Some of the early Combat Magnums had stocks that were numbered (usually to a different revolver), but most did not.
Bill
Bill
Pre 19 - A lesson when buying a gun
- Thread starter bigl1911
- Start date
Zoom in and look closely at the S&W logo. Also look at the freckling on the top strap.
Then there is the cylinder. There is a certain look to a revolver that has been reblued and not shot since. I've seen it before , and the OP subject revolver has that look.
Besides glasses , a bright compact flashlight is critical to a good inspection of a high condition high value firearm. I like to carry multiple sets of readers - makes me look like a dork but the ability to see detail is excellent.
OP
bigl1911
Member
The general rule - half value t same condition original finish - more for a factory most about how bad you want it!
OP
bigl1911
Member
Thanks Bill!!
OP
bigl1911
Member
Good advice - I usually carry a few x10 magnifiers and a loop plus a small surefire low level light. Off to look at an pre 37 today!
FY A few rounds shot on this one..
Art Doc
SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
I would never know but I'm not an expert. Not a collector either so I wouldn't care much either if price right.
Only refinished gun I unknowingly bought was a 4" nickel Python. Didn't take a real careful look. Was too busy ripping my wallet from my pocked to dig out the $350 asking price.
Only refinished gun I unknowingly bought was a 4" nickel Python. Didn't take a real careful look. Was too busy ripping my wallet from my pocked to dig out the $350 asking price.
I bought a used python. Early 4 digit serial number knowing it had been altered.....serial number placed it as having had to be a 6 inch barrel, instead it was a 4 inch barrel with altered sights. I knew that it was not original but I bought it any way for 1000 bucks. I did not take the grips off but knew the grips were aftermarket and ugly, but it was my first python.
Got It home and took the grips off and found that that the butt of the gun had been butchers to accommodate the grips.....I was bothered but I figured you win some, you lose some. It wasn't until some time later that I learned the grips were Fuzzy's and that the gun was an L.A. County Sheriff's gun that had been customized.....it has character but sure is ugly.
Got It home and took the grips off and found that that the butt of the gun had been butchers to accommodate the grips.....I was bothered but I figured you win some, you lose some. It wasn't until some time later that I learned the grips were Fuzzy's and that the gun was an L.A. County Sheriff's gun that had been customized.....it has character but sure is ugly.
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BigBill
Absent Comrade
it doesn't pay to rush. Now we know what to look for. Do you really remove the grips in the LGS to inspect the frame?
Three revolvers I purchased from the same dealer online he admitted they had freckling he actually turned out to be dried reddish ccolored gun oil.
I was shocked to see all three clean up to 98%/99% condition. I got a cheaper price upfront, expected the worst but I did see pics.
Three revolvers I purchased from the same dealer online he admitted they had freckling he actually turned out to be dried reddish ccolored gun oil.
I was shocked to see all three clean up to 98%/99% condition. I got a cheaper price upfront, expected the worst but I did see pics.
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Walter Rego
Member
I once bought a nice early 1950's K-22 Masterpiece from a seller that I had done business with several times previously. Everything seemed good except when I glanced down the bore and through the chambers they looked dirty. No big deal I thought, a lot of people never clean .22's. I didn't bother to run a patch down the bore even though I always have cleaning gear in my gun show backpack.
After the 10 day wait I got the gun home and discovered that the bore was severely pitted as were all six chambers. How in the world that could have happened to a K-22 that was otherwise in about 98% condition I'll never know. I contacted the seller and he refunded my money no questions asked. I'm sure he didn't know about the condition issues. I often wondered where the gun finally ended up. It pays to have a good business relationship with some trusted sellers.
After the 10 day wait I got the gun home and discovered that the bore was severely pitted as were all six chambers. How in the world that could have happened to a K-22 that was otherwise in about 98% condition I'll never know. I contacted the seller and he refunded my money no questions asked. I'm sure he didn't know about the condition issues. I often wondered where the gun finally ended up. It pays to have a good business relationship with some trusted sellers.
OP
bigl1911
Member
No I didn't but picked another gun form same deal this afternoon and did remove the grips. I will explain in a new post!
gwpercle
Member
And wear your glasses when you inspect a firearm ... hard to feel if a gun has been refinished isn't it !
Gary
Gary
ACfixer
Member
As a recent SoCal escapee, I know how difficult it is to get stuff like that OP, not to mention the hassle if it's non C&R (or if you don't have an 03) and the miserable ten day DROS and a SECOND trip to the LGS...
I would have bought it too... disappointment in the Refi - yeah a little sure, but just shoot it and enjoy it. I personally look for stuff with slight flaws and that I am not afraid to shoot. That's a beautiful revolver!
I would have bought it too... disappointment in the Refi - yeah a little sure, but just shoot it and enjoy it. I personally look for stuff with slight flaws and that I am not afraid to shoot. That's a beautiful revolver!
OP
bigl1911
Member
Thanks AC - There are so many thing in Cali we cannot buy new unless they are on roster. Don't running into ore 19 very often - happy to have it as a shooter. If you haven't seen my most recent post, take a look at the Pre 37!!
OP
bigl1911
Member
Yes it is.. They are out there.. Take a look at my new pre 37. Same seller and sold with a credit off this pre 19!!
ACfixer
Member
We had a brief period back in 2012-2014 with the single shot exemption, I managed to gather pretty much everything off-roster back then!
I'll check out the pre-37, thanks. BTW I am ACfixer (obviously) over at CG if you frequent there as well. Not sure if you're active on that site or not.
Lance
Neversink n Klapperthal
Member
- Joined
- Sep 14, 2019
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its a drop dead gorgeous gun
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