Model 19-5 6" - what is the year and value?

clint_tx

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I picked up this Model 19-5 6" at a local "widow sale" today for $400. I think it is in very good condition, and the walnut stocks seem to have some better than average figuring to them. I'm very pleased with the purchase, and now just trying to determine an approximate date of manufacture/shipping (there was no box) and approximate value. Based on the serial number ACY5651, can someone tell me when this pistol was made? Comparing it to some of my other S&W serial numbers, I'm guessing somewhere between the late 80's and early 90's, but could be way off. Also, I think I got a pretty good deal on this gun; but would love to hear estimates of fair market value. Thanks!
 

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I picked up this Model 19-5 6" at a local "widow sale" today for $400. I think it is in very good condition, and the walnut stocks seem to have some better than average figuring to them. I'm very pleased with the purchase, and now just trying to determine an approximate date of manufacture/shipping (there was no box) and approximate value. Based on the serial number ACY5651, can someone tell me when this pistol was made? Comparing it to some of my other S&W serial numbers, I'm guessing somewhere between the late 80's and early 90's, but could be way off. Also, I think I got a pretty good deal on this gun; but would love to hear estimates of fair market value. Thanks!

I bought a Model 19-5 brand new around 1985. The blue one like yours had a retail price of $299, the Nickel one that I bought was a little more at $319.00. Both prices were without tax of course. I think that the M19-5 was made from about 1982 - 1993 or so. Excellent firearm, they have been selling around $800 for a blue one in excellent shape so you have done very well.

Maybe someone here has a similar serial number with a letter so they can place your date closer.
 
Interesting that it has a Baughman fs blade,
IIRC Most 6" Model 19's (Not all) have a Patridge blade.

I believe that is a Blanchard QD Red Ramp sight which, as I learned at this week's Symposium, was an improvement on the Baughman QD ramp. The original version first appeared in 1952 and was designed by Norman Blanchard, a former S&W employee, later to become the red ramp as pictured in the OP's post.

Much to learn at the SWCA Symposiums and I'd encourage everyone here on the Forum to consider joining the SWCA and attending the annual Symposiums.

Jeff
SWCA #1457
 
Every M19-5 I have ever seen has the red ramp / white outline Target sights with the 6" barrel. I think other sights may be standard with other barrel lengths.
 
Unless there is something that doesn't show in your pictures, the $400 price you paid was a "steal"! Almost seems too good to be true or the Seller was just not aware of current prices. I will admit just going by your pictures, it looks quite good (rarely shot) for what you paid! The Widow might have seen the original receipt and thought she was making out well by doubling the purchase price - ha ha - you won!
 
I believe that is a Blanchard QD Red Ramp sight which, as I learned at this week's Symposium, was an improvement on the Baughman QD ramp. The original version first appeared in 1952 and was designed by Norman Blanchard, a former S&W employee, later to become the red ramp as pictured in the OP's post.
Learn something new every day.

Every M19-5 I have ever seen has the red ramp / white outline Target sights with the 6" barrel. I think other sights may be standard with other barrel lengths.
Interesting that it has a Baughman fs blade,
IIRC Most 6" Model 19's (Not all) have a Patridge blade.
That’s because it has EVERYTHING. :) RR/WO/TT/TH

All the way into the -7s, a standard 6” Model 19 came with a Patridge front sight, plain rear sight slide, .375” semi-target hammer and .265” serrated service trigger.
It was also offered with a target hammer and trigger but plain sights.
Finally, like this one, it was offered with all the bells and whistles but they were not offered by the factory with a RR/WO but ‘standard’ hammer and trigger.
 

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