoughts

 

[Hapworth]

The asking price is not out of the ballpark; it is on the high(ish) end. But don't forget, "asking price" is usually synonymous with "opening bid".

If the 19-3 is as described, we're talking about -- in effect -- a new gun. And one that's no longer made...and a desirable model...and from a preferred build era.

Current comparable K, L or N frames range from around $800 to $1200 MSRP new. Again, if the gun is as described, why wouldn't it command a similar price, especially considering the greater scarcity and desirability of it on the open market?

Similar ones go for more from premium sellers like David Carroll and Fugate Firearms. And, again, the asking price is usually higher than the selling price.

Point is: if this is the gun you're looking for in the kind of condition you require, negotiate the price down some and buy -- I don't think you'll be getting taken for a ride...

...if the gun is in the condition described.