I have a number of 19's. My first one and still have it, was purchased in a 4inch configeration in the late 70's. I used this on the sheriff's department at the time. I have fired literally thousands of .38special through it. Maybe a box or two of magnum.
The limited amount of magnum rounds is i just never could see the sense of the blast, recoil and so on for killing tin cans and targets. A couple of months ago i finally took the yellow/red paint off the front sight that i have had on it forever.
Now I know about that shaved area on the forcing cone, but it isn't much of a worry if you are not doing light loads. as in those 125grain projectiles. A 4inch model 19 is still one of the best balanced pistols out there.
I have a couple of new ones, unfired, from that time frame if i ever get to worrying about wearing one out in my lifetime.
Last edited by RoninPhx; 09/02/12.
