Just scratched a new itch to add to my S&W collection. Picked up a new 4" M19. I have to say that this new pistol holds very little kinship to the old sleek 4" M19 I have. The gun seems bulkier than even the older 586 and the cylinder is actually about .040" longer and the top strap is wider. It is a beast of a .357, comparable to the M-28, and should probably last a lifetime.
Shot it some, today, out to 50 yards but conditions weren't right for serious grouping attempts. Have some stout loaded 158 grain cast loads it seems to like very well and showed NO barrel leading. Action on the pistol is quite smooth with only a very slight sensation of stacking.
I appreciate S&W bringing back the "classic" revolvers but these new ones aren't very loyal to the old ones. If you're wanting a new production of the old guns, you'll be disappointed. These new revolvers need to be judged on their own features, not compared to the old ones, and for that, I like them.
Just my $0.02 worth.