Please identify this S&W 357

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nebraska_farmer

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No longer in Nebraska, No longer a farmer.
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This pic was found listed at an estate auction for this upcoming weekend. I've been looking to buy myself my first revolver but have been waiting to come across a good deal. Anyone know what model this is, and what a fair price would be for me to purchase in an auction setting?
 
It appears to be a nickel S&W Model 19, specifically a 19-5 made sometime after 1982 as it lacks a pinned barrel. I don't recall when the 19 was discontinued; sometime in the late 90s IIRC. Looks to be in pretty nice shape too. With a 4" barrel in my state, such a gun would probably go for $500 to $550 or so (a blued version, which is how most Model 19s came, would be $25 - $50 less, FYI).

These are fabulous revolvers, built on S&Ws medium K Frame. I've got a 4" .38 K Frame, and would love to add a 4" .357 K Frame model 19 (blued) one day. Just limit the number of hot .357s weighing less than 135 to 140 grains and the gun should give years of reliable service.
 
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If you live in Nebraska, my gut tells me these guns may go for a bit less than what I stated for my area - maybe $50 less on average. Other folks from the mid west can nail it down a little tighter.

Regardless, if I found a cherry Model 19 in a blued finish with a 3" or 4" barrel, I'd probably gladly overpay $100 or so for it myself. Yes, it is a disease!

BTW, word of warning. It won't be your last K Frame. :evil:
 
I think JAD nailed it 19-5 (or maybe 19-6) Tip of the barrel shows it might have some finish issues. These are hard to fix/hide on a nickel piece.

Down in GA I'd say grab it for 450-500. I'd have to see the nickel in really great shape to go $550

If you are looking for a .357, you will not get much better all-round weapon than a 19. Not to light, not to heavy, great balance. Check out the sticky on how to check a revolver before you go.

One thing particular to check on the 19 is the bottom of the forcing cone. There are reports that "excessive" use of high-velocity light-weight (125gr) magnums caused some to crack. This is rare but possible. (That one does not look like it has had excessive use of any kind) Here is a pic of a particularly bad example http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/889/crackedm19forcingcone3yw0.jpg

I would not let this issue sway you from your decision to buy, it is a special case with special ammunition, that is easy to avoid.
 
Not to be a wet blanket, but know the auction procedures before you bid. I've been to two estate auctions (Different auctioneers) and both were the same. If you get the winning bid, at least here in Arizona, be prepared for a 10% "Buyers" premium, sales tax, and an FFL transfer fee to be added to a winning bid. In addition to that, every gun sold for more than the MSRP for a NIB.
 
To know exactly which model open the cylinder. The model number is stamped on the frame just above the hinge of the crane.
 
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