S&W 19-3 2.5" what is it worth?
- Thread starter WVsig
- Start date
carguychris
New member
It's not a question of need. Collectors want it, and collectors largely drive the market for old Smiths, particularly those in 95%+ condition.Real Gun said:
The M19-3 dates from an era before licensed civilian CCW was widespread, and thus the 2.5" versions did not sell well and are hard to find, particularly in this condition, because most of them have spent their life in a plainclothes cop's holster.
Generally, hard to find + 95%+ condition + original box and other goodies = $700+ when you're discussing old Smiths, including (especially!) odd configurations that not many people "need"- e.g. the M631 (all-stainless 4"bbl .32 H&R Mag) and the M35 (all-steel 6"bbl .22LR J frame with target sights) are $700 guns also.
BTW I generally agree with the previous posters; $700 is fair,and it could realistically sell for $800 in some markets, although IMHO $850+ is pushing it.
highpower3006
New member
Well, everyone has their own opinion. But what you perceive they are worth is definitely not shared by the marketplace. In the condition of the one pictured by the OP, I would buy them all day and twice on Sunday for under six bills and then resell them for a couple hundred dollars profit. I am not so sure that it is worth $875, but I have been known to be behind the curve on current price trends before.
I personally think that the 4" version is a better fit for a .357, but the market is hot right now for short barrels. Plus, with the round butt and short barrel, it is not all that hard to carry. If I was packing one around, it would be loaded with 158 grain .357 JHP's.
I guess I lucked out. Over the past couple of years, I picked up 2.5" 19-3 for $450, and a 4" 19-5, for $400. Both in very good shape, and appear to have been shot little (at least until I got them ). Both were purchased at local shops, and were trade ins.
My 19-3 (and 19-5 for that matter) is somewhere between Deaf's and the one at the top. It doesnt have the box or original grips, but I buy shooters, not safe queens.
). Both were purchased at local shops, and were trade ins.My 19-3 (and 19-5 for that matter) is somewhere between Deaf's and the one at the top. It doesnt have the box or original grips, but I buy shooters, not safe queens.
Not sure where the seller is located but it always has seemed to me the local market in Central Ky. for nice SW revolvers was a bit higher than I've seen in other areas of the country via the auction sites. I would think $800 would be the max I would pay, hopefully not more than $750. But, I already have one.
Driftwood Johnson
New member
$135 brand-spanky new in 1975.
bitttorrrent
New member
Very nice gun.
Driftwood...that one looks like mine. I just found some original stocks on ebay to replace some ones that had been put on.
Driftwood...that one looks like mine. I just found some original stocks on ebay to replace some ones that had been put on.
When was the last time you saw one in that condition for sale?
When do you expect to see one in that condition for less?
Are you really willing to let it get away for $50.00? 100.00 bucks?
If I had it to sell, I'd tag it about $900.00. If it didn't sell, and around here, I bet it would, I'd drop the price, but I'd bet I wouldn't drop it much. When I'm selling I can always lower the price, but I can't go up. Bad form you know.
Now, if I just wanted a shooter, I'd probably look for another one, and leave that one for the guy who does want a safe queen.
When do you expect to see one in that condition for less?
Are you really willing to let it get away for $50.00? 100.00 bucks?
If I had it to sell, I'd tag it about $900.00. If it didn't sell, and around here, I bet it would, I'd drop the price, but I'd bet I wouldn't drop it much. When I'm selling I can always lower the price, but I can't go up. Bad form you know.
Now, if I just wanted a shooter, I'd probably look for another one, and leave that one for the guy who does want a safe queen.
Last edited:
I can accept that I might have underestimated the appeal of this gun. However, what I observe is that people buying collector grade guns are stumbling into bargains, not bidding top dollar. Thus, I am skeptical about representations of these mythical "collectors" and what they might pay. Collecting bargains does not make one the collector referred to here. Most seem to regard a price worth bragging about as part of gun ownership.
How many actually buy a gun and just stick it in the safe, never intending to shoot it? I bet it happens, but are these people really numerous enough to define a market?
I expect the serious interest comes from those who want to bid on a good shooter, one they can carry or regularly enjoy at the range, while hiking, or for hunting.
One that is better to carry than to shoot or one too nice and valuable to take out and shoot is going to look long and hard for a buyer, I think.
Last edited:
highpower3006
New member
A factory documented nickel M17-3, one of just 19 known to exist, just sold for OVER 11,000 dollars. There is definitely a market for high end Smiths. Certain guns in high condition are appreciating and a rapid rate.
I am one of those that will buy a high condition gun and put it away. I usually have others of the same type that are shooters, so I don't feel that I am depriving myself if I don't go out and run a few rounds through a particular gun.
For instance, I picked up this LNIB 19-2 a few months ago for $650 OTD. I know that the Model 19's are appreciating in value and while it was what I considered all the money for one, I picked it up anyway. Turns out it was a pretty good deal as I have been offered a grand for it. It is not for sale, so I didn't pass it along, but that is indicative of how the market is right now.
I am one of those that will buy a high condition gun and put it away. I usually have others of the same type that are shooters, so I don't feel that I am depriving myself if I don't go out and run a few rounds through a particular gun.
For instance, I picked up this LNIB 19-2 a few months ago for $650 OTD. I know that the Model 19's are appreciating in value and while it was what I considered all the money for one, I picked it up anyway. Turns out it was a pretty good deal as I have been offered a grand for it. It is not for sale, so I didn't pass it along, but that is indicative of how the market is right now.
Strafer Gott
New member
The barrel length is the big bucks driver on this one. A six inch doesn't get as much traction on my checkbook, anyway. Plus it's just so clean. If you buy it for 795 USD, you can pretty much call it a win.