model 19-3

[Mich.Detective382]

Just picked this up on Gunbroker. When I first got it, I noticed some finish imperfections. I was initially no happy with it and thought about sending it back but ultimately decided to keep it. should I send it to S&W to be refinished or keep it the way it is? I paid $501.00 for it with shipping included.

 

[Kenny D]

Keep it the way it is. Think of the imperfections as beauty marks.

 

[dcopper]

Looks like it might have some character. If it is going to be a shooter, and if it locks up tight,and everything else is good its a keeper. Also looks like it might have been carried a lot and shot little. For that price I'd keep It. Shoot it and enjoy. They ain't making any more like that one. Also if you refinish it, it loses any possibility of any collector value. However it is yours to do with as you wish. Just my .02 cents worth.

regards
dcopper

 

[g8rb8]

Personally, I would get the most enjoyment from owning that revolver by shooting it as is. I think it looks pretty good. Others might get more enjoyment by owning a pristine example. If you prefer a pristine example there seems to be a general agreement from S&W Forum member that S&W does a very good job of refinishing as does Fords.
If you get it refinished, monetary-wise, it will probably not be worth any more, or much more, than you paid for it.

Here's a link to S&W regarding refinishing ($275 for high bright polish blue or $220 for standard polish and blue):
Precision Gunsmithing | Smith & Wesson

 

[Mich.Detective382]

19-3

Thanks a lot for the advice. Overall opinion is keep it the way it is. I thinks that is what I will do.

 

[BAM-BAM]

Keep it the way it is. Think of the imperfections as beauty marks.

Ditto.... great carry gun in that condition....... for woods or concealed with a IWB holster.

 

[Peak53]

I agree with all the no refinish needed comments above. If you want a pristine Model 19, you are simply going to have to pay more, especially on GB. Some people, by hook or crook, run into ANIB examples for that price and are quick to post here. That is not the norm in my experience. I think you got a fine deal on a fine revolver.

 

[Mich.Detective382]

19-3

I'm glad I didn't sent it back. thanks for the advice everyone.

 

[GunarSailors]

Here are some better pictures.

 

[Mich.Detective382]

here are the close ups. still think I should not re-finish? thanks GunarSailor!

 

[JP@AK]

Yes. Just keep and shoot. But be sure to apply a light coat of oil each time you clean it and put it away. That will retard any inclination it has to develop rust in the places with the blue gone.

 

[BAM-BAM]

Ditto.... great carry gun in that condition....... for woods or concealed with a IWB holster.

With the closeups..........ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh....OK

You may be in it a tad high..... but adding .$220 for a refinish won't get you whole........just IMO gets you a re-blued $500 gun...................

Might consider getting the cylinder redone ...... or not depends on the $$S

 

[kthom]

Those marks are from honest use, or I miss my guess! Maybe it could have been maintained along the way a little better, but if you could know where that Model 19 has been and what it may have seen and done along the way, I'll bet you'd be proud to own it! I carried one very similar from the sixties until sometime in the eighties. I would give a pretty penny to have it in my possession today, but that was not possible when we parted company. My copy was also obviously well used, rode hard you might say, although it was never put away wet! It was still as functional and dependable at the end of our tenure together as it was when it was first issued to me. Your copy has character, in my opinion, that can only be present when a gun has given good service! Congratulations for owning this one for what I consider to be a good price.

 

[mrchuck]

Clean it thoroughly. Then go shoot it.
This is a wonderful "bedroom" gun to keep ready for use in your night stand.
500 is about right for that condition.

 

[SS57]

I have Smith revolvers in similar condition. Mechanically they are sound and shoot very nice. I am less stressed taking these guns to the range b/c I don't worry about getting that first knick or scratch in it. They have tons of character in their current condition. Keep it as is.

 

[JeepinSoldier]

Nice Model 19!

The first handgun I ever shot was a 4" Model 19. I spoke of that gun so much, my parents purchased a nice used one and gave it to me for Christmas two years later.

I would have purchased that gun for $500. Really nice 19's now go for much more than that, so to have a good shooter for $500 is a find.

I picked up this Model 18 .22 a while back and asked the Forum the same question. I got about 50/50 refinish or leave it as it is. It may go to Fords for a refinish some time in the future, but for now the kids are having too much fun shooting it!

Just turn the pitted part of the cylinder to the bottom when you don't want to look at it!

 

[sbowenjr]

If the gun was misrepresented on the auction I would send it back. If it was not I would not refinish it. I would keep and carry it. I have been told by a few knowledgeable. Collectors that even a factory refinish reduces the value of a gun by 1/3 of what it would bring. So far unless the revolver is a scarce one I have found this to be true.

 

[Redwing471]

Mich.Detective,

If you decide to unload message me and I'll buy it for what you have in it. I'm guessing you are in Michigan possibly by your screen name?