I haven't seen a 2.5" Model 19 for less than $600 in a while. There is well worn one (19-4) for sale near me now for $625, and I bought a 2.5" 19-4 for $650 a few months ago.

I would opt for fixed sights for pocket carry. My first choice would be the Model 12, it carries comfortably in pants pockets. Model 12's also seem to generally sell for no more than $500. If an all steel revolver is preferred then a Model 10 or Model 13. The Model 13 is likely to be hard to find and expensive, the last one I ran across (13-4) was $850.

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Wheel guns are real guns.