Around 1980 I picked up a 2.5" 19-3 used but looked like new. Don't tell anyone but I carried it sometimes when traveling in dangerous waters. Don't tell anyone because at the time I lived in state where it was a crime for citizens to go armed. Sold or traded it for reasons that sounded good at the time.
In 1989 saw a nickel 2.5" 19-3 at a show. Just a hint of holster wear. The 60ish gentleman was selling half a dozen personal handguns. Said he was a retired federal agent and the 19 had been his duty weapon for many years. Paid $185 for it.
Lettered it and I'll be damned if it didn't ship to the U.S. Customs and Immigration office in 1970. Never would have imagined federal cops carrying nickel 357s. The man told me he had fired over 11,000 rounds of 125 JHP Magnum ammo through it. So much for 19s breaking with Magnum ammo.
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No life story has happy end.
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