Model 19-5 2.5" value?

[dan0583]

Can someone please tell me what I should expect to pay for a model 19-5, 2.5" in overall good condition? Everything appears to be in pretty great shape, finish, lockup, timing, etc. I know the snub K frames are commanding higher prices these days. The seller is asking $600. I have seen the model 66 selling for this or higher, I know the model 19 is the same revolver in blue vs. SS. Is this a pretty fair price, given the current market?

*No box or paperwork is included, just the revolver. Non original grips.

 

[Candyman]

It's too high for me but I have also been known to pay too much for a gun that I really wanted. I would offer him $500 and meet him in the middle @ $550. If you really want the revolver.

He has no box or anything else as you say, the blue book value is $550 for a 19 in 100% (that means box, tools, etc...) I have a Nickel 19-5 2.5" that I carry and I love it but I wouldn't and didn't give $600 for it. My $0.02

 

[coorslight]

A year ago i paid $375.00 for mine in about 90% condition

 

[dan0583]

Thanks for the quick responses guys!

 

[JCS&W]

I do not believe I would pay $600 for a M19-5 without the original grips or box. However, $500, given the current market in my area, would be a realistic price.

 

[DMSC]

I got my 19-5 2.5" for $450, last month. It's a 85-90%, no box, etc...

 

[5Wire]

Here's my track on the model:

Smith & Wesson 19-3 2-1/2 inch barrel. Revolver in .357 Magnum,.38 Special, Plus P. Bluebook of Gun Values (33nd Edition) indicates between $325 in 95% condition and $550 in 100% condition for this gun. I have 54 recorded prices for this model gun from $395 to $795 over a period of 5 Yrs 6 Mos ending November 1, 2012. The average price as of that date was $550. No refurbs, no refinishes, regular sights. All represented as 95% or better. No distinction for engineering revision, if any, no special editions, no distinctions for box, papers, tools. Current or last MSRP is $457.

Here's how the data charts out.

Note that the Average Price Trend is right at about $600 as of the first of this month, so the $600 price dan0583 is looking at is not unfair. Better examples of the model would command higher prices, especially with box, papers, tools, and so on.

Also note that the monthly price count is increasing at the same time. I take this to be indicative of folks who own the model are putting them up for sale to take advantage of the the appreciated value due to increased demand. Since the supply and the average prices are increasing, I'd say the end is not in sight and prices will never be lower (on average) than now.

 

[JCS&W]

5Wire, as usual, great information. Thank you.

 

[NFrameFred]

5 Wire - you really rain on the parade of those who insist current prices are just a 'bubble' and that they are waiting until prices become "reasonable" again (meaning what they paid 20 years ago).

I've said it here before - I wonder why I never see those who whine 'I wouldn't pay $XXX for a "XXX" ' ever post any of their guns for sale at the prices they expect to get theirs for . . .

 

[Sealevel]

The $550 value average that 5Wire places on the 2.5" 19-5 in the condition you state seems about right for northern Florida. I recently passed on that same model in this neighborhood for the asking price of $600. I think it is still for sale. There is a 2.5" Model 66 in the area with an asking price of $750, just for comparison.

 

[4barrel]

I bought one new & still got her. 19-5. I paid $187 out the door about 1982. If you can get it for under $600 out the door do it. I have over paid for lots of guns. In 5 years you can still get your money back. Buy it today $ you will never forget NOVEMBER 6.--Hey guys--look what I added to my collection today.

 

[dan0583]

WOW! Thanks for all the info. You guys here really know what your talking about, and have a great way of explaining things. I think this model 19 might just have my name on it!

 

[JCS&W]

dan0583, good. You will not be disappointed with a M19, enjoy it.

 

[kennyb]

$600 without box,docs,or proper grips to me is high...

 

[5Wire]

$600 without box,docs,or proper grips to me is high...

That's what happens when prices increase, what used to be high is high no longer. This is especially true when the average increases rapidly as with this model. Compare the trend to inflation. That doesn't mean there aren't some lower prices here and there but that there are fewer lower prices and more higher ones. The way prices are trending, now is a better time to buy than later.

Here's how a "Normal Distribution" looks for the Model 19 prices I have. The range in each zone above and below average is the focus. (ignore the dash three header):

The pricing distribution is misleading because the prices were gathered over 5 yrs 6 mos but the normalization assumes the prices are simultaneously sampled. I don't have the math to adjust for that. That's the main reason I use trends in my price chart postings.

 

[nipster]

For 2.5" barrels, $450-$550 around here for a 19-5 and later. In the $550-$700 range currently for 19-4 and earlier depending on condition.

 

[Sailfish 40]

i paid $500 for this one about 6 months ago in south florida. i feel it was a good deal and could probably sell it for $600. no box and papers though.

 

[BobR1]

It seems to me that Clean Blued Revolvers are getting higher priced, and more in demand lately. They do not make NEW Old Model Blued Revolvers any more, with forged parts, no Loc, Factory Combats with Medallions, etc. If you want a CLEAN One, you are probably going to pay for it. That is unless you just luck out and find one for sale that the owner has no clue what he or she has.

In my area any Adjustable Sight K or L Frame 357 Magnum is normally in the $550 to $650 range if it is clean at all (90%+ condition). If it is in like new condition it will probably be in the $600 to $750 range.

In my area I would expect to pay the $600 asking price for a Clean 2-1/2" 19.

The last revolver I made a trade on. I estimated that I ended up with between $600 - $625 in it. It was an as new 2" 15-4 Combat Masterpiece with no box or papers. Looked to be unfired. Is that to much money for a 2" 15?? Probably
Would I make the trade again?? YES
This was the first AS NEW 2" Model 15 I have ever ran across. I wanted it, and now it is in my pile.
Would I take $625 for it and recover my money? NO

My advice would be to try and talk him down to $550. If he will not talk down give him the asking price.
If he is a good friend of yours, just pay him the $600, and take it home. I do not try and talk friends down.
At the local gun shop I normally buy from, I ask him what Low Dollar is. He tells me, and I either buy it, or not. Normally I buy it.

Bob

 

[ConquestN98858]

Hey Guys,
My sentiments as well... I was looking to replace a late 70's one that I owned but bailed when the bidding approached high 5-hundreds!
Great research as listed in earlier posts as I was interested in fair market value of this Combat-Magnum as well.
Thanks,
Mike...ConquestN98858

 

[Iggy]

Note that the last post in this thread was in Nov. of 2012.