Gents, I have a quick question on a ballpark value of a Smith Model 19-3 2 1/2" revolver I'm looking at.

The finish is a little worn, I'd rate it around 85%, but the timing and lock up are very nice. It wears the original medallion grips, but would not come with the box or papers that are important to some Smith collectors.

I plan on purchasing the 19 and using it for range and maybe even throw it in my carry rotation so I'm not too concerned with the cosmetic looks, which really aren't that bad.

The guy I'm dealing with said he would sell it to me for $500, and that includes a leather pancake holster, not sure on brand, and 2 speed loaders.

I'm just looking to see if that is a reasonable price for the 19 as described?

It is a P&R model Smith, and I know that adds a little value, but up until now I've really only had experience with J frames for carry and I also currently own a model 10-4 with the bull barrel. Like I said, I'm buying this to use and I'm aware of the issue shooting the lighter .357 mag loads through the 19s and would probably just carry it loaded with .38 +p

Any advice or input would be greatly appreciated, thanks in advance.

Unless you are over rating the condition, it’s worth $500 retail , hard to say without pics
I’d offer $425 and try to get it for $450

That barrel length in 98-99% with a box, will bring a $1000 easily

Yes it is a reasonable price , but be aware that this is a big heavy carry gun. You will need a good holster and belt.

Around here it would sell quickly for that price. Odds are that's a much better revolver than most of what S&W produces today that costs half again as much.

Yep, that seems like a fair price.

I'm with the others. That sounds like a fair price if it's in the condition you say. Like mentioned make him an offer,you can always go up.

I have a like M 66 2 1/2" I got from a now late friend probably 35 yrs ago. I haven't shot it much but they are some sweet shooting guns. It's a bit to heavy to carry but the blued version is a little lighter then the Stainless. Good luck.

that is a fair price.

And that gun will carry very nice, I carry my 66-3 2.5 quite often. It is a great shooter!

I think that's a fair price. About 10 years ago I found a 2.5" 19-3 with original grips and no box in about 90-95% condition that I paid $375 for. I thought that was a steal.

^^^^ THIEF ^^^^

That would be reasonable to a little cheap in Central Florida.

I'd say that at $475 it's a bargain.

Do it. Dooooooo it.

great gun. good price.

Per your description, I'd buy it in a heartbeat. Very rarely see 2.5" P&R 19s in my area.

If you decide to buy it please post a pic in this thread.

Around here a 90% + no lock Smith Model 19 2 1/2" would not last long in a gun shop in the $550 - $650 range.

At 85% in a 2 1/2" would say $500 would be a fair price. The 19 2 1/2" are just not that common in my area.

It won't be for sale long at that price.

Buy it now.

Jump!

Do it. I have one and it's one of my favorites. I paid 650 for a 95% a couple of years ago.

Thanks for all the info guys.

I have one more question, I know it detracts from the total value but how bad would it affect the worth if I had it refinished?

I really don't have any plans to resale it so I would be doing that for my personal preference, maybe a full matte black.

quote:

The finish is a little worn, I'd rate it around 85%,

Honestly I don't think a 19-3 2-1/2 with no box / papers will be rare anytime soon - so at 85%, if it's going to be a shooter and not a standard Smith safe dweller, handled only with white gloves and never used - I'd shoot it to ensure you like it and if you do intend to carry it, maybe refinish it.

quote:

Originally posted by K9346:
Thanks for all the info guys.

I have one more question, I know it detracts from the total value but how bad would it affect the worth if I had it refinished?

I really don't have any plans to resale it so I would be doing that for my personal preference, maybe a full matte black.

ballpark is 50% reduction for refinish,

reality is 500 is a pretty good price, in this area, refinished would be 3-400, depending,

if you do refinish, and any buffing is involved, have them tread lightly