Value of 19-4

[stonecutter2]

Hello. I'm considering selling an S&W revolver that I have. It's a snubnose 19-4 with pinned barrel and recessed cylinder. Serial 91K17XX. As I understand it, this was late in the 1980 production cycle.

Any opinions as to it's value?

She's wearing Ahrends grips made of Moradillo right now, but I do have some brand new S&W factory grips (new grips, not the original for the 19-4), as well as a Tyler T-Grip (in excellent/like new condition). I also have the Pachmayr Decelerator grips that it was wearing when I bought it (in good shape). So I guess the new owner could take the grips and decide what they like. I'd probably only add in a little extra for the Ahrends grips and the Tyler T-grip as apparently Tyler is now out of business.

Lock up is tight. Forcing cone is in perfect shape (I am aware of the issue with the 6 o'clock position, and have made sure only to fire 158gr rounds through it). Finish is 95%+ - only minor wear on the bluing on the front sight, the cylinder arm (very small) and of course where the cylinder turns.

I guess whatever amount I can expect to possibly get for it will determine if I put it up for sale.

Thanks for any opinions. Here's a picture, it's in great shape. Thanks for any insight you can provide!

 

[gboling]

I am not qualified to quote a value but the state that the gun is in can make a difference in what it will sell for. For instance, guns that are out of production can bring a higher price if they are presently in California because they can no longer be imported into California. Also the 2" S&W's are well sought after.

 

[holyfield]

Here in fl, a friend gun shop owner had 3 19-3 LAPD revolvers never opened or fired in collector box. They had coin and key for box He wanted $300 each and they sat for months on end. Finally I think they sold. They were 6 inchers so that seems to be the death of them here. Too hard to conceal. I guess I am trying to say, part ot country, timing, desire, employment factor all add into equation. Be Safe. Fun hobby, you will never get rich though, in fact you know the rest.

 

[stonecutter2]

I'm in Illinois. Thanks for the replies!

 

[Maximumbob54]

I’m going to sound a bit off here. Hold on to it for one huge reason. I don’t think you know what you have. Honest. That gun is pretty much the end of an era. You can find them fairly often on the used market so it isn’t that I’m trying to convince you that it is rare or anything, but in all seriousness it is one of those type guns that one day you will slap yourself for whatever amount of money you get for it. I bought my snub 19-4 and paid $450 for it. I have seen guys pay over $600 for them at gun shows. But I know one thing for sure. Mine is in the “from my cold dead hands” category of my firearms collection.

 

[lougotzzz]

I just bought, off this board, a model 19-4 in 90-95% condition. It had box and papers. The seller wanted 550 plus 50 ship. I thought that was a bit high but the gun looked very nice in the pics. From the pics I thought it was 99% but I was not disappointed when I received it.

The issue I had with this sale is that the timing is off. The seller didnt know about this. I think the seller was an up and up guy.

I paid 575 shipped and he is giving me 45 back for the timing issue.

I probably paid 50-75 to much but The gun has box and papers and it is very nice.


4 inch BBL by the way

The timing issue is going to make me way under water with this gun. But this is one of thoses guns that wont get sold.

Life will go on.

 

[stonecutter2]

I’m going to sound a bit off here. Hold on to it for one huge reason. I don’t think you know what you have. Honest. That gun is pretty much the end of an era. You can find them fairly often on the used market so it isn’t that I’m trying to convince you that it is rare or anything, but in all seriousness it is one of those type guns that one day you will slap yourself for whatever amount of money you get for it. I bought my snub 19-4 and paid $450 for it. I have seen guys pay over $600 for them at gun shows. But I know one thing for sure. Mine is in the “from my cold dead hands” category of my firearms collection.

Your viewpoint is one that I've felt growing in me for the past few days. I feel very strongly the same way about my H&R M1 Garand.

I am honestly torn between keeping this and not. I am someone who has always said that if I don't use a firearm, it's time to pass it along. This revolver is really making me reconsider that stance.

Some time back, I emailed S&W Service because the grips I'd ordered (which are pictured) didn't come with a grip screw. The reply was that they were sending out 2 screws, along with 2 pins for the butt of the revolver (the "bottom" pins, can't remember what they're called). Then the service guy said something interesting - that I had what in his opinion was one of the finest revolvers S&W had made, and to take good care of it. That kind of struck a chord with me.

So thanks for throwing out your feelings on the matter. It really is a beautiful revolver, and it's getting harder to think about letting it get away.

If nothing else, it's interesting to hear what she's worth monetarily.

 

[Jeff45]

I agree that this is one to hang on to. The 2 1/2" model 19 is one of my favorites. It has the old S&W quality fit, fine blueing, no MIM, no lock, forged trigger and hammer with nose pin, recessed cylinder, and pinned barrel. You can't buy new ones like that, and the old model 19's are just going to go up in value. I have seen nice ones 95% - 98% with no box sell for $550 - $600. You might regret selling it in a few years. Look what the prices of Pythons have done.

 

[Iggy]

I was kind of hoping you would wander over here and fall under the influence of these guys.

As others have stated, there won't be anymore like yours, it's worth hanging on to.

Of course I may be somewhat biased. I own 3 Model 19's including this one.

 

[PH-2]

Dammit, Iggy, I was setting 'cutter up for an offer of $451.99 after I posted on the "other" forum!

(justplayin'!)
oneathemfellersMike

 

[Iggy]

I kinda figgered you was one of them fellers from over h'yar when I seen you was a collector of S&W and them other guns.

Anyway, mebbe we got that "cutter" feller talked into hangin' on to that ugly ol snub nosed six shooter.

 

[mikero]

Keep it - one former 19 owner's opinion

i sold my 19-4, P&R 6" to a friend recently to pay a medical bill. He gave me a really fair price. My 19-4 was made in 1981 and I believe that is about the last year for P&R 19's.
Mine had a slick tuned action that was good as any and it was a great shooter, but not as attractive as yours. I should have sold something else!!! I regret doing it and like Colt Pythons they don't make 'em like that anymore. When I get back to work I intend to TRY to get it back even if I have to pay substantially more.... my mistake. Sleep on it for awhile, it's value will not go down, but up, over time. Blessings - Mikero

I was kind of hoping you would wander over here and fall under the influence of these guys.

As others have stated, there won't be anymore like yours, it's worth hanging on to.

Of course I may be somewhat biased. I own 3 Model 19's including this one.

 

[PH-2]

Iggy,

I hope I gave him a good argument to keep it, over yonder.
'cutter seems like an intelligent fellow with excellent taste, and besides, "takes one to know one"!

Mike

 

[Iggy]

Mike,

My best argument was sendin' him here.

 

[PH-2]

Iggy,

Well played, Sir!

Mike

 

[-db-]

If you don't use it but decide to keep it and tuck it away, I'd sell the rubber grip, the Ahrends and those late model factory stocks and find a nice set of correct magnas for that gun. The right stocks will run you $50 or less and you can pocket the rest. Put the T-grip on it and you've got a real classic in great shape.

 

[JCS&W]

I had a M19-3 and sold it. Sold it for more than I paid for it. Worse money I ever made. Took me two years to find the right M19 to purchase. Now, like others have said, it will be one of the last ones to leave my possession. Think about it.

 

[stonecutter2]

I kinda figgered you was one of them fellers from over h'yar when I seen you was a collector of S&W and them other guns.

Anyway, mebbe we got that "cutter" feller talked into hangin' on to that ugly ol snub nosed six shooter.

Haha, I think you have ;-)

I spent a little time last night going over it.

I think I'm going to retire her from her HD role. If I had to use her I KNOW she would do her part...but I wouldn't want to part with it if i had to turn it over for evidence or something. I can certainly part with my Glock 19 and just go buy another in the interim, if I had to. The thought of ever having to use it for HD was what first started my thought process on getting rid of it, and getting something else I'd shoot.

Don't get me wrong, I know if I had to defend myself the last thing I'd be really worried about after that is what will happen to my S&W 19-4...but I have a feeling a Glock 19 would fare better being neglected in a police storage locker than a classic S&W revolver that's in beautiful shape.

I think I'll just take good care of her and tuck her away to take out on special range trips here and there

So, in that vein, just regular wipe downs with oil will keep her happy, yeah? I won't store her in a foam case or anything.

 

[stonecutter2]

If you don't use it but decide to keep it and tuck it away, I'd sell the rubber grip, the Ahrends and those late model factory stocks and find a nice set of correct magnas for that gun. The right stocks will run you $50 or less and you can pocket the rest. Put the T-grip on it and you've got a real classic in great shape.

I'll take a look around for some magnas, great idea

 

[TACC1]

If You Guys Keep This Up.....

If you guys keep this up, I may have to start looking for a Model 19.
The ones I see here on this thread look drop-dead....Great!
'cutter, that gun is a work of art, glad you'll hang on to it.
TACC1