Combat Magnum (Pre-Model 19)

[spin132]

Bought my first S&W revolver in 1985, a used 19-3. It still accompanies to the range often. My interests have shifted in the last few years to 50's vintage models so I was excited to find this Pre-19 that shipped in April of 1956. Overpaid, as is my custom, but happy to add this one to my collection. Thanks for letting me share!

Mike Dwyer

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[cgt4570]

Gorgeous! Mine starts with 263 and has a little honest wear. They don't turn up often in any condition.

 

[John Patrick]

Very pretty! Congrats!

 

[murphydog]

That's a nice, early example! They didn't ship in large numbers until early that year and the first one was K260001. Enjoy!

 

[RKmesa]

Mike:

That one there is a beauty!!! Congrats on bringing her home.

Thanks for sharing,

 

[22hipower]

Overpaid? Maybe, but on these scarce ones, especially in that condition, when will you have an opportunity at another? I bought the only one that I've seen for sale in the last 20 years, about a thousand numbers later than yours, and it is not nearly as nice as yours. Very nice, enjoy.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[larryofcc]

OK, how much is overpaid? I know these revolvers are not cheap.
Inquiring minds want to know. Thanks, Big Larry

 

[mh51]

That's a beauty and will probably only climb in value. You done good!!

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Most handsome.

That blue is ocean deep. Stunning. Congrats.

I don't follow K-frames, but your ship month/year was near the first bright blue finish for Chiefs. Were there satin blue Combat Magnums?

I'd have to take that one to the range periodically.

 

[RKmesa]

Were there satin blue Combat Magnums?

From the start, the Combat Magnum was bright blue, like The .357 Magnum (pre-27) and the .44 Magnum, except when it was nickel plated.

 

[Retired W4]

I too have been focusing more on the 40's and 50's guns. As far as over paying for the right piece: guilty. But it's all relative. The pre 19 Combat Magnum is on my watch list. Yours is very nice.

 

[Engine49guy]

Beautiful CM, congrats!
I have its twin that also shipped Aprl 56,
These early ones have a few unique features that make special IMO,
The most unique feature is the first run has the older 6 groove backstrap,
The other feature is the early ones have the older shaped rod shroud that is more roundish at the front.
The CM was introduced as a 4 screw frame (always lamented no 5 screw versions exist) this is interestingng considering 5 screw 44 Magnums shipped with 5 screw frames into 1957.
On a side note your stocks are quite nice but exhibit the later checkering turn at the heel.
Can u post a pic of the other side?

 

[Bullet Bob]

I don't know, I'm not sure I'd buy a gun with only one side. ;-)

 

[spin132]

The most unique feature is the first run has the older 6 groove backstrap.

On a side note your stocks are quite nice but exhibit the later checkering turn at the heel.
Can u post a pic of the other side?

Great info and thank you! Did not know to look at the backstrap. I have an early pre-29 with 6 grooves but didn't know CM's were the same, I'll check. I'll also post up a pic of the other side when I get home.

As for the stocks, I kinda thought they might have a serial # stamp, but they don't. Seem to recall seeing some old targets that do? I'm not smart enough to know what what you are talking about regarding the checkering turn? Maybe you could educate me (please!). Here are pics of the stocks.

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[GSP Fan]

You never pay to much, maybe to early however the joy of ownership exceeds the cost of ownership. Congrats on a very nice Smith.

 

[murphydog]

Some of the very early CMs are known to have numbered stocks, but not many. Also, the early guns had them in walnut, but after a short time they were changed to Goncalo Alves. I think yours are the former but it sometimes takes an in-person look to tell.

 

[larryofcc]

The stocks appear to be walnut, therefore may be correct. The later guns had the Goncalo Alves stocks. Mine is in the first 2,000 and is near to mint. The pasted label on mine says Bright Finish Combat Magnum. I also have a 1960 4 screw M19 N.I.B. that, other than the Goncalo Stocks, pretty close to identical. Big Larry

 

[aclarke3]

Beautiful in blue. Nice find.

 

[Inland7-45]

Very nice catch.

I have at least 1 S&W from each decade starting with an M&P target made in 1904 and ending with a 4" HB Model 64 made in 1980. While they are all good, in my opinion the early 1950s through the end of the Wesson family ownership of the company was truly the golden age of S&W. The 50's saw many improvements to their core products as well as the introduction of many exiting new products such as the Combat Magnum, .44 Mag, 9mm auto, and J frame .38s. I also believe that workmanship and quality maintained a high level during this period but began a noticeable decline soon after the Punta Bangor era began.

Your Combat Magnum really is a beauty. I would not think too much about what it cost.

I have 3 S&Ws from the 50,s and one made right before Punta Bangor. A K-22 made in 1950, a pre model number 30 from 1955,a Model 42 from 1959 and a Model 29-2 from 1966.

I paid $475 for the K-22 in 2007. It seemed like a lot to pay at the time and I had buyers remorse for a while. But looking back I now appreciate that it was a sound investment in a quality gun.

 

[Engine49guy]

Stamping the serial number inside target stocks was deemed unnecessary early on although a small handful have turned up.

As for the stocks I had noticed years ago that the checkering pattern changed on my Combat Magnums sometime in the early 60's (1962-63 ish?).
The older style has a sharp corner turn at the heel where the newer style has a round turn at the heel.

Here is a link to another thread showing the earlier style checkering sharp turn at the heel.
Early Combat Magnum, K260005