Smith 19-4 nickel price check

[bikemutt]

I stumbled across a nice looking S&W model 19-4 with a 4" barrel, nickel finish today at a LGS. The gun is in very good condition with no major visible blemishes. Someone did make a pass at the front side plate screw, probably to remove the cylinder and crane, I've certainly seen much worse efforts, I'd call it barely visible. It has been shot some and, based on a couple other revolvers recently acquired from the same person, has been surface cleaned nicely, but put-up-shot often enough; the bore is filthy and leaded. It has the original box, cleaning tool and manual. This is the first 19 I've run across with target trigger and hammer. The grips are target and mint. Under the grips needs some serious cleaning. One 2mm tiny rust freckle was visible in a normally covered area.

Gunstore has $599 hanging on it, since a friend works there the shop would have sold it to me right then for $574. But with our 9.5% tax that would push it to $628 out the door. I think that's on the high side and told the shopkeep the most I could imagine paying is $600 out the door. Since the gun had only been under glass for 4 hours, he told me to come back Friday, he'll consider my offer then.

Anyway, I came home and searched gunbroker.com only to discover the model 19 world has gone stark raving mad. It seems his price may not be out of line with the market. This little gem would look nice next to my similar blued 19-4 but I stole that one for $525 out the door, a never-fired specimen that remains so.

So, what do you all think? I'm inclined to take my chances and wait until Friday to see if I can shave him down, if it's still there to shave.

 

[sgtstryker]

Indeed, indeed. It seems the word is out on what folks will pay for a decent Smith, especially the K frames. I think your offer is a good one. I offered 350 for a model 64 snubby and it was declined. The price is 395, no less. So, good luck with the buy.. morning, when I said your offer was a good one, I meant that I can't believe the guy didn't take it. Yes, I agree it is a little high, everything depends on a motivated seller meeting a motivated buyer..again, Good Luck.

 

[Old Fuff]

Well nickel isn't as common as blue, but neither were they rare. I suspect it might be in worse shape if the nickel hadn't protected it against rust. Be sure no rust was worked under the plating, because if it has it will peel. Having the box and accessories is a plus, but only if you keep the gun in mint shape. The Federal Reserve Bank is planning to print new un-backed paper money at the rate of 40 billion a month and add it to the money supply, which will dilute the value of the dollar. This is a fancy way to say, "inflation." If I'm right the value will soon equal or increase over the asking price, but I have no idea what the market demand is in your area.

 

[Shear_stress]

Sounds like absolute top dollar for a 4" nickel Model 19 in that condition. I see a lot of these on Gunbroker with, let's say, optimistic opening bids, but the closing prices of the ones that do sell tend to be much lower unless they are LNIB or the more desirable 2.5" barrel. From what you describe I don't see this purchase as urgent.

 

[bikemutt]

Yup, I think it's too close to the edge of overpaying, I'll let it simmer, maybe check back in a few weeks.

 

[bannockburn]

bikemutt

The price does seem to be on the high end side, given its less than pristine condition, so I think your $600 OTD offer is pretty reasonable and I wouldn't move beyond that. I would stand pat and wait until Friday to see what's happening with it. Good luck!

 

[bigtubby]

$575.00 would be tops around here. A friend just bought a 19-4 6" blue decent condition a little muzzle wear, rubber grips no box or tools for $385.00 asking price was $450.00 and there wasn't much interest. Probably a local thing and a motivated seller. I realize the longer barrel is less valuable.

 

[j1]

Ask everyone for their opinion and then do what you want. No one else will be sorry but you if you do not get it.

 

[CajunBass]

I won't lose a gun I want over $50 or even $100.00. They don't turn up often enough to do that. If it's just something I'd casually like to have? Yea, I'll let it go, but not if it's something I really want.

 

[Old Dog]

I guess I'm with CajunBass on this one -- I've watched the prices on K-
frames skyrocket the past few years and even the Blue Book hasn't kept up.

I know I've overpaid a few times when the gunlust hit, but I am a sucker for K-frames. I did pick up a phenomenal 66-4 snubby about 3 years back for about 400 OTD, and my last 19-3 4" recently for right at 400 -- I felt like I'd stolen it!

Prices in my area are insane these days, and I've actually been seeing better deals in the shops than in ads by private sellers.

Yep, sleep on, leave it for the weekend, whenever, and if the next time you go back and it's still there, maybe it's destined.

Anyone think we've hit the ceiling for the prices we're seeing on used S&W revolvers?