S&W Model 19-5 Price check

[tjtoolbox]

I just purchased a S&W Model 19-5 on Gunbrokers. The purchase looks to be complete from the factory, purchased by the original owner.
Gun, grips numbered to gun , cleaning kit, literature and box numbered to gun and paper.
I paid $700.00
Was it worth it?
I did not see a turn line on the cylinder in the pictures.
All comments welcome.
Joe
Serial # ABN06XX I believe it is 1982, please correct me if I am wrong.
According to the Seller , I am the second owner. It was hardly shot and put in a safe.
Revolver is Super Condition!!!!

 

[bigmoose]

The Model 19 has a special place in S&W collectors' hearts. It was developed as a lighter weight alternative to the N frame .357, and I think Bill Jordan was somewhat instrumental in the development (guys, correct me if I'm wrong). It is a slick handling .357 and is very high quality and very accurate, at least mine is. Shoot mostly .38's out of it and the occasional heavier .357's and it will last a very long time. I would say you paid about market price, maybe a little more. But who cares? You have an extremely fine revolver that will increase in value. Enjoy. You have good taste.

 

[AveragEd]

If it is as nice as you indicate, $700 will seem like a heck of a deal in a few years.

Ed

 

[PA Guns & Ammo]

Is it in nickel? Then maybe yes. Still kind of high. I too was told to stay away from the .357 125gr cartridge. I have yet to fire mine. The model 19 is supposed to be a little bit heftier than other K frames.

James

 

[chief38]

tjtoolbox:

The $700.00 price tag a a bit high, but fret not......... for a gun in that condition will be selling for more than that in a year or two the way things are going. If you add in all the original accouterments you also got, you payed a slight premium but nothing terrible.

The M19 is a classic S&W and a great revolver! If you stay away from the 125 grain .357 's and stick with the 158's (which IMHO are much better anyway and will shoot POA = POI) you should have no problems at all. I would assume most of the target shooting, plinking and general shooting would be with .38 special's anyway.

I've got a BUNCH of K framed .357's (M19's, 65's) and have stuck to what I have said above - NO PROBLEMS over the last 30+ years. I have even on occasion fired some Buffalo Bore 158 & 180 grain HEAVY .357's with no ill effects; and believe me, they are HOT!

ENJOY your REAL Classic S&W!

Chief38

 

[Coastie762]

How does the saying go? I didn't pay too much, just too soon?

I have a 6" 19-5 as well as its stainless counterpart 66-3. Both are wonderful shooters. If you handload, 158 cast SWCs loaded to 1000-1100 FPS will provide all you need in the way of power without unduly stressing the piece.

For all the reported forcing cone cracking "issues", I've personally never seen one and actual documented cases appear to be few in number. Echoing the other folks, stay away from the full throttle 125s and you will be just fine.

Congrats on your new find, enjoy!

 

[tjtoolbox]

Up date: just picked Model 19-5 today at my Gun shop.the gun is in Excellent condition with literature,cleaning kit and box.I will post pictures ASAP.

 

[northslope]

I recently sold a 19-5 with no box for a little less than that here in California, and it took a while to "move".

For one with the box and papers, it's not a bad deal, and they aren't making 'em anymore any how.

They are classic revolvers, and great handling guns with excellent balance and pointability. 357's "snap" more than they do on an N-frame, but in my experience you're not going to hurt the gun unless you feed it a daily diet of 125-grain 357. (your teeth may come loose before anything happens to the forcing cone

--Neill

 

[5Wire]

I don't think that price is out of line. I have a small track on the 19 snubby:

Smith & Wesson 19 2-1/2 inch barrel. Revolver in .357 Magnum,.38 Special, Plus . Bluebook of Gun Values (33nd Edition) indicates between $325 in 95% condition and $550 in 100% condition for this gun. I have 49 recorded prices for this model gun from $395 to $795 over a period of 5 Yrs 4 Mos ending August 12, 2012. The average price as of that date was $551. No refurbs, no refinishes, regular sights. All represented as 95% or better. No distinction for import location or engineering revision, if any, no special editions, no distinctions for box, papers, tools. Current or last MSRP is $457.

Here's the chart of the data

In spite of my having relatively few price data, the price trend is pretty clear. With box, papers, matching numbers, and all, your gun is clearly at the top of the line for value. The price you paid, in my opinion, is a fair one and given the increasing demand for the model, I doubt you'll lose money should you ever decide to sell it at anytime from now on.

As far as having a "known fault"is concerned, you may wear out or damage a 19 if you shoot a lot of full magnum loads— others may expand on this— but if you're anything like me, shooting a lot of magnums from any snubby is not financially possible nor is it much fun after 30 or 60 rounds. Shooting .38 Special rounds, even plus P, is more tolerable and affordable. Just clean the cylinder bores to get rid of the fouling from the shorter cartridges.

 

[tjtoolbox]

Thanks 5Wire for your detailed Information.I know that I can save it as an investment but I am a Tool guy and a gun is a tool. So I will use it and not abuse it.My enjoyment is in using my tools. Hand tools or Firearms all receive the same care and proper use.

Keep Safe and Shoot Straight

 

[computerdynamics]

I purchased a 19-5 nickel 4" barrel with Goncalo Alves grips and I love it! Once I got steered to the 158gr. loads i was in business! She kicks like a mule with the .357's but is a lamb with the .38's. I think you will enjoy it. BTW I was owed money and got it for $250! ; )
Good luck,
Tony

 

[AKsRule]

If you want history YES. If you want best bang for buck, NO.

$700 is VERY high for a gun with a known 'weakness' IMHO.
The M66 has a 'shaved' forcing cone for ejector rod clearance. If you fire high power 125gr bullets it can crack. I imagine the 19 is the same being just a blued version (if memory serves). Stick with 158gr bullets.

Use of Magnum Loads in S&W Model 19 and Other K-Frame Magnums
Google "S&W 19 and 66 cracked forcing cone" for more information.
Good luck with it!

Pretty much every S&W shooter knows this.
Not a problem if you shoot heavier weight bullets.

$700 is a bit high but they don't make M19 snubbies anymore.
.

 

[navajoRN]

also looking at a 19-5 on gunbroker


New to this forum and browsing gunbroker.com myself by recommendation of my local gun shop clerk. There's a 19-5 nickel-plated model on auction right now. I'm pretty stoked about it. It's almost 1/2 what you paid, however . Sorry to break the bad news. Current bid is $410. Description reads:

"Smith and Wesson Model 19-5 .357 mag Nickel finish, 4in. barrel, large wooden grips numbered 34, 6-shot. Overall good condition. Has many small scratches and has a faint drag line on the cylinder. However, a good cleaning would make this gun shine like new! Mechanically perfect!"

So, I'm looking at a bit of a beat up gun externally, it sounds like, but mechanically sound. What do you guys think? I'm planning on customizing it with engraving and ivory grips so I'm okay with the scratches mentioned. I've never bought a gun online but I really want a 19 model and nickel-plate.

 

[bfalcon00]

Tell me what you guys think of this one.

ARMSLIST - For Sale/Trade: Smith and Wesson 19-5 .357 magnum

I live in Dayton, Ohio and was thinking around 550 would be a good price for it. I don't know that much about the older smiths, but have been wanting one for a while. (I'm a big 686 guy as most of you are but I don't really "need" another one and was looking for something a little different) So tell me what ya guys think should I go take a look?

 

[raylan007]

If it is as nice as you indicate, $700 will seem like a heck of a deal in a few years.

Ed

From my experience the past 6 months or so looking
for M19 and 66's in the 2.5" barrel that looks like a good deal as we speak, especially being that it is a M19 with the complete package. I have seen many and elected to pass on them with starting prices of $600-$650 (gun only), and I do follow them to the conclusion of the auctions close, and yes they do sell if not on the first listing the second or third go around so I can only say congratulations and in my humble opinion you already have a good deal considering the red hot demand on this 2.5 barrel in the M19

 

[S&W Fan]

Considering the original question here was asked in 2012 I'd say the op paid higher for 3 years ago but today that's absolutely market price for a gun in that condition with the box, etc.

 

[Vulcan Bob]

I think ya done good! Finding them like that is getting very hard to do these days, enjoy that one.

 

[utvols]

I just purchased a S&W Model 19-5 on Gunbrokers. The purchase looks to be complete from the factory, purchased by the original owner.
Gun, grips numbered to gun , cleaning kit, literature and box numbered to gun and paper.
I paid $700.00
Was it worth it?
I did not see a turn line on the cylinder in the pictures.
All comments welcome.
Joe
Serial # ABN06XX I believe it is 1982, please correct me if I am wrong.
According to the Seller , I am the second owner. It was hardly shot and put in a safe.
Revolver is Super Condition!!!!

$700 for a 19-5 snubbie with documentation box with accessories. I'd say you walked away with a bargain. Snubbies are more rare, at least for me looking for that model. You can find 4, 6 and 8's all day long in very nice shape, but snubbies are hard to find in near mint condition because they where used more, tucked in pants. Nice find.

 

[Goblin]

I'd challenge anyone to beat that deal on a one-owner gun (or at least in this condition) with all the goods to go with it. If someone does, please post the details in this thread on purchases from this date forward.

 

[Nevadadvx]

Did a search and found this thread as there is a local guy selling a 2 1/2" nickel 19-5. He says it has never been fired, yet looks pretty scratched up. He want's $950 for it, but after reading this thread, it looks way high. Not sure what the stocks are worth or if they are original to the gun....