I had picked up a used model 19 about 4 months ago, shoots very nicely i might add. I had no idea when it was manuafactured so i e mailed Smith and Wesson and they got back to me in 3 days saying it was made in 1983. I was surprised as its in good shape but especially so for being that old.
Must have been owned by a little old lady from Passadena !!