Help Grading My Revolvers

[MagnumDweeb]

Hi again, I've got two Smith and Wesson K Frames I'm considering letting go. I'm not entertaining any offers I just need help deciding whether to swing one way or the other on letting these revolvers go. I've got a bunch of guns, some twelve pistols at last count and I'm looking to acquire a 1911 or two and so before I add to the collection I figure I should lessen it. I've got Ruger revolvers out the wazoo(GP100, SP101, Redhawks, Blackhawks) and I haven't shot either of these Smiths in over a year probably. Thing is I don't want to bother letting them go if they aren't really worth anything. If they are just haggard messes they might as well sit in the safes till whenever. The model 19-4 6" I think is Pinned and Recessed but I don't know for sure, the barrel looks pinned so it might be, if anyone could tell me that'd be appreciated. It's got the usual cylinder ring so I don't know if that makes it say 95%+/- or 90%. The Smith and Wesson 15-3 has some wear on the bluing so I figure it's may 90% on a good day, I'd like to think it could compete with J&G's offerings. It's a shooter no doubt but is it still appealing?

I'm just hoping to get some honest grades and opinions on the revolvers, thanks. I figure if I take them to a gun show it'll be the more wise gentlemen who'll purchase them.

 

[rklessdriver]

Keep in mind these are just my opinions but since your asking for it.....

The Model 19-4 looks very nice. Pics don't always tell the tale but I don't see any blemishes on the finish, the grips are not damaged and it has some very desireable features like the wide target hammer and partridge (target) front sight....

In my neck of the woods that is a $500-$600 gun to the right person and worth much more if you have the orginal box.

The Model 15 looks like your typical Security/Police trade in. Mech great but a bit of wear on the finish. I bought one a few years ago for a fun range gun and my wife ended up shooting it so well that she claimed it for her house gun. They are fantastic shooters or home defense pieces and it would make a very appealing shooter for someone who likes Smith revolvers.

I gave $295 for ours and it was in the same condition as yours.
Will

 

[RickMD]

I'd rate the Model 19 at 95% and the Model 15 about 70%. Just my opinion from buying and selling WAY too many guns...

 

[friscolatchi]

I think that you are crazy to sell them. You are going to make a few people happy... Good luck!

 

[evan price]

The 19-4 has nice finish with minor wear, good looking grips and the target hammer. Nice case colors and it appears original blue. There appears to be finish wear at the side of the muzzle, the side of the crane, and a turn ring. I would call it- without a bore or cylinder inspection- 95%+. It also is a 6" which is desireable for target and hunting. I would say that in today's market (and Smiths are valuing higher than the blue book can keep up) that gun should go for $500-$600 without trouble.

The 15-3 has significant finish wear that looks to me to be a result from holstered carry on a daily basis. It does not have original grips but even a condition-matching set of original grips won't improve the value much because it will not appeal to a die-hard collector and instead will likely go to someone as a shooter. It is not a particularly scarce gun in its condition. Again, without a bore & cylinder inspection, I would call this one 80% generously and say it is worth right around $225-$295 for a shooter, and it would be a perfect gun for home defense and general target shooting.