S&W model 19-4.

[bkjeffrey]

Ok, so I've got a new gun. New to me especially because I have no idea about history/ value etc. Revolvers never were my cup of tea. I recently aquired a "see above" in really good condition. It has a Pinned barrell and recessed chambers, and the trigger is so sensitive in single action that a fart will set it off! Just kiddin. I aquired the gun while helping my neighbor load her U-haul as payment for my efforts, so basically it was free. It has a set of Pachmeyer presentation grips on it. Any info, history, value, pros cons, keep or sell info would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[X-Rap]

If it is tight and in good condition you have a fine piece. I have bought and sold a number of them over the years and regret every sale.
As for value I have never spent over $250. and have sold for as much as $350. They are much easier to tune than a stainless model. The pinned and recessed is of the older series and reflect more detailed machining and assembly.

 

[ugaarguy]

Keep, because it's a highly desirable classic S&W. Price will vary widely by local area, but it will only increase in value.

 

[mmcbeat]

You have a winner. The -4 is the last of the M19's that are pinned and recessed. In my opinion, your gun really deserves a nice set of factory target grips, they will increase the value and the gun will look and feel much better.

 

[XavierBreath]

Supica's Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson lists the Model 19 at $400 in excellent condition. These revolvers are also known as the .357 Combat Magnum. They came in two and a half, three, four, five and six inch barrel lengths, nickel and blue. The 3 and 5 inchers are rare.

Because the Model 19 is a K frame, the bottom of the forcing cone is thinner than the rest to accomdate the extractor rod. Model 19s tend to crack in this area (6:00) from the use of 125 grain .357 magnum ammunition. No more Model 19 barrels are available, so avoid that ammunition. Here is another link on this issue.

If you give the serial number (X out the last two digits) I will try to give you an approximate year of manufacture.

Here are my two nickel Model 19-4s.

 

[bkjeffrey]

XavierBreath, thanks for all that info. The SN appears to be 46K53XX ? I hope this is right. I removed the beat up old Pachmeyer pads and put a set Hogue on there for now. Alot more comfy in my hand, and looks better as well I think. Heres a pic of the subject. Your 2 model 19s up there look real nice. I really like the nickel alot better than the blue.

 

[XavierBreath]

Your Model 19 was produced in 1980.

You can find some nice original S&W K frame grips for it on ebay for around $20-25. The rubber Hogue Monogrips are great for shooting, but a wood Hogue Monogrip would really complement the blue.

 

[dispatch]

Hey guy, you have beautiful Model 19. I personally prefer the S&W blue to the nickle- you can't find a finish that fine any more. Since you live on the Gulf Coast I would advise you to keep it well oiled internally and externally and stored in a silicon gun rag.
I strongly agree with Xavier that you need to acquire S&W or other wood grips. I like the feel of Hogues for shooting, but I'm less inclined to remove them for cleaning after shooting- where you live you need to do a thorough cleaning after every session and wood grips facilitate this.
If you can go to a gun show I would suggest looking for S&W, Herritt, or Stiles grips. Take the revolver and try them on for fit and comfort in your hands. If you don't like the price- monitor Ebay and be patient, you can get some good deals there.

 

[Ala Dan]

S&W model 19's are gett'in kind'a scarce in these parts~!

I've been look'in for one (blue or nickle, 4" or 6") in pristine condition for a
few years now; and haven't come up with one yet~! Perhaps, the model 19
is the finest revolver ever made by Smith & Wesson~?

 

[Khornet]

Xavier,

how about 59K68XX? That's my 5" 19-4 in blue that I picked up for $275. What a lovely revolver.

 

[Old Dog]

my 5" 19-4 in blue that I picked up for $275.

WHERE are you guys finding Model 19s for those prices? I can't find one in decent shape up here for less than $400 -- and I even see beat-up 19s going for more'n that.

I'm another who prefers my K-frames blued. Though I'm still on the lookout for a nickle 4-incher to keep my 19-4 company ...

 

[XavierBreath]

1980.

Nice price!

 

[MrBorland]

XavierBreath, thanks for all that info. The SN appears to be 46K53XX ?

Your Model 19 was produced in 1980.

Unless I'm mis-reading my book, 46K53XX was produced in 1978/79.

That's my 5" 19-4 in blue that I picked up for $275.

Good price, and a pretty rare 5", too, no?

 

[XavierBreath]

On recheck, you are correct Mr. Borland. 1978/79 is correct for bkjeffrey's revolver. I am using Supica's SCS&W 3rd ed.

Looks like Xav is stuck on 1980.......embarrassing when that happens......

(double checking Khornet's gun ......1980 is correct for it....)

 

[glassman]

Here's mine. Paid $400 for it about six months ago. You might want to check out http://www.eaglegrips.com/heritage.htm for a set of heritage grips. I bought a set for my 686 and am waiting for them to come in.

 

[D-Man]

^ Very nice glassman.

Here's a picture of my 19-4 - aftermarket rear sight and rubber grips, but at $369, I couldn't let it sit in the shop much longer than it had been:

 

[Phil DeGraves]

Just picked up (two weeks ago) a 19-2 2&1/2" blue with the original box in 98% condition for $300. I was willing to pay alot more than that for it, but I didn't argue with him - I had been looking for one for awhile. Great shooter. Already had a nickel 4" 19-2 that I got for $225 some years back. I'd say you did real well.