Model 19 marking question

[m4user]

I was admiring a Combat Magnum (19-3) circa 1970 mfg. at the range today which was purchased by one of our younger members. The model number marking in the yoke cut caught my attention because I initially thought it was marked as a Mod. 18-3. If I'm not mistaken, I believe this frame was initially stamped as a Model 18-3 and at some point during the assembly the 8 was over stamped with a 9 and the revolver was built as a .357 Magnum. In the bright sunlight with my new reading glasses, I think I see a slight difference where the tail of the 9 fades into the bottom of the 8. I have attached a photo and would be interested if you agree or perhaps have another thought.

 

[Truckman]

Incorrect stamping is always possible...I'm not sure whether the cylinder window on a Model 18 can accommodate the length of the magnum cylinder though...I'm sure somebody smarter than me will know......Ben

 

[Doc44]

The 19-3 is stamped exactly like mine. K940639 was shipped in 1971. I see no evidence of an over stamp.

Bill

 

[SS336]

The 19-3 is stamped exactly like mine. K940639 was shipped in 1971. I see no evidence of an over stamp.

Bill

Help me out, Doc.
My 19-3 has ser# 951xxx. My book says it's 1970, and 1971 starts out 1K395xx. It is a little confusing to me.
My book is the first one, I guess, Copyright 1996.
Does the newer book break down the serial#'s better?
Inquiring minds want to know.

 

[rct269]

Well, whatever-------I'm hung up on that length of the cylinder point-----does the cylinder window of a .22 Combat Masterpiece accommodate a Combat Magnum cylinder-----could be I reckon, both being K frames?

Ralph Tremaine

 

[JP@AK]

My 19-3 has ser# 951xxx. My book says it's 1970, and 1971 starts out 1K395xx. It is a little confusing to me.

You have to remember that serial numbers were not all used sequentially.

For 1970, the K prefix serial numbers:
K946392 - K999999
1K1 - 1K39500
2K1 - 2K22037

For 1971:
1K395001 - 1K99999
2K22038 - 2K55996
3K1 - 3K31279

In 1972, they used the rest of the 2K numbers, the rest of the 3K numbers and some 4K and 5K numbers. 4K and 5K stretched into 1973 and 1974. Etc.

 

[JP@AK]

I'm hung up on that length of the cylinder point-----does the cylinder window of a .22 Combat Masterpiece accommodate a Combat Magnum cylinder

Ralph
The short answer is yes. the window is the same. The .357 Magnum cylinder is longer, of course, so the portion of the barrel that extends into the window is the adjustment point.

But there is a bigger problem with the idea that a Model 19 could be assembled on a Model 18 frame. It just is not possible. The reason is the shape and size of the forward part of the frame. To accommodate the shroud on the Combat Magnum, the portion of the frame ahead of the cylinder window had to be beefed up. It is larger in diameter than the equivalent frame portion on either a Model 18 or a Model 15. I have an example of each one on the bench in front of me as I write this (18-2 4", 15-3 2" and a 19-3 2 1/2"). The frame portion mentioned above is definitely larger on the 19 than on either the 15 or the 18.

My conclusion: No, a Model 19 could not be assembled on a frame intended for a Model 18.

 

[THE PILGRIM]

Tequila has caused me to have reality shifts.
Why oh Why does she look different at 8AM than she did at 2AM?

 

[m4user]

Ralph
The short answer is yes. the window is the same. The .357 Magnum cylinder is longer, of course, so the portion of the barrel that extends into the window is the adjustment point.

But there is a bigger problem with the idea that a Model 19 could be assembled on a Model 18 frame. It just is not possible. The reason is the shape and size of the forward part of the frame. To accommodate the shroud on the Combat Magnum, the portion of the frame ahead of the cylinder window had to be beefed up. It is larger in diameter than the equivalent frame portion on either a Model 18 or a Model 15. I have an example of each one on the bench in front of me as I write this (18-2 4", 15-3 2" and a 19-3 2 1/2"). The frame portion mentioned above is definitely larger on the 19 than on either the 15 or the 18.

My conclusion: No, a Model 19 could not be assembled on a frame intended for a Model 18.

Thank you for this info. I do not have my Model 18 handy to compare so this observation was most informative.

 

[stansdds]

To me it appears to be stamped 19-3. The "9" is deeply stamped, but it's a "9".

 

[CLASSIC12]

My 1970 6" 19-3 is similar, depending on the angle one might mistake the 9 for an 8, mainly due to the burnished stamping. The last digit (4) is badly mangled though.

 

[s&wchad]

If I'm not mistaken, I believe this frame was initially stamped as a Model 18-3 and at some point during the assembly the 8 was over stamped with a 9 and the revolver was built as a .357 Magnum.

That gun was always intended to be a centerfire. Rimfire K frames have always had a frame mounted firing pin. With the exception of the .22 Magnum (model 53 "Jet"), centerfire's of this period had a hammer nose.

 

[Inusuit]

On the OP's revolver, if it were an overstamp, I think the 9 would not have been exactly aligned with the 8. So I don't think it's overstamped.