Thanks guys,
1977 sounds right. It is a nice revolver, it only cost me 1800 norwegian kroner ($322) in 2006, the grips were a gift from my brother in S.F..
It's something I have wanted ever since I took to reading my uncles 'american rifleman' and 'guns & ammo' when I visited him as a kid.
I also have a Walther P88 (not compact), number 24 off the production line (only 10,000 made), a top quality pistol and very accurate (I don't do it justice the way I shoot!).
cheers,
-John