Why do I want this nickel model 19, and how much should I pay?

[HPD2325]

Hello, I have a friend who texted me some pics of a model 19 that he wants to sell. It appears to be a nickel finish pinned and recessed specimen. But someone put some kind of gold finish on the trigger and hammer. The front sight looks painted. The rear sight looks painted. Not original stocks. Original manual, but not original box.
He said the "finish" on the trigger and hammer is rubbing off.
It's always hard to tell from pics, but he says the nickel is in great shape.
I kinda sorta want it, ok I want it. But I'd have to strip the trigger and hammer. I'm not sure how easy that will be. Rear sight needs stripped. If the nickel is in good shape, what should I try to get into this thing for? Obviously not as a collector piece, but a price that I won't feel bad in the condition it's in. -Mike

 

[Sevens]

I think it looks like a tragedy and I would want to check function before going further, given that someone had the guts out of the revolver to do the work.

My opinion in value is useless because there's nothing there that I like. Myself, I wouldn't go to $400 but I'm sure others would.

 

[Aemsl69]

You want it because its a classic and you can get it for next to nothing. You would have to replace grips, and have the trigger and hammer re case-hardened or replaced.

I'd offer $300-$400. But I'm cheap

 

[moosedog]

What they said.

 

[model3sw]

Is this a round butt with square butt conversion grips ?

 

[HPD2325]

Is this a round butt with square butt conversion grips ?

Not sure. I haven't seen it in person yet, and the seller doesn't know much about it.

 

[M29since14]

If it is not factory nickel, I wouldn’t give it another thought. Just keep looking. If it is, figure $200 for a new sight, new trigger, and new hammer. Subtract that from fair market value and offer accordingly, with a bit of a discount for your trouble to put the gun back like it should be. The Hogues are throw-always to me, but I probably wouldn’t try to factor in the cost of new grips. $350-400?? (If good mechanically.) JMHO.

Edit - The photo makes the gun appear to be a square-butt, which means it’s rebarreled. Unless you just want a SB 2-1/2” Model 19... I’d probably forget this one unless it came really inexpensive (cheap ).

 

[gmborkovic]

HPD, ask the owner to remove the grips and look for a N stamped on the left flat of the frame. $400 would not be a waste. Or shoot like it is.

 

[HPD2325]

HPD, ask the owner to remove the grips and look for a N stamped on the left flat of the frame. $400 would not be a waste. Or shoot like it is.

I'll try to get a look at it tomorrow. I think he'll want more than I'm willing to pay, but his prices are sometimes negotiable. I don't see me going any higher than the prices mentioned.

 

[Triathloncoach]

I know one of the members on this forum, JHW has a beautiful 19 Nickle snubby for sale locally in Georgia. JHW is a great guy.

 

[CajunBass]

If I was buying it as a shooter, I'd just leave the trigger and hammer the way they are. They aren't hurting anything. Why spend more money on it?

That gold treatment must have been a fad at one time. I've seen a dozen or so guns with it, and all were nickel/chrome plated.

What would I pay? I got no idea. I'd have to see/feel it.

 

[one eye joe]

HPD, ask the owner to remove the grips and look for a N stamped on the left flat of the frame. $400 would not be a waste. Or shoot like it is.

AS STATED ABOVE, LOOK FOR THE "N" STAMP. IMHO, NOTHING IS UGLIER THAN GOLD PLATING, ON A GUN......

TO TURN THIS ABOMINATION INTO SOMETHING THAT I WOULD NOT BE EMBARRASSED BY, WOULD COST AT LEAST $200. OR MORE. THAT BEING SAID, THE GUN WOULD NEED TO BE AN ACTUAL FACTORY NICKEL GUN, IN GOOD MECHANICAL CONDITION, AND REALLY INEXPENSIVE, FOR ME TO BE INTERESTED IN IT. LET'S NOT FORGET THAT ONE "GUNSMITH", OF UNKNOWN QUALIFICATIONS, HAS ALREADY BEEN INSIDE THIS GUN. I WOULD NOT PAY MORE THAN $300. FOR IT......

SOMEONE MIGHT JUST WANT TO USE IT AS IS, IN A TACKLE BOX, TRUCK, BOAT, OR CAMPER. IT WOULD BE FINE FOR THAT PURPOSE, IF IT IS RELIABLE........

 

[pharmer]

SOMEONE MIGHT JUST WANT TO USE IT AS IS, IN A TACKLE BOX, TRUCK, BOAT, OR CAMPER.........

Tough crowd. Me, I like it and I'd be on it like...... either side of $350. Right nice looking 40 year old to my eyes. Joe

 

[gmborkovic]

HPD, if it is a factory nickel 27, go $600 for a shooter. You can futz
with a hammer and trigger later. Ask for a shooting inspection period.

 

[HPD2325]

HPD, if it is a factory nickel 27, go $600 for a shooter. You can futz
with a hammer and trigger later. Ask for a shooting inspection period.

It’s a 19, not a 27. But I agree on the shooting inspection.


Thanks for the input guys, I’m going to try to check it out tomorrow. I’m really interested to see if it’s a square or round butt.

 

[BigBill]

I think if you put some wood grips on it the nickel and gold will pop.
I’d look st it too. Offer $400.

 

[BC38]

It's a little pimpy for my taste, but I'd be in for $350 if it is mechanically good - maybe $400 if it is mechanically excellent.
The gold plating wouldn't keep it from being a good shooter. Neither would aftermarket nickel. If it is factory nickel and mechanically sound then $400 would be quite reasonable IMO. You can always buy a replacement trigger and hammer if the gold bugs you that bad.

 

[raylan007]

I think if your friend or acquaintance has done any comparison pricing online the above mentioned prices will give him the impression you are trying to steal it from him. I think it is safe to say for instance if he did list it on GB someone would not hesitate to buy it for $600, I have been following them and have seen worse than yours go above $600. I would make the trigger/hammer issue work in your favor but I would first try and determine if he has done comparable pricing before you throw out numbers like $350-450. Bottom line is the condition of the nickle, original and so forth. I think the hammer /trigger coating is not a big deal, not that you don't want to make it that, you know. The grips are another negative feature you should make work for you but a quick temporary fix if you want a shooter. I would venture to say this is in the top 5 for most sought after post war "K" frames. Wish I had the opportunity you have, I really don't see what the big deal or lack of appeal is. If the finish was 90 % + I would negotiate this to the bitter end and take it home before someone says to him " Hey why don't you list it on GB" Good Luck

 

[ken158]

$300 and the cost of a new hammer and trigger... if the nickel is peeling anywhere.. walk away.

 

[vinny77]

According to the SWSC all model 19 2 and 3 inch were round butt. If it’s an original factory nickel and in decent shape considering it’s age, its a good score. Case trigger and hammers in good supply
are out there or just glass bead the gold ones. It would be a great packer and backup. Safe queen box guns are out there too, but there's enjoyment in that one. Im with you, I like it. I think post 18 nailed it^^^^raylan007^^^^