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.

 

[coltgun]

I carried one of these for 22yrs, cant tell you how many resisters got bonked over the head with it...

 

[Engine49guy]

Congrats on your new aquisition,
First,Since you said it is not model marked in the crane Its probably a "Pre" Model 19 Combat Magnum not a no dash.
If you post your serial numberr we will know for sure.

Pre models were made prior to the implementation of model markings.
Each subsequent revision got the next dash number,

I am actually shocked a dealer would offer more than $100 for any Smith revolver especially one with a poor finish.
Not saying your gun isnt worth $400 just that dealers dont pay alot for used guns with finish issues.

I recenetly purchased this "Pre" 19 Combat Magnum / no box for $625,

As a refinish costs over $200 and will never be original I think yours is actually priced right at $400 .

Also, I cannot tell from the 1 grainy photo if the finish is beyond rescue but if so and it bothers you a factory refinish would be OK in my book.
Thats me,
Good luck either way and thanks for sharing.

 

[doublesharp]

Good job. It would take considerably more than $400 to get this old CM shooter away from me.

 

[tocohillsguy]

Congrats on the acquisition and keeping it in the family. Let's just say I had to pay more than $400 for this one (K2602XX)....

 

[Engine49guy]

As you can tell the Pre Model 19" Combat Magnum is a favorite around here.
Please keep us posted when you get it and add some good detailed before and after pics.
Probably better to post some pics before trying to do anything to it as a mistake is irreversable.
Some light corrosion and blueing loss can be cleaned up t almost unnoticeable levels if done right.
The wrong chemical or tool will damage the finish permanently.
There is a meber that charts the serial numbers of early CM's
I have one of the last ones to sneak out unmarked in the 316xxx range.
Very early ones are interesting and have some unique features.

 

[rollin59]

Combat Magnum came today!

My FFL received my Combat Magnum, I have to wait 48 hours to claim it but I got to look at it in person. There is no model number on the gun and serial is K3170xx, stamped on the frame underneath the crane. I believe this is a "pre 19" K-frame .357. I don't find a serial number lookup on this forum, any clues?

I know it was purchased in 1958. Box has serial number in white crayon on box bottom, and number "215 1" underneath that.

Other than afore-mentioned dastardly rust spot, and a bit of holster wear at the muzzle, it is in very good condition and appears to have been fired little. It also came with two vintage holsters and original box. The grain of the original grips is grain matched at the butt. I think it will clean up well.

Looking forward to picking it up Sunday!

 

[rollin59]

Closeup of rust damage

It looks much nastier in picture than real life.

The FFL questionnaire is a nice backdrop.

"Are you a convicted killer"
"Are you a mentally retarded drug addict"

etc.

 

[Crabtree]

That serial # puts it at the very tail end of non model marked K frames...approximate date of birth of 1957.

Lookin at that last picture I would give it a healthy basting of kroil (or your gun oil of preference) and a common sense rub with 0000 steel wool to remove the active rust....and then I would enjoy the heck out of it... Just because they have blemishes doesn't mean they're not still sweet shooters.

 

[rollin59]

That serial # puts it at the very tail end of non model marked K frames...approximate date of birth of 1957.

Lookin at that last picture I would give it a healthy basting of kroil (or your gun oil of preference) and a common sense rub with 0000 steel wool to remove the active rust....and then I would enjoy the heck out of it... Just because they have blemishes doesn't mean they're not still sweet shooters.

My plans exactly
(Actually will try just oil to start with and go from there.)

 

[Art Doc]

I'm no expert but IMO the rust spot makes the $400 offer about right. Obviously the dealer felt he could sell it for more. Maybe he could. maybe you could. But not to me. The "double" value mentioned earlier makes no sense to me. For that kind of money I want the gun nearly perfect... no rust spots.