What's It Worth: Smith & Wesson Model 19

Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson

Model: Model 19

Caliber: .357 Magnum

Value: $334

This week we have a very common handgun. It's the Smith & Wesson Model 19 chambered in .357 Magnum. This particular example is a Model 19-3, meaning that it was made after the third engineering change. The gun is built on Smith & Wesson's medium K frame and has a 4-inch barrel. Herrett Stocks replaced the factory grips with custom Roper model walnut grips. They are well known amongst handgun shooters and have been for decades. The gun is in very good overall condition, with some light holster wear at the muzzle and evidence of faint pitting on the cylinder. I would call the condition 95 percent.

The Blue Book of Gun Values tells us that, in 95 percent condition, this revolver is worth $325 plus another $9 for the 4-inch barrel. The aftermarket grips could potentially hurt the value with a true collector but may be attractive to a buyer who is familiar with the Herrett brand. So we'll call the grips a wash. The excellent Milt Sparks holster certainly adds value to the handgun, as they sell for a premium due to their limited production capacity. This perceived value assumes a potential buyer is interested in a holster. A better plan would be to sell the holster separately to someone who wants a Milt Sparks and can't bear to wait for one to be made.

Based on our best Blue Book estimate, this handgun is worth approximately $334 in its current condition. But if I were to sell one, I would set an initial price far higher and see what the market will bear. A gun is, of course, worth whatever someone is willing to pay for it.

Send photos and information of your firearm to [email protected]. We might choose yours to feature here on our weekly "what's It Worth" post. And remember, if we don't choose yours, look it up yourself with the Blue Book of Gun Values.