1950s Combat Magnum .357 K-Frame
- Thread starter rollin59
- Start date
Engine49guy
Member
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.
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
Member
Good job. It would take considerably more than $400 to get this old CM shooter away from me.
tocohillsguy
Member
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
Member
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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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...
My plans exactly
(Actually will try just oil to start with and go from there.)
Art Doc
SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
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.
Art Doc
SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
OK, I get that. But didn't you ask for opinions on value?
Art Doc
SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
This is why I should know better than to offer opinions on value. Nobody is ever happy with anything I say.
Rust spot and pristine don't go together. I don't doubt sellers are asking $1,500 for CMs. But are they selling? You can ask anything you want. Hell, I got me a safe full of million dollar guns.
If you are happy with the way things worked out that's all that counts. Don't matter what anyone else thinks.
Rust spot and pristine don't go together. I don't doubt sellers are asking $1,500 for CMs. But are they selling? You can ask anything you want. Hell, I got me a safe full of million dollar guns.
If you are happy with the way things worked out that's all that counts. Don't matter what anyone else thinks.
bamabiker
Member
Hey Mr. Pig, I like reading your opinions. Don't always agree but do others. Keep'em coming.
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