tjtoolbox:

The $700.00 price tag a a bit high, but fret not......... for a gun in that condition will be selling for more than that in a year or two the way things are going. If you add in all the original accouterments you also got, you payed a slight premium but nothing terrible.

The M19 is a classic S&W and a great revolver! If you stay away from the 125 grain .357 's and stick with the 158's (which IMHO are much better anyway and will shoot POA = POI) you should have no problems at all. I would assume most of the target shooting, plinking and general shooting would be with .38 special's anyway.

I've got a BUNCH of K framed .357's (M19's, 65's) and have stuck to what I have said above - NO PROBLEMS over the last 30+ years. I have even on occasion fired some Buffalo Bore 158 & 180 grain HEAVY .357's with no ill effects; and believe me, they are HOT!

ENJOY your REAL Classic S&W!

Chief38