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.

 

[boykinlp]

Here is one picture of it. These are NRT's on it now, which is incorrect but the right time frame. SNW19_357 reminded me that I did request a ship date for K316720. I was going to put them side by side but I misplaced the other one. One of these days I will get organized.
View attachment 780990

I look forward to seeing more pictures when you get it.
Larry

 

[Retired W4]

My letter for K260528 arrived today. It is a first year CM as I thought. June 27, 1956. I had hoped it went to some one famous but no, R S Elliott Arms Company. They were ordering the good stuff, six 3 1/2" 357's, Three 5" 357's, one 8 3/8" 357, five 6 1/2" 44 Magnums and five of these Combat Magnums. I wish I had been there when they arrived but I was only 8 years old and didn't quite have enough money in my piggy bank.

 

[doublesharp]

Very nice W4. This old shooter grade CM came to me with Rosewood grips. reflection makes it look a little better than it is.

 

[Engine49guy]

My letter for K260528 arrived today. It is a first year CM as I thought. June 27, 1956. I had hoped it went to some one famous but no, R S Elliott Arms Company. They were ordering the good stuff, six 3 1/2" 357's, Three 5" 357's, one 8 3/8" 357, five 6 1/2" 44 Magnums and five of these Combat Magnums. I wish I had been there when they arrived but I was only 8 years old and didn't quite have enough money in my piggy bank.
View attachment 791890

Very nice early gun,
Just added to my database.
Btw, Are those the stocks from your Model marked 19 ?
Correct era diamond targets would have the sharp radius turn at the heel IMO.

 

[Retired W4]

Very nice early gun,
Just added to my database.
Btw, Are those the stocks from your Model marked 19 ?
Correct era diamond targets would have the sharp radius turn at the heel IMO.

Same ones I had on K316720. I just shuffled them around.

Edit to note: K316720 is not model marked, although it looks like a model 19. Shipped March, 1958, IAW Roy.

 

[Gun Relics]

Very nice early gun,
Just added to my database.
Btw, Are those the stocks from your Model marked 19 ?
Correct era diamond targets would have the sharp radius turn at the heel IMO.

And walnut - are those goncalo alves?

 

[Engine49guy]

Same ones I had on K316720. I just shuffled them around.

Edit to note: K316720 is not model marked, although it looks like a model 19. Shipped March, 1958, IAW Roy.

My friend Kris refers to the ones that shipped during the model marked era that got through without a model stamp as "Non model marked Model 19's" .

 

[snw19_357]

Trying to get me in trouble... I've seen plenty of people write that, 'If it's not model marked, it's a pre!'
But, some Registered Magnum, Non-Registered Magnum and Post War Transitional .357 Magnum owners would get insulted if I called them a "pre-27". Big difference between a .357 Magnum Model of 1950 and the others.

IMHO, if the barrel isn't serialized, the serial number is in the yoke cut and the assembly number is on the yoke, left side of the grip frame and not in the yoke cut, it's a "non-model marked 19". Not to mention the cylinder and yoke not being serialized. To me, during that transition, they just forgot to stamp the model. It's not like they ever put a model number in any of them before.