I have a 10-8 heavy barrel. Put some VZ grips on it, and OMG. Best S&W grips I've ever held. Excellent all-around reliable ignore-it-til-you-need it weapon. Bobbed the hammer so it's DAO and made myself learn to shoot that way. Very accurate piece.
...... yes my -3 was new in 1989. I think my -4 is about 91. They are my favourite generations of the L Frame.
Don't disagree. If I had to choose I'd give the edge to the -4s just for being drilled and tapped from the factory. Could be easier to find a rear sight leaf these days too. Either way, they're great guns