Question regarding my Smith & Wesson revolver

[DRC]

Hello folks,

It has been a while since I've visited the forum and I feel guilty about showing up to ask my question but I will try to get by more often when I can. I aquired a S & W model 19-5 in 357 mag, stainless steel finish with a 4 inch barrel. My delima is that I'm trying to find some information on this pistol and can't seem to come up with anything other than it was replaced by the model 66. I'm trying to find out what the value is on this pistol. If anyone can help I would greatly appreciate it. I may want to trade the pistol off (since I already have a 686) and there is no way I'm going to walk into trade it without knowing its value.

Thank you in advance,

DRC

 

[Bullet Bob]

If it's a model 19, it's not stainless steel; probably nickel plated. Nice gun, you ought to keep it! The best way I know to establish value is to go to places like gunsamerica.com and see what they're selling for there.

 

[Old Fuff]

The S&W model 19 was their K-frame, target grade, .357 Magnum, also known as the "Combat Magnum. Standard finishes were blue or bright nickel plate. If it has a flatter "stainless look" I suspect it was plated outside of the factory.

The "-5" modification was made in 1982, and eliminated the counterbored chambers and pinned barrel (In other words it isn't a "pinned and recessed" version.

The model 66 was identical to the 19, except it was made from stainless steel. It didn't replace the model 19, which continued in production until late, 1999. The model 66 was discontinued last year.

 

[GUNKWAZY]

Just recently I found a (what I thought was a) Stainless version of the model 19. It was a beauty. I asked the gentleman how much the model 66 was and he told me that the gun was NOT a 66, but in turn was a model 19. I told him that it coundn't be as there was no 19's that were made in Stainless. He then told me that the gun was indeed NOT stainless. It happened to have been stripped of it's original blueing and was NOT recoated. I was shocked, as if he didn't tell me that, I would have swore it was a stainless version of the model 19. I had to open the cylinder and look just be sure that it was in fact a model 19.
Beware of what you purchase. Things are not always what the seem.

Jeff (GUNKWAZY)

 

[DRC]

Hello to all,

You are correct the gun (upon further inspection) is nickel plated. The pistol is in exceptional condition and I think I may have put the first rounds through it that were ever run through it. It is a good pistol for not having purchased it but I'm partial to my 686 so this is just and "extra" Actually I'm wanting to trade the pistol for a Youth model Charles Daly 20 gauge for my daughter (11 years old and hunts dove with me and I'm proud of her for it. She outshoots me with 22 rifles as well) One of the local pawn shops has one of these shotguns brand new in stock and we talked about trading for it but like I said I can't seem to find this exact pistol to get an idea of price, not to mention on any of the similar models I've seen prices ranging anywhere from $200.00 to $450.00. I'm thinking of taking this pistol and my DA-38 derringer down to see which one gets me closer to the shotgun price range.

I have researched the pistol on-line and come up with very little on this particular gun, but I'm figuring around $300 to $400 might be it's worth (not necessarily what the pawn shop will give but at least a general idea of its worth)

If anyone has anything more regarding this pistols value I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks in advance and thanks for all the input so far.

DRC

 

[JoeHatley]

A nice clean nickel 19-5 (without box, etc) would probably have a retail asking price of $400 and a selling price of around $350.

Trade in value at a Pawn Shop?!? That could be a real education in "lowball" pricing.

Might be best to sell the gun outright and then buy what you want.

Good Luck...

Joe

 

[RON in PA]

Most retailers will give approx. 50 cents on the dollar, expect $150 to $200 tops.

 

[BluesBear]

But since there are now NO K-frame .357 magnum revolvers being produced by S&W, ALL of them will be rising in value. Add to the fact that late model nickel model 19s were few and far between means that it will also be going up in value.

Start watching Gunbroker and you'll get an indea of what they are really selling for in the real world.

Then search for them on GunsAmerica and take that info (not the Gunbroker info) into the pawnshop and show them what other sellers are asking for the one they are selling.

I've never met a pawnshop yet that didn't just love to trade away one of their shotguns for someone elses handgun.


Another suggestion.
Since most of the people selling on GunsAmerica are dealers, find one that has the shotgun you want and then ask them how they'd be willing to trade for your 19.

 

[Old Fuff]

I agree with Blues Bear. This is a good time to buy, rather then sell model 19's and 66's that are in good shape, especially "like new" or "like new/in box." Unless S&W reintroduces them (which is unlikely) the prices they command are only going to go one way.

 

[DRC]

Thanks to all for the information,

Good or bad I was able to get my daughter her shotgun without any money changing hands. Whether I got a good deal or not may be questionable however, my daughter now owns a 20 gauge semi-auto so that she can go with me hunting and that is worth more to me than the pistol anyway. I "think" I did okay but I don't know for sure. To me it was well worth it. I appreciate each and everyone of you for the information you've given me and fear not I still have my 686 which I shoot quite frequently and love it along with my Sig 40 SA and my H&K V-1 SA.

Thanks again,

DRC