Tough Decision

[clang444]

So I stop into a local fun store just to see if they have anything interesting in the used gun section (they seldom have anything that isn't plastic), and as usual, there weren't any revolvers of interest. The counter person tells me they just took in several guns and were getting them ready to put on display. I asked about revolvers and he said there were a couple of S&Ws and he would bring them out.

Out comes a nickel 19-3 with a 2 1/2" barrel and a 66-3 with a 4" barrel.

The 19-3 has the original magna grips, with the right one well worn from carry. The nickel is milky on the right side too. Otherwise it looks in good shape and has a beautiful double action pull.

The 66-3 is dirty, but looks almost new. It's wearing Pachmayr Gripper Pros and has the mid-width smooth trigger I really like.

Both guns were the same price of $350.

I'm about ready to pounce on the 19-3 until I notice the barrel is badly canted and the rear sight is almost all the way to the left to make up for it. It makes my decision a lot more difficult since I really didn't want to have to deal with straightening the barrel.

Long story short, this is the one I came home with:
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The S&W Target grips were in my stash box and they fit very nicely. Should have it out to shoot soon.

So who is the first person that says I should have bought both of them?

 

[DocB]

You did good. I would have passed on the canted barrel too.

 

[rjm6120]

Not I....would have stayed far away from the 19. But uhhh...yeah I would have absolutely snagged the 66. Great find for you!!

 

[jtcarm]

Were you wearing a mask, because you stole it at $350!

You did a good job spotting that canted barrel. I'm not sure I would've seen much past the price tag and been stuck with it.

 

[Jack Flash]

That would have been $200 to $300 more in my local shops.

I would have passed on the M19 also. Good price, but I don't need one that has problems.

 

[Bajadoc]

You da man. Nice move.

 

[ralph7]

Well, let me be the first to jump all over that "deformed" nickel snubby.
For that price? C'mon.

 

[JayAychOh]

You came out GREAT! (I don't care for nickel finish anyway) Congratulations. I've been looking for the right 4" 66 for a while now.

 

[Nightowl]

Definitely should have also got the 19 at that price.

 

[fyimo]

A little light polish and some wax and it will look like new and the others are right you flat stole that piece.

 

[bpayne]

I would have definitely bought both guns (blinded by the price) and then kicked myself in the foot for buying the 19 when I got home and realized the cant. Nice sniff out, and even better buy. Shoot, clean, repeat.
B

 

[clang444]

Thanks Gents,

There are still deals out there if you look for them.

 

[Shorty 45 MK2]

Congrats on your newest!

I would have tried talking them down on the 19 using the canted barrel as a point and seen if you could have gotten them both for $550, maybe $600. You still did very well and don't have anything to regret.

I probably would have bought both in pure excitement at the price.

 

[smitholdtimer]

Canted M-19-3 Barrel

First: (my opinion) You did well by taking advantage of a great deal on the M-66. Second: (also my opinion)The M-19 canted barrel is a disappointment in that the public was ever exposed to it to begin with, should never have slipped through the "Quality Control" booth. Oh, that's right there isn't a QCB anymore, you, the customer are the quality control now. Will they not make appropriate repairs on that revolver under warranty? Yes I could be wrong and have been many times before but think you could have had another desirable revolver for something considerably less than the going market price and S&W would/should have made it right. Check with them (S&W) to confirm the warranty. If the budget is willing you may want to go back and pick this jewel and add it to your stash.

 

[kennyb]

nice grab...congrats

 

[clang444]

First: (my opinion) You did well by taking advantage of a great deal on the M-66. Second: (also my opinion)The M-19 canted barrel is a disappointment in that the public was ever exposed to it to begin with, should never have slipped through the "Quality Control" booth. Oh, that's right there isn't a QCB anymore, you, the customer are the quality control now. Will they not make appropriate repairs on that revolver under warranty? Yes I could be wrong and have been many times before but think you could have had another desirable revolver for something considerably less than the going market price and S&W would/should have made it right. Check with them (S&W) to confirm the warranty. If the budget is willing you may want to go back and pick this jewel and add it to your stash.

The 19-3 is long gone, someone else snatched it up. Probably did not even notice the canted barrel.

The -3s production ended in the mid-70s (40 years ago!!!), so it's not exactly a recent QC issue.

 

[Duke44]

Great find at a great price!