1950s Combat Magnum .357 K-Frame

[rollin59]

I am looking to buy from my aunt a Combat Magnum that has been in the family for over 50 years. It belonged to my late uncle. It overall needs cleaning but appears to be in "good" condition, with the exception of a nasty little rust spot on the frame, behind the cylinder release, due to long term storage. It comes with the original box and receipt from 1958. There are no model names or numbers on the firearm, but the box says "Combat Magnum 4 Inch". I believe this is an early, probably first-generation Combat Magnum (aka Model 19). I believe it is in working order but have not examined it personally nor has it been fired in decades. Photo attached. A dealer offered her $400 for it.

 

[bamabiker]

Welcome to the forum.
Too bad about the poor storage but that's still a desirable gun and the fact that it has been in your family should make it priceless. A good cleaning would help it. Is there any more rust spots on the other side?
If you get it take the grips off and see if the right side has the serial number stamped on the inside. Some of the early CM target grips were stamped.
Good luck on getting it.
I forgot to say, even with the finish issues I'd go higher to get it. I don't see the early CMs for sale.

 

[Sebago Son]

The gun is worth twice what you offered.

 

[rollin59]

Thanks, No rust on the other side, nor inside the cylinder or bore. Yes I agree the provenance makes it very attractive and I think she would also prefer it remain in the family.
I have a safe full of Rugers and a Colt 1911, this would be my first S&W!

 

[fat tom]

I would think that $400 would be acceptable if you are going to keep it in the family. It would take quite a bit more than that to get mine!

f.t.

 

[ditrina]

I would think that $400 would be acceptable if you are going to keep it in the family. It would take quite a bit more than that to get mine!

f.t.

Nice Tom... Very Nice

 

[rollin59]

Thanks for the comments,

Another question, would you have it reblued, or leave as-is?
I have never had any guns with damaged finish like this, is it possible to touch up bluing and have it look OK?

I just plan to keep it and maybe shoot it once in a while.

 

[sw44spl]

leave it alone dont reblue just clean it good and deal with the rust.great looking old gun.

 

[Fishslayer]

Another question, would you have it reblued, or leave as-is?

I think you may have caused more than a few near strokes...

 

[rhetlaw]

Rollin', what a great story - very touching. I am glad your aunt would like to see this CM stay in the family. If she does decide to let it go, post it on this forum. These fellows would be far more fair than a dealer.
The fellows in the previous posts have given you great information. I also agree that you have caused many near strokes with your post.

 

[AkRay]

I would suggest you leave the finish as is. It's a 53 year old gun, and was used and carried by your uncle. It should also be worth a lot more with the original finish intact.

 

[geoff40]

Not too many people get a CM as their first 'Smith! Even with the rust spot, its a great revolver to have.

 

[4-Screw]

Leave as is...that is the history of the gun and how you inherited it. Post some pics when it is all cleaned up. You might be surprised.

Here is a first year example of a Combat Magnum with the box in blue and one in nickel.

 

[bamabiker]

4screw, wow, those are nice. Do you know if the nickel one came with those grips? Beautiful!

 

[geoff40]

This is a nickel CM from the first block of 5000 SNs assigned to the production, in other words an early gun. The GA diamond target stocks on this gun are what they would have shipped with to the best of my knowledge, even though this pair is not original to this CM. Others would know better than I do, but I would imagine smooth stocks could have been had by special order.

 

[rollin59]

Done Deal, The family Combat Magnum .357 will be a proud addition to my gun cabinet. I guess being an original model that makes this a "no-dash". Will clean 'er up and post better pics after I have it.

My uncle was a WWII Navy vet who served in the South Pacific on an LST. After the war he went to college at OSU, then moved to Pennsylvania and got married, and that is about when he bought the Smith. He and my aunt used all 4 for plinking in Pennsylvania strip mined areas. They moved to Albany New York around 1962, which was much less gun friendly (and kids kept them busy) so the guns didn't get used much after that. He had several other guns which I'm not in a position to take on, two Higgins model 88 .22 cal 9-shot revolvers, and an H&R Sportsman .22 cal 9-shot revolver. I know this is the wrong forum for those, but anyone interested in them? I have not seen them but could get pics...

 

[Maximumbob54]

$400 for an original Combat Magnum...

I wouldn't sell my -3 or -4 19's for $400...

Remove the wood and soak that girl in some good penetrating oil for a while to loosen up the rust. That should deal with the worst of it. If it persists then you can find copper wool in some hardware stores. I would cover the area in a think oil and go real easy. Whatever remains will just be character in a family gun.

 

[Austerity]

Buy that beauty from here at a fair price, clean it up really well, shoot it if you wish but don't reblue or let her sell it!

 

[Maximumbob54]

Rollin59, I wasn't inferring that you were being a shyster... I'm just always impressed with what a dealer will offer. I know they are in the business of making money, but $400 for a original CM, box, papers... jeeeze.... that would be slap down talk...

 

[Flint Ridge]

Nicely done rollin59. Love the story, can't wait for the pic's.