Tom,
Let's get specific here; is he looking for a balance and heft match or evolutionary match or a 'looks' match?
Balance and heft match:
My Pre mod 18 and 18-4 weigh 2 lbs 3.2 ozs. with TH,TT & TG.
My Mod 19-1 wieghs 2 lbs 3 ozs. with TH,TT & TG. Loading both will get them closer together or give the edge to the 19.
So they are almost exactly the same weight even though they have different style barrels. The 19 carries a little more heft out front but not noticeably much different to me.
Evolutionary match:
If he has a Pre Model 19 he'll need a Pre Mod 18 and they will match by both having 5 screw frames, diamond stocks, etc. If he has a Model 19 no dash he'll need a Mod 18 no dash and they'll both have 4 screw frames. Etc, etc.
Looks match:
As was said there is no exact match produced by Smith. I installed a Mod 53 4" barrel and Mod 48 .22 Mag cylinder in another 18 for an exact match to my 19. The .22 Mag rollmark on the 53 barrel was then correct. However I noticed no accuracy loss when I used my 22 LR cylinder.
The 4" Model 53 would look identical. But it would in itself be an expensive option especially with a .22 LR cylinder. And considerably outwiegh the 19. The HB 18 would not only still not match except for barrel contour but would also up the Mod 18 weight a little.
He can add TH, TT & TG to match.
He can achieve a perfect looks match with an .22 Combat Masterpiece and a .38 Combat Masterpiece.
