Picking Up an Early Combat Magnum Tomorrow

[Engine49guy]

I believe S&W was pretty busy during the 1956-1958 time frame, what with the advent of the Combat Magnum, 44 Magnum and the switch from named models to model numbers.

Since we know frames were built in batches not in serial order my guess is the ones without Model numbers were already in the vault or final assembly past that point on the day the model marking began.

It might be a good time to mention that the initial production order for Combat Magnums was supposed to be 5000 units ( way higher than the 4" .44 Magnums) and they set aside the serial range of K260000 to K265000, it is also interesting that the serial numbers between K265000 and wherever they picked back up ( Guessing K316000 ish?) were used on other K target frames like K38 and K22.
In my notes have:
K265322 is a K22 (Pre 17) shipped August of 1956
Also have:
K264854 KT357 (Pre 19) shipped December 1956
Im speculating that they shipped Combat Magnums from the first run throughout 1957 although I have a hole in my database in that area.
My database then jumps to:
K317204 shipped March 1958.
Has me wondering how many were built in the second batch and if they reserved another block of serials or are they comingled?
From my notes:

Model 18 , Blue, Barrel 4"
Serial K334388
Shipped Nov 1958

Model 19, Blue, Barrel 4" Serial K 345422
Shipped Aug 1959

 

[Retired W4]

Life would be so much easier if S&W serial numbers were more like Colt and other gun makers.

 

[444 Magnum]

Life would be so much easier if S&W serial numbers were more like Colt and other gun makers.

Like Marlin...no records from 1906-1939?

or Winchester...1906-1940's are sketchy. No records on the collectible rimfires. I would love to be able to pull records on some of my less common Model 61 variations.

Not a single record available for any of these....just year of manufacture.