The ultimate Model 19/66 Combat Magnum thread

[Engine49guy]

Originally Posted by Denny G

Oh Yeah, I'm In....My Sweet Mod. 66 (no dash) One of the First !!!.....Hope ya Like Her !!!.....
Denny G.

Nice !
Wondering how early your serial is ?
I have two like yours but they several years into production :
Serial 4K52033 app. 1974 and Serial 4K68459 app. 1975

[Engine49guy]

Added a few Combat Magnums so time to update the group shot,

[CJ45lc]

Wow 49 just WOW !!

[Biker Bill]

Now you're just being piggy!!!

Beautiful assemblage of a classic revolver.

Bill

[BAM-BAM]

Originally Posted by snw19_357

On of the 200 3" Model 19-3's made for the French government with fixed sights in 1974.

I'm lucky enough to have 3 3inch 66s..... and this 19 still is a gun that sets my heart a flutter!

Never understood why Smith didn't use this barrel profile on the 13 and the 65 (except for the short run of non LadySmiths ( a grail gun for me))?

[Hapworth]

Originally Posted by BAM-BAM

Never understood why Smith didn't use this barrel profile on the 13 and the 65 (except for the short run of non LadySmiths ( a grail gun for me))?

What short run of non-Lady Smiths had this barrel profile?

[BAM-BAM]

Originally Posted by Hapworth

What short run of non-Lady Smiths had this barrel profile?

Can't tell you; but over the years there have been pictures of "Factory" 65-ladysmiths without the "Ladysmith" etching.

[Minnehaha]

Model 66 No Dash with stainless site, new in box, SN 6K62349:







Model 19-3, SN 2K22151



Model 19-3, SN 5K31232 (Sorry - it's a little oily)



Model 65-2, SN7D31209



Anyone know the dates on these.

[Hapworth]

Originally Posted by Minnehaha

Model 66 No Dash with stainless site, new in box, SN 6K62349

1975

Model 19-3, SN 2K22151

1971

Model 19-3, SN 5K31232 (Sorry - it's a little oily)

1972

Model 65-2, SN7D31209

1981

Nice group you have there.

[JCS&W]

Chris, I have not sent you the serial number on this one.

AHL0112


Then there is the latest

FCP0335

[Engine49guy]

Originally Posted by Minnehaha

Model 66 No Dash with stainless site, new in box, SN 6K62349:

Something amiss in Hooterville...?
Never seen a SS snub rear site and didnt think they existed especially in the 6K prefix,
Is there any chance it was painted or hard chromed to simulate SS ?

[Minnehaha]

Originally Posted by Engine49guy

Something amiss in Hooterville...?
Never seen a SS snub rear site and didnt think they existed especially in the 6K prefix,
Is there any chance it was painted or hard chromed to simulate SS ?

The sight is stainless, and not coated. The finish on the sight and topstrap is the same as the trigger, hammer and front sight. The gun is really new old stock. There is not a single handling mark on this gun, or anything else to indicate it was ever altered.

[Masterbuck54]

19 no dash
19-2
19-3
Masterbuck54

[Hapworth]

Originally Posted by Minnehaha

The sight is stainless, and not coated. The finish on the sight and topstrap is the same as the trigger, hammer and front sight. The gun is really new old stock. There is not a single handling mark on this gun, or anything else to indicate it was ever altered.

It's certainly a gorgeous gun. Perhaps someone with more knowledge than I of the early first run Model 66s with the stainless front and rear sights can chime in, but Engine49guy is right to raise the question: I also have never encountered a 66 snubby with the stainless sights, and 1975 would be a bit late in the game for that set-up, snubby or not.

Most interesting, though, is that you say the sights have the same finish as the trigger and hammer; the trigger and hammer are flash chromed carbon steel. If they're the same, then the sights are also flash chromed, not stainless, which I don't believe the factory ever offered.

[Point 357]

There are many, so many beauties here.
I have a fondness for them myself...

[Minnehaha]

Originally Posted by Hapworth

It's certainly a gorgeous gun. Perhaps someone with more knowledge than I of the early first run Model 66s with the stainless front and rear sights can chime in, but Engine49guy is right to raise the question: I also have never encountered a 66 snubby with the stainless sights, and 1975 would be a bit late in the game for that set-up, snubby or not.

Most interesting, though, is that you say the sights have the same finish as the trigger and hammer; the trigger and hammer are flash chromed carbon steel. If they're the same, then the sights are also flash chromed, not stainless, which I don't believe the factory ever offered.

This is a link to an old thread on the subject that talks about the stainless sites used on later production guns. I'm really curious about this, so if we have some experts with some knowledge about this I would like to learn more. I think I will also request a letter from S&W on the gun to see if they can add some information.

https://www.google.com/url?q=http://...zgI5BC4EX-ffPA

[Engine49guy]

The Model 66 and 67 had SS rear site from introduction to around 1975 but the snub has a different length rear site leaf that extends aall the way accross the frame to the barrel.
Not sure when the first 66 no dash snubs were produced but I have never seen that long rear site in SS.

Of course we know the only thing for sure with S&W is nothing is for sure with S&W....could be SS but the pics look a little different and as Hapworth stated the hammer and trigger are not SS but are "Flash Chromed" from the factory so a SS rear site would not appear different


Edited to add...Just looked up the snub and it first appeared in 1974 fairly late but 4"ers still had SS rear sites
I guess anythings possible.

[Nedroe]

A Pre-19, K 261640, wearin' Cokes


A 19-5, ABN 2469


A 66 "No Dash" 2K71743

I got tired of waitin' for one of those 200 French guns to uncover, so I made a 13-3 the way Smith SHOULD HAVE MADE 'EM.



Ned

[snw19_357]

Originally Posted by Minnehaha

Model 66 No Dash with stainless site, new in box, SN 6K62349:

That's an interesting Model 66. It's still the only one I have seen that had a stainless rear sight.

[Hillbilly77]

My first (and only, but hopefully not last) P&R:

A model 19-3:





After a grip modification:

[veeklog1]

I am new to the forum, but just bought a Model 28 4" I pick up Monday (hate California and 10 day wait) But what I really want is Model 66 I used in the police academy in 1994; I want either a 2 1/2" barrel or 4" model. Can't find one for the life of me, but the Model 66 that I used 20 years ago had one of the sweetest triggers ever. Hopefully I can find one in California for a reasonable cost. Will post pictures of my Model 28 in the HP forum after Tuesday. Waiting for the correct grips to come in since it came with hogue grips; blasphemy!

[highpower3006]

Time for me to add my latest Smith. This is a 19-2 in 99% condition. Serial number dates it to late 1967 and it likely shipped in 1968. Came with box, SAT, tools and docs. The only bummer is the original target stocks are missing and this set of Eagle cokes are in their place. Still, I'm pretty happy with it.


Updated post with the set of correct diamond targets now installed.



It goes rather well with my 66 no dash;

[Rich19-4]

Originally Posted by CH47gunner

Probably two of my favorite revolvers -

Bruce

Above
Model 19-3 4" P&R

Below
Model 19-6 2 1/2"

What are those grips on that 4" model?Are they some kinda factory option?I like the looks of those w/the finger perch area.I recently picked up a 19-4,functions 100% an locks up tight.Someone tried to clean it up by doing some kinda paint job to cover up some pitting that I would belive to be from sitting in a holster.So i've been working on trying to clean that off an figure out how/what i could do to refinish it with something better.Paid a $100 cash for it so even the way it is its a heck of a shooter

[TLflag]

Here is my list
19-3 # 4K47663 6" Blue
19-3 # 8K15239 2 1/2" Blue
19-3 # 8K6485 2 1/2" Blue
19-3 # 9K90720 6" Blue
19 # K408721 4" Blue
Pre-19 # 264730 4" Nickel

Hope this Helps!

[cndrdk]

Originally Posted by Engine49guy

The Model 66 and 67 had SS rear site from introduction to around 1975 but the snub has a different length rear site leaf that extends aall the way accross the frame to the barrel.
Not sure when the first 66 no dash snubs were produced but I have never seen that long rear site in SS.

Of course we know the only thing for sure with S&W is nothing is for sure with S&W....could be SS but the pics look a little different and as Hapworth stated the hammer and trigger are not SS but are "Flash Chromed" from the factory so a SS rear site would not appear different


Edited to add...Just looked up the snub and it first appeared in 1974 fairly late but 4"ers still had SS rear sites
I guess anythings possible.

Have the same snubbie set up on 6K mod 66. Hammer, trigger AND rear sight are marked "S" underneath for stainless. Not flash chromed. Have a later model 66-1 with black sight, however, underneath sight is marked "S".

[snw19_357]

Originally Posted by cndrdk

Have the same snubbie set up on 6K mod 66. Hammer, trigger AND rear sight are marked "S" underneath for stainless.

You have a 2.5" Model 66 in the 6K range that has a stainless rear sight and it's the longer, RB rear sight leaf?
Do you have any pictures of it we could see?

[Engine49guy]

Originally Posted by cndrdk

Have the same snubbie set up on 6K mod 66. Hammer, trigger AND rear sight are marked "S" underneath for stainless. Not flash chromed. Have a later model 66-1 with black sight, however, underneath sight is marked "S".

Are you saying the hammer trigger are SS and not flash chromed ?

The early Models 66 and 67 had a SS rear site that isnt flash chromed and the hammer / trigger in those guns are not SS but are flash chromed if that makes sense.

The only SS hammer / trigger guns I am aware of are the early run Model 60 almost 10 years prior.

The early black sites on the 66 and 67 were SS and marked with an "S",

[sbacpa]

Here is my collection -
Pre 19, 19-1 nickel, 19-2 with 3 inch barrel (Navy overrun), 19-3.

[Engine49guy]

That is a sweet group !
Wondering how early the Pre Model 19 serial is ?
Pre models are roughly found between serials K260001 and K318000 .

[sbacpa]

Mine is K318927. We had quite a discussion on this on March 22. You would call it a non model marked model 19. Most others I have talked to say if it is not model marked, it is a pre 19.

Have a great day. The Lord is risen! He has met his people's need!

[Engine49guy]

OK, I remember now...the nonmenclature is part of the fun.

[Led4thehed2]

I've posted in the past, and am happy to report I will be posting new photos of my updated 19/66 family in a few weeks.

Since my first post, I've purchased another 4" 19-3, and sold the first 4" 19-3 I purchased because the second one had a much sweet trigger and some gorgeous wood graining.

Just this morning I out a Model 66 on lay-away. Didn't really have the funds to take it home this second, but soon.

[snubbyfan]

My wife's 4" 66-3

And the matching belt and holster I made for it.

[Purple220]

19-3 (1970) , 66-1 (1978)

[navajoRN]

I'm looking for either a 4" .357/.38sp 66 or 19 and even possibly a Colt .357 4" bbl for target shooting. Pros/cons/experiences with handling, accuracy, etc between the models? Any advantages to one generation of a model over another?

[waynesigmeister]

I have a Model 19-3 that I bought new in 1970 or 1971 for $115. It is a blued 4 1/2" with stock wood grips and serial number 2K311XX.
Sorry, no pictures, don't know how to post them. Carried it on duty for 15 years. Kept bone stock trigger which now feels very hard and may lighten the pull.

[Led4thehed2]

I just got these in the mail, and I believe these would have been what came with the gun from the factory at the time. It's a 1989 19-6. Either way, I really like the look and feel of them, and they give the gun a cool old vibe. I dig it.

[A10]

Pawnshop rescue 66-1, now wearing Buffalo Horn magnas...

[Marc19-3]

a 66-1 and 19-5 with painted front ramp

[Stirling]

Originally Posted by Engine49guy

Added a few Combat Magnums so time to update the group shot,

Hellooo!!! Do my eyes deceive me? They're all 4" revolvers?! Great collection.

[625smith]

He is my model 19 PC. This revolver appears to have a L frame barrel installed. Any other information on this one would be greatly appreciated. S/N SDA14XX

[MrTrolleyguy]

Originally Posted by 625smith

He is my model 19 PC. This revolver appears to have a L frame barrel installed. Any other information on this one would be greatly appreciated. S/N SDA14XX

That is the correct barrel. Model 19-7 3" K Comp PC. Ported in front of the sight. Great gun. With box and papers it $900.00 to $1,100.00

Enjoy.

[howiema]

Oh ok I had to put one in, 2k2092 is the serial #, I am thinking maybe 1967?

20140701_153721.jpg

[WCCPHD]

Since I have added some new Combat Magnums to the group I decided to photograph them today so I thought I would update my earlier post to show the entire group.

Early Combat Magnum



19-5 "DSS" Gun



19-5



66-1 (Same type as my duty weapon from 1979-1983)



66-2 (My duty weapon from 1983 - 1986)



66-2 (3 inch)



66-5 (3 inch)

[lawandorder]

Ned tell us more about your homemade French version.

[Engine49guy]

Originally Posted by howiema

Oh ok I had to put one in, 2k2092 is the serial #, I am thinking maybe 1967?

Attachment 159730

2k prefix is probably closer to 1972,
Non relieved diamond target grips look closer to 1951/52

[Retired W4]

Here is my contribution to this 19/66 thread. It's a true snap shot as the light is fading and I didn't have much time. Didn't even wipe them down. I have had 6" versions of both but the are long gone.

[Shooter 9]

New addition to the family. My 19-2

[jjbrewst1]

Here's one for the pile

66-3 3"

[Draal]

I bought my 4 inch Model 66 no dash after thugs broke into my neighbor's home on Christmas Day 2013. Too close for comfort but every time I grip that revolver I'm left feeling just a tad bit safer. Even the wife, who was extremely anti-gun, has realized it's time to be the first responders regarding our safety.

I practice a few times a month and I recently qualified for my Illinois CCL. I was the odd man out with the wheel gun during quals but I had no malfunctions to slow me down .

Love this gun!