The ultimate Model 19/66 Combat Magnum thread

[snw19_357]

Inspired by Allen-frames iconic Ultimate Highway Patrolman thread and the wealth of information we have all gained from it, I would like to see if we can learn a little more about the Combat Magnum and the changes made to it over the years.

As with the threads on the Highway Patrolman, there are many threads on this forum containing info on the Model 19 and 66 Combat Magnums. Trying to find the bits of information hidden within them all would be very time consuming and might still lack some bit of information that could shed some light on these for the rest of us. So, the more information pertaining to the engineering changes we put here, the clearer the picture may become.

It has been well published that the engineering changes are as follows:

“pre”...............(1955) Thanks to S&W and Bill Jordan, introduced at K260001
19..................(1957) Stamping of model number
19-1...............(1959) Change extractor rod, right to left hand thread
19-2...............(1961) Delete trigger guard screw, change cylinder stop
.....................(1963) 50 made with 2-1/2” barrel; K544672-K544721
.....................(1966) 2-1/2” barrel introduced as standard
19-3...............(1967) Relocate rear sight leaf screw
66..................(1970) Introduced at K949100
19-4 (66-1)......(1977) Move gas ring from yoke to cylinder
19-5 (66-2)......(1982) Eliminate cylinder counterbore and pinned barrel
66-3...............(1986) New yoke screw, floating hand, and hammer nose bushing
19-6...............(1988) New yoke screw, floating hand, and hammer nose bushing
19-7 (66-4)......(1994) New rear leaf sight, drill and tap frame, change extractor, and Uncle Mike’s synthetic grips.
.....................(1995) Delete square butt
.....................(1997) Change to MIM thumbpiece and trigger
19-8 (66-5).....(1998) Sep – Change to MIM hammer and floating firing pin
.....................(1999) Discontinue 2-1/2” barrel
.....................(1999) Nov – Model 19 discontinued
66-6...............(2002) Introduction of the Internal Lock
.....................(2005) Model 66 discontinued

If you were to go back and look at some of my old threads, you’d see I was quite confused about the Model 19, and it was the reason I joined this forum.

For example, the change from the -2 to the -3 was the relocation of the rear leaf screw. At the time I had a -2 (K7952xx) that not only did it ship in late 1968 (-3 announced in 1967), I could see no difference in the sight screw between it and the later ones I had. No wonder I was confused.



It wasn’t until recently when I picked up an earlier -2 (not much, Jun-68) that I noticed that its rear leaf screw was located further back, right over the barrel/cylinder gap.



So, they are both “-2” but K7952xx appears to have the “-3” engineering change. My hope with this thread is that we can narrow down where that and some of the other changes occurred.

As I am sure we have all noticed, serial numbers vs. time frame seldom matter with S&W. Although I have seen non-model marked Combat Magnums in the K38xxxx range, here’s a 4-screw Model (marked) 19, K3166xx.



It’s not like we need an excuse for a picture thread here but maybe a closer examination of the Combat Magnums we own can bring some interesting and informative facts about them to light.
---
1/1/12
Here's a third version of the chart I am working on showing which model and serial number range. It is a work in progress! I will update it as I go and let you know if something significant changes.

Click on the picture for the full size image (thumbnail is more updated than link, for now.)

[p0838]

There are some 66-1's without pinned barrel but have the recessed cylinder. My 99K prefix is such a gun. Also has right stock serialized(last four digits) to the gun

[BobK]

The Ultimate Combat Magnum??? You must be talkin' 'bout the S&W M-66-1 2 1/2" !!!!!

[WVfishguy]

M19-3, DOB 1976, P&R mediocre photo but in really great shape. 9K964XX:


M19-5, DOB Dec. 1986, not P&R, fancy Hogue pau ferro grips. AVB40XX:

Okay. I've added serial numbers, done my part,

[Combat]

Nice pics,a 4 screw CM is one of my grail guns.I have a 6" 19-3 in the box I've never shot and a 2 1/2" nickel 19-3 that just sits in the safe.After I got a 66-3 2 1/2"er, I kinda am losing interest in them.

[lowriderfxr]

Here are some pics of a CM that shipped June 1956. I think another interesting note is that the non relieved target grips were being phased out in favor of the football relief targets. I have seen CMs with both type grips. This one has the earlier non relieved type.

[OIF2]

This one was given to me. I kinda like it, though I'm mostly a 27 guy.
Bob

[JayCeeNC]

A couple of Combat Magnums. I only have two but that model is one of my favorites. I'd just about fly to Cajun Country to relieve Many of that gorgeous example he posted above.

[snw19_357]

I hope to make a chart at the end showing the serial number range, etc. for each 'dash' so if you'd be willing to include model number and partial serial number, it would be appreciated.

Thanks

[bwsmith2850]

I'll play along...
19-3 4" P&R with non-diamond football relieved targets. Ransomed out of the armory. SN K8901XX 1969

IMGP2305 resize.jpg

[doublesharp]

Here's a 4 screw Combat Magnum. It's not the ultimate but I sure like it.

non model marked K 3188xx

[Srigs]

With original grips 66-1.



My current setup with Hogue Monogrips

[DWFAN]

I don't have very many "Great" guns but this ones a pride and joy. It's not the nicest one I own but it's not bad either. K260082.
DW

[smith17]

Here's a 19 no dash from Houston with rosewood magnas.
Ed

[def4pos8]

This pair work for me as an armed guard: the Dash 6 is primary; Dash 4 is alternate.

Engineering details/differences are numerous, the most significant is the fully CNC-machined frame of the Dash 6.

[Doc44]

DW...Do you have a shipping date for K260082? (very nice Combat Magnum, by the way). I don't believe anyone has studied the Combat Magnum and I am curious as to when the lower serial numbered guns shipped. I have K260190 that shipped on May 1, 1956 and a K261000 range gun that shipped in June of that year.

Bill

[m.pieroni]

....an uncataloged 3 inch.

[snw19_357]

Originally Posted by m.pieroni

"THE" Ultimate....

That IS the ultimate Combat Magnum.

[Combat]

WELL, I know where all the 4 screw guns are now.My fellow forum members have them.I hope there is one left out there for ME.

[Doc44]

Model 19-3, Class C-engraved and shipped in October 1971 to Rex Firearms in NYC.

Bill

[DWFAN]

Originally Posted by Doc44

DW...Do you have a shipping date for K260082? (very nice Combat Magnum, by the way). I don't believe anyone has studied the Combat Magnum and I am curious as to when the lower serial numbered guns shipped. I have K260190 that shipped on May 1, 1956 and a K261000 range gun that shipped in June of that year.

Bill

Paul, Pre-Model 19 serial number K260082 was shipped in May of 1956. I hope that this helps. Roy G. Jinks, Historian, Smith & Wesson

[DWFAN]

Originally Posted by Doc44

Model 19-3, Class C-engraved and shipped in October 1971 to Rex Firearms in NYC.

Bill

Bill, the gun is awesome, but the stocks? That's the first set you've shown that don't do justice to the gun.
Paul

[mod29]

Originally Posted by DWFAN

Bill, the gun is awesome, but the stocks? That's the first set you've shown that don't do justice to the gun.
Paul

LOL...tough room, huh Doc..?
There's some mighty fine shoot'in irons in this thread. Mighty fine!

-Jim

[winchester1]

Here is my model 19-3 4", s/n 9K93xxx shipped in February of 1978 and my 66-3 2.5", s/n BFP33xx shipped in December 0f 1990
The 19 was shipped after the run of dash 3s should have been over, but this is probably not a big deal, it is probably (?) among the last of the dash 3s.
Hope this helps with your project.

[smitty_bs]

Model 19-3 with 3Ts and led sight


Model 19-4 also with 3Ts

[feralmerril]

My 66-3 Lew Horton special one of 300 and the paper discribeing it. Mine has S&W wood grips instead of uncle mikes that the paper says. I seen one more, it also had grips like mine but with a diamound ivory inlay.

[phils]

I guess DWFAN doesn't like Rosewood grips. I do though. BTW Bill, that engraved M19 is beautiful

[Doc44]

The 19-3 was shipped with smooth rosewood stocks and these are pretty nice. Not sure what else I can say (I like them).

DW...Since your Combat Magnum and mine were shipped in the same month and both have pretty low numbers, it would be interesting to find out when S&W began making large shipments of this model. I know it took about 5 months to start shipping the 44 Magnum in quantity even though it was announced in January 1956.

Bill

[papalondog]

Here is my contribution to this thread. I felt guilty about being a hog and actually sold one of these to a forum member. (Either that or I needed the money ;-) This 1950's era stuff really turns my crank. MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL!

[ladder13]

19-3





66-3

[DWFAN]

Originally Posted by Doc44

The 19-3 was shipped with smooth rosewood stocks and these are pretty nice. Not sure what else I can say (I like them).

DW...Since your Combat Magnum and mine were shipped in the same month and both have pretty low numbers, it would be interesting to find out when S&W began making large shipments of this model. I know it took about 5 months to start shipping the 44 Magnum in quantity even though it was announced in January 1956.

Bill

I'm sure you know I wasn't slandering your stocks. S&W isn't known for the best finish on them.

As for the shipment dates it's a possibility they went to the same distributor. I have a feeling you won't let it rest till uou know for sure.
DW

[29-1]

Originally Posted by Doc44

The 19-3 was shipped with smooth rosewood stocks and these are pretty nice. Not sure what else I can say (I like them).

DW...Since your Combat Magnum and mine were shipped in the same month and both have pretty low numbers, it would be interesting to find out when S&W began making large shipments of this model. I know it took about 5 months to start shipping the 44 Magnum in quantity even though it was announced in January 1956.

Bill

Bill, here are the #s/dates on the Combat Magnums I have a record of:

K260091 4/30/56
K260352 6/26/56
K261043 6/28/56
K261115 5/31/56
K261276 4/30/56 in the blue case # to gun
K261547 5/12/56

Chuck

[TDC]

Here are some older Mod. 66's. They're all NIB and I'm the original owner... If the serial numbers for these would be useful I'd be happy to provide them...

[Bloodhound]

This is my 19-4 It is a 98% gun and has TT, TH, TS and as a -4 its P&R.
The serial is 42K34XX. I don't know manufacture or ship dates...but its a sweet CM






Over the years I have owned 5 model 19s and one 66...I am down to this one now...I know where one of the ones I owned is housed...it will re-join my fold this March...a friend is selling it back to me....wish I still had the others...don't know why I got rid of them....

[Doc44]

Chuck...thanks for the information.

Bill

[LOBO]

19-2 nickel




66-2




19-4 nickel

[DWFAN]

Originally Posted by phils

I guess DWFAN doesn't like Rosewood grips. I do though. BTW Bill, that engraved M19 is beautiful

I love Rosewood. Although a tad difficult to work with they can come out exceptional.
A set of early K's I just finished for a client.
DW

[RdrBill]

All.
K 360989 Model 19 4 inch
K 465285 Model 19-1 4 inch
K 776664 Model 19-2 6 inch


Very well worn sample. Possible hard use LEO gun?


Bill@Yuma

[kingpin1one]

66-3

[kingpin1one]

686 no dash and a 686-2

[RKmesa]

Lately I have been bitten by the pre-war magnum bug, but the post-war grandsons known as Combat Magnums will always be my "first" S&W love. Here are some photos of a couple of unique ones in my accumulation:

19 (no dash in nickel) - Used, but not abused...






A fairly difficult to find 19-1 Pinto:






And - how about a scratched up 66-1:






I hope that you enjoy the photos...

[snw19_357]

Originally Posted by Doc44

Chuck...thanks for the information.

Yes. Thank you very much.

[Cocked & Locked]

Not much to offer but these two. The 2.5 inchers are the only Combat Magnums I really care for.

19-2


66-no dash

[feralmerril]

I bought this Texas Ranger Commemertive new in about 1976.

[j38]

Here's a 4" 19 (no dash) from 1959 - s/n K344xxx.

Regards,

Jerry

[snw19_357]

A late 2-1/2" Model 66 (no dash) that shipped in 1978, s/n 15K81xx. The gas ring is located on the cylinder (-1) instead of the yoke. All assembly numbers match.

[jughed440]

66-4. CAA80xx, shipped on Nov. 14, 1994

[TDC]

snw 19_ 357

Here is some of the information you requested by PM. As stated in another thread, I'm in the process of photographing my entire collection and some of the K frames have been put away already. I'll send you pictures of the box labels with special information as soon as I can.

Quite a serial number range on these 2 1/2" 66-1's. They are all brand new and I'm the original owner, bought over about a one or two year time frame.

Pictures of 4 and 6" -0 and -1 66's need to be sorted. All included, I have over 500 pictures of all the frames to sort out. May be a few weeks before I ge back to you...

I hope you can glean something from these pictures...

Terry

(Picture removed)

[31Kilo]

Here's my 66-1 96K72xx Though I am sure there are more, I have scoured every picture of a 66-1 on this site and have yet to find one with the left side roll mark and P&R, does anyone have a left side roll mark that is P&R if so please post a pic of it, thanks.

[buffalo4star]

My one and only ser.#K 408593 (the box is also numbered to the gun) is a 4 screw and stamped M-19.