Model 19-8?

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Pearl's Dad

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I am looking at this on another forum and can't find any information here using the search.

I find model 19 but no "8" suffix.

its a Dept of Corrections turn in, .357 snub.

asking is $300

thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
 
according to wikipedia:

Engineering changes were designated with a "dash-" number after the model number. The engineering changes are as follows:

19 (1957): Stamping of model number.
19-1 (1959): Change extractor rod, right to left-hand thread.
19-2 (1961): Cylinder stop changed, delete triggerguard screw.
(1963): Introduce 6" barrel.
(1963): 50 manufactured with 2.5" barrel, serial range K544672–K544721.
(1966): Introduce 2.5" barrel as standard.
19-3 (1967): Relocation of rear sight leaf screw.
(1968): Delete diamond-insert grip.
19-4 (1977): Change gas ring from yoke to cylinder. (Not really an "improvement". It did make it slightly easier to clean if there was heavy leading, but basically was a cost-cutting measure.)
19-5 (1982): Eliminate cylinder counterbore.
Either this list is incomplete (it is wikipedia afterall...) or they never made a 19-8 (or it was a special run for the Dept. of Corr.)
 
The 19-8 were made and in fact the last of the M19s. They were the only M19 to have a frame mounted firing pin.
 
The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson (IMHO a much better source than Wikipedia) lists the following for the S&W Model 19-8:

19-8 (1998) Change in frame design: cylinder stop stud eliminated / eliminated serrated tangs / change to MIM hammer with floating firing pin / change internal lockwork. Sept. 1998.

My experience with LEO turn-ins is that they have been poorly maintained but will clean up nicely. Most have been worn a lot but fired little. IMHO, if it is in very good condition, $300 is not an unreasonable price.
 
I just picked up an unfired in the box S&W 19-8 with 4" barrel. It came out of an estate. I called S&W and they said it was manufactured in January 1999.

Since this was the last year for the Model 19 and it has the frame mounted firing pin, is it worth any more or less than your average Model 19?

Thanks
 
Since this was the last year for the Model 19 and it has the frame mounted firing pin, is it worth any more or less than your average Model 19?

Much less--now. Ask me again in ten years and you'll get a different answer. P&R samples are still for sale, but they will dry up eventually.

Eventually, the novelty of it being the last of a breed will increase its value, but don't expect your piece to ever be worth more than the P&R guns (unless there is something very special about the late 19s that I don't know about).

Collectors are funny people.... Just shoot the dang thing and let the chips fall where they may :p
 
"Just shoot the dang thing and let the chips fall where they may "

OK, I was mostly curious.

I wanted a 4" .357 and was actually looking for a Ruger GP100 when I found this S&W. I knew the hammer was different from other 19's I had seen but didn't know the significance of it.

Thanks for the info.
 
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