Need some help Identifying my Grandpa's Revolver

[ss2nv]

This was the 4" 357 my Grandpa carried when he was a police officer. Looks to be a 4 screw model 19, from what I can see in the pinned "How to ID Your Gun" post. It has stamping under the yoke as well as under the extractor rod. I appreciate any info anyone can provide!

 

[steelslaver]

That is actually a 3 screw combat magnum, which became the model 19 after about 1958. The S and number in the cut out are fitters marks and assembly numbers. The actual serial number which will be different is on bottom of grip frame under those targets. It will probably have K then the 261118 pictured in the barrels shroud. The Standard catalog says the first K frame 357s were produced in 1955 in that serial number range, but I would have though those would have 5 screws.
You really need to check the serial number on the butt.
The 4th screw would be in front of the trigger guard and was eliminated shortly before model numbers. I can't see that it has that screw. If it doesn't I am betting your grandpa's gun is from right around1958 or 9 not 1955. Notice also there is no small shallow groove behind the knurling on the ejector rod, meaning the rod has right hand threads another pre model indicator.

 

[robertrwalsh]

Take off the grips. Look on the butt. Serial # should be there.

 

[JP@AK]

First, congratulations on having your grandfather's gun. I know personally what a wonderful thing that is.

At K261118, it is a near certainty that your revolver dates to 1956 and it will have a four screw frame. While the SCSW is technically correct when it refers to 1955, only a small number were actually assembled in December of that year (3, IIRC). Full production began in 1956.

While we cannot see it in your photos, I'm sure there is a fourth screw in the front of the trigger guard. Also, there were no five screw Combat Magnum revolvers. This was the first model on which the fifth screw was eliminated.

 

[JeffD607]

Congrats! The family history guns are always more meaningful. Especially when they were carried on the job. I'm baffled by the grips. I don't recall ever seeing a set of diamond targets with the relieved area cut out.

 

[flundertaker]

Cool piece for sure. Looks like Grandpa did some customizing to those targets. Never seen a speed loader cut added but if it worked for him so be it.

 

[ss2nv]

Thank you for all the replies guys! So you're saying this is a 1955-56 Combat Magnum? It does have the screw on the trigger guard. Also, I guess my Grandpa put his initials and SS under the grip at some point, which I've edited out. I have attached a few more pics. Thanks again for your help!

 

[steelslaver]

I just could not see the trigger guard screw in the original photos. The actual serial number pretty much makes it a veryearly K frame 357 mag. I didn't realize there were no 5 screw combat magnums