Now for the rest of the story.
I saw the model 19 at the OGCA gun show in Ohio yesterday (Saturday). A guy was carrying it around in the Smith box. It was the only gun he owned and he just wanted to sell it.
I first saw him talking to a dealer who offered him $525 for the gun. Not knowing the value of it I assumed $575 was an average price. I tracked him down after that.
I could not find a flaw anywhere on the gun or the grips.
I got his phone number and told him I would get back to him if I wanted to buy it. He said he would only be there 10 minutes.
Earlier I had looked at a really nice smith 6906 with two mags from a private dealer at the show. I walked back to that aisle and bought that gun for $350. I left the show after that.
I had enough money with me to buy the 6906 and the 19 but I was happy with what I had.
Got home and started this thread last night.
Read the responses this morning and immediately called the owner of the model 19. He said he sold it 5 minutes after I talked to him at the show. No surprise there!
I feel like I'm doing a walk of shame for letting this slip by.
I really feel bad about it. Been thinking about it all day.
Not the first one that got away or the last one.
Thanks to all who responded. The information was very helpful but a little late. The late part being my fault.
Dave