Smith & Wesson Model 19-5 question

[dschminkey]

Hello again, a friend of mine just asked me about a gun or Dad is looking to sell. It is a Model 19-5 chambered in .357 with the short barrel. (pic below) and appears to have some holster/bluing wear. He said this use to be a FBI gun and it came to dealer and he snagged it up, he is a retired sheriff. No idea what it is worth, you guys have any educated guesses? My friend is going to try and get me part of the serial number if that will help. Thanks for the help.

 

[5Wire]

Here's my fairly sparse track on the model:

Smith & Wesson 19 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 61 recorded prices for this model gun from $395 to $805 over a period of 5 Yrs 7 Mos ending December 1, 2012. The average price as of that date was $556. 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 how the data charts out. Note the Average Price trend was near $600 as of November 2012 and the chart is seven prices and one month behind the data. Both the price seems to be increasing, so if you want to buy and you've found a good one, that would favor buying now before prices increase further. If you're going to sell, maybe wait a while.

One caution, the early data is really sparse before September 2010 and, therefore, probably misleading in terms of the number of Model 19s showing up for sale, it's probably a decreasing trend. The Average Price Trend is probably pretty close. With the wear you mention, I'd guess somewhere around $450 to $525.

 

[dschminkey]

Awesome, thank you very much!!