Unique Model 19

[Chrisj357]

Ok guys. Just a hypothetical. If (and that’s s huge IF). I have a blued 4” M-19. Some intense use resulted in some cosmetic surface rust. I decided to have the whole gun re-blued. The shop did an excellent job and the gun has looked like new ever since.

Ok so also two more issues.

When I bought it from a LEO way back in ‘82 he had a trigger job done and single action was beyond a hair trigger. I got used to the extremely light pull until it started being a severe push off problem. Additionally. Because I was shooting too many HOT loads the end shake had increased to an excessive amount.

So it was time to do something

I sent it to Smith & Wesson for a trigger job to return it to factory specs and correct the end shake for the cylinder. Well, they called me and said the forcing cone was shot and would I approve a procedure to cut a new one.

Yes! Do it!

So now I have a very beautiful M-19 with a factory trigger tight gap and minimal end shake and 3 7/8” barrel because they had to cut it back to cut a new forcing cone but accuracy is only improved after all the work.

So. What is a beautiful factory restored 3 7/8” barrel M-19 from the late ‘70’s worth?

 

[Hair Trigger]

What series is it (dash number)? If it is "late 70s" as you say it could be a dash-3 or dash-4 and that would affect value some, but a reworked barrel and cylinder would affect it more and the re-finish even more. At best, I'd put it in the $350-$425 range but it would bring whatever someone is willing to pay for it, knowing what's been done to it.

 

[Spurdann]

Used gun brought back to factory specs. No premium to speak of, five bills would be the most I would part with to make a purchase.

 

[Chrisj357]

Thanks guys that’s about what I was thinking. It is a -3. And there is far too much mileage together with this gun for ME to sell it. However, if I’m gone I wanted to tell my wife what to expect to get.

 

[steelslaver]

I think those estimates maybe a little bit low these days. While no longer perfect, still a very desirable gun in really nice shape. But, then I hardly ever see decent revolvers for sale in Montana.

 

[Eddie Southgate]

$400.00 - $500 unless you find someone really jonesing for a slightly short 4" m19 with a factory refinish .

 

[Muley Gil]

Many S&W revolvers were shipped with slightly shorter barrels than advertised. I have seen a number of 4" N frames with barrels that measured 3 7/8".

 

[stansdds]

It's basically a factory refurbished, aftermarket refinished revolver. No collector value, only value as a refinished shooter, so probably $500 max to someone who wants a 4-inch barrel Model 19 from the P&R era of production.

 

[Heinz]

Here in SC I think you could expect 750 for a pretty, nicely functioning Model 19 with no lock and factory reworked. What are you going to find new at that price that is a better revolver?

 

[Hair Trigger]

Just to throw this out, 5th Ed SCSW gives $500 for a good condition M19-3 or higher, and $300 for fair condition. As a collectible the rework would affect value, but as a shooter the rework would make it acceptable, knowing it is in good working condition.

 

[stansdds]

Unfortunately, the values listed in printed books is outdated by the time the book is published.

 

[M29since14]

The value of the gun, to me, would depend almost entirely on the quality of the refinish. Depending on how the gun is sold, the price obtained could be all over the map. With a really high quality refinish job, I’d guess $500 would split the difference between high and low.

 

[ken158]

Any model that has been brought back to factory specs by the factory is more valuable than one that has issues… The non-factory re-finish may cause you some value but in the end, it is one of a zillion made and using it has little effect on value at this junction of it’s life. In the case of your demise as noted, whether it brings $400 or $600 bucks is of little to no significance in the overall picture. Put it in your will and see that it goes to someone that will keep and appreciate it.