S&W Pre Model 19 Value/Questions

68lemans462 said:

I am looking at the revolver pictured. It is advertised as a pre-model 19 made in 1955. My blue book says this gun is quite valuable. 90% is $825 and up from there! Is this indeed a pre-model 19? Given the condition, is this still a good collector? What would be a rough value on this? Thank you.

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Do you have the original diamond target stocks that would've been original for your pre-M19? The target stocks on your gun are not correct. The serial number on your gun should have a K prefix. Check the serial number on the butt of your gun.

Here is a picture of the correct target stocks on my pre model 19 which has an earlier serial number than yours(S/N 26300x):

Three screw - 1955 ? Need the serial number off the butt.

Serial number off the butt is: K26043

Can you guys now tell me more?? Thanks in advance!


Something ain't right. That number was made in 1948 and SHOULD have been with diamond grips and FIVE screws on the right side.

With THAT number it is a 1955. Hard to tell by condition but probably $450 on low end, $575 on high end.

The Combat Magnum started in 1955 at serial number K260001 and a first year CM in 90% condition with the original grips probably would be $800+.
Your pictures are not clear enough for me to see what condition that gun is in but it is clear the grips are wrong.
With what I can see and those grips I'd think around $500 to $600 but I could be way off. You don't see too many of these early CMs for sale. What are they asking for it?

It's not unusual for scallywags to sell off desirable stocks separate from the gun to maximize profit.

...or maybe sometime in the past somebody put on a set of something or others and the present owner had to settle for later model stocks.

Wish I had a bin in my back yard in which all the beautiful original S&W stocks that have been discarded over the years would magically appear!

From what I can see of the finish, grips or no this gun is not collector grade and hence not top dollar.

The collectors pay the most and it all has to be right. Not necessarily NIB perfect, but a definite step from "shooter grade" which is what this looks like to me.

I am a "shooter grade" kind of guy. I buy classic smiths that are not collector grade but have perfect functionality because they are the best guns/best deal to be had. I shoot them, I use them because there is nothing else available that isn't in some way inferior.

Without seeing the gun personally, I think this gun fits that mold and I would offer/pay accordingly.

Colt inflation right now is off the hook and I am no "seer" of the future. I buy the best revolvers available for use and this could easily be one.

P.S. I got my model 19-3 for 425.00 on gunbroker with better (original) grips and a similar finish. I don't think I got a killer deal, but a fair one.

19-3 started in 1967. If you look at the changes since '55, they don't amount to much as far as use goes. The price you see is for collectors. The gun itself is for shooters. Don't gamble 800+.