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Fine Pistol if it is made by S/W. But there is a bunch of junk on the market.

It is a genuine Smith from 1978. My favorite story is how I acquired it.

I was stationed at Mtn. Home AFB, Mtn. Home, ID. I was helping a friend move from the base to Boise, ID, about 50 miles away. It was late and I decided to spend the night with him rather than drive back.

So I went to a drug store to buy a toothbrush and some toothpaste. While there, I noticed that this drug store, a CVS or Rite-Aid like place, had a little glass case in the corner and they were selling handguns and knives.

With my toothbrush and toothpaste in hand, I went over to look at the offerings. The cashier said she could ring me up there, and asked if there was anything else. I saw the S&W Model 19, 4" barrel, at a great price, so I said "yup, that one, please."

This was 1978, so there were no waiting periods, no background checks. Filled out the federal paperwork and walked out with a toothbrush, toothpaste, and a handgun.

Only in America (or used to be...)

“This was 1978, so there were no waiting periods, no background checks. Filled out the federal paperwork and walked out with a toothbrush, toothpaste, and a handgun.

Only in America (or used to be...)”

Still is around these parts. Not sure how much longer.

I was stationed at Mtn. Home AFB, Mtn. Home, ID. I was helping a friend move from the base to Boise, ID, about 50 miles away. It was late and I decided to spend the night with him rather than drive back. So I went to a drug store to buy a toothbrush and some toothpaste. While there, I noticed that this drug store, a CVS or Rite-Aid like place, had a little glass case in the corner and they were selling handguns and knives. With my toothbrush and toothpaste in hand, I went over to look at the offerings. The cashier said she could ring me up there, and asked if there was anything else. I saw the S&W Model 19, 4" barrel, at a great price, so I said "yup, that one, please." This was 1978, so there were no waiting periods, no background checks. Filled out the federal paperwork and walked out with a toothbrush, toothpaste, and a handgun. Only in America (or used to be...)

Similar story. I had just arrived in the summer in Fairbanks AK, was going out Grayling fishing and stopped in a sport shop to get geared up for flyfishing. I noticed a glass counter on the way out with some revolvers and one had a decent price for it's caliber, a Hawes .44 mag Western Marshall. Felt more comfortable walking by those 10 inch wide bear tracks in the mud fishing after that. I think I paid around one hundred and some small change.

It was right about that same time period I walked into an Ace Hardware in a small town in southwest Michigan. I needed some nails or screws, I don’t remember, but under the front counter was a selection of handguns, including a gorgeous Belgium Browning hi-power. I don’t remember what else I bought that day but the hi-power went home with me. What a Country!

Count your blessings, I have a S/W, have to wear ear plugs with it. Good to hear from you/