Combat Magnum (Pre-Model 19)

[Doc44]

The directive to implement the new side plate with the elimination of the top side plate screw for all K and KT models was issued on September 7, 1955. A year earlier than the same directive issued for N and NT models. The new .357 Combat Magnum was the first model to incorporate the change and that is why there are no Combat Magnums with a 5-screw frame.

Bill

 

[Engine49guy]

Just reread this thread,
One other thing to mention is in your posted pics above you will notice that the front site ramps on all three are held in place to their barrels with two horizontal set pins and polished flush, S&W enthusiasts sometimes refer to these as "blind" set pins as they are hard to see, the majority of Combat Magnums made before 1970 have blind set pins, the exception is in nickel CM's made prior to 1970 where you usually find what's called " Proud" fs pins that stick out a bit.

Your 1969 made 19-3 is the end of the fs ramp being a seperate piece pinned to the barrel rib, if you compare yours to one made in 1970 you will see the ramp becomes integral with the barrel so no more set pins on the fs ramp.

What makes SW collecting so much fun is that the factory kept making design changes.

Ps, the early CM gripframe pic in post 25 above is a great example of the early guns round "jig hole" cut , if you remove your 19-3 stocks that jig hole is long gone.