Newly Acquired .357 Combat Magnum (pre-Model 19)

[diamonback68]

Picked this one up recently, a .357 Combat Magnum (pre-Model 19) shipped in June, 1958.
With serial# K 381289 it's one of the highest serial numbers for non-model marked Combat Magnums I've seen.

John, can we get a picture of the left side of the gun? Just curious as to whether it has the groove behind the knurl on the ejector rod. Wondering if it is possible that you have the illusive -1 that was somehow just not stamped model marked? Just a thought.

 

[JayCeeNC]

Just curious as to whether it has the groove behind the knurl on the ejector rod. Wondering if it is possible that you have the illusive -1 that was somehow just not stamped model marked?

Diamondback, no groove.

 

[Doc44]

Another interesting thing about the Combat Magnum is the style of ampersand on the right side of the frame. It looks like the one that was used in 60-62 and seen on the 19-1 models. Earlier shipped guns and later shipped guns all have the the longer and flatter ampersand.

It would be expected that a revolver with this serial number should have been shipped as a Model 19 in 1959, but, for some reason, was shipped much earlier as a Combat Magnum. It is a mystery that will most likely never be solved. If the gun was shipped in June of 1959, I could see where it just did not have the model number stamped on it. I have seen that on several 44 Magnums.

Bill

 

[1Aspenhill]

John,
Great find and great gun! You did find an interesting one which all above point out that it probably should have been a model marked gun, but I like your theory!
Thanks for sharing,
Bill

 

[Janx11]

I've got a very low serial # pre 19 Combat Magnum I picked up a couple months ago, but it's not as good looking as that one! Mines # 26012x. Have fun with it!

J

 

[Engine49guy]

Congrats on your new pre 19 John,
I thought K318000 was high for non model marked pre 19's but your serial is very high .
Are you sure that K381219 isnt actually K318219 ?

On a side note your gun also has the long pin protrusion through the front of the ejector rod shroud early guns seem to have.

 

[ditrina]

BEE-U-TEE-FUL... it's a " Just WOW" gun....
Thanks for sharing..