Question about Bill Jordan's creation...

[ABPOS]

Did the first versions of the .357 K frame that Bill Jordan was helping create have the same type heavy barrels as a regular model 19? Or were they tapered.

Does anybody have any pics of the early guns? What was it called a Combat Masterpiece?

And oh yeah, did those early guns also have adjustable sights like a model 19?

 

[kthom]

To the best of my knowledge, what became known best as the Jordan holster resulted from a collaboration between Bill Jordan and Don Hume, a holster builder. By that time, the model 19 was well in use and I think it was specifically the revolver that Hume's holster was built around. Similar style holsters were being made previously, but Jordan wanted the holster built with a piece of thin metal built into the body that extended to the top of the belt loop. This made the holster very stiff and secure and allowed the revolver to release from the holster very quickly and easily. Jordan utilized this feature to full extent during his fast draw shooting exhibitions. I carried a model 19 in this holster for many years on a Sam Browne belt. It was a great holster that stayed in place and retained its shape and stiffness for a very long time.

 

[sceva]

Can't say about barrel weight but, as I recall

They were called a Combat Magnum

Yes, Adjustable Sights.

 

[greenmachine]

Here's my Jordan rig.

 

[Doc44]

K260003 (first Combat Magnum completed on December 15, 1955 and later engraved and inlaid with gold by Alvin White; heavy barrel; and K260005, shipped to Pete Kuhlhoff in January 1956; heavy barrel. Click on the photos for a better look.

I have never heard of a Combat Magnum prototype, but I would assume if there was one, it would have had a heavy barrel as weight was needed to keep recoil with tolerable limits. Per Mr. Jinks, Bill Jordan specified a heavy barrel with an extractor rod shroud in his proposal for a K-frame .357 Magnum.

 

[ABPOS]

I'm assuming there were no 6" Combat Magnums. Sorry for calling it a Combat Masterpiece. I had my terminology mixed up. And what stocks were on the Combat Magnums? I'm assuming the Factory Targets were....

 

[Muley Gil]

I'm assuming there were no 6" Combat Magnums. Sorry for calling it a Combat Masterpiece. I had my terminology mixed up. And what stocks were on the Combat Magnums? I'm assuming the Factory Targets were....

The 6" M19 Combat Magnum was introduced in 1963. K frame targets were standard on 4" and 6" Combat Magnums. The 2 1/2" M19 Combat Magnum came with Magna grips.

 

[larryofcc]

Here's mine, # K 262336, shipped 7-20-1956. The first revolvers were shipped with diamond center walnut target stocks. Later on, they were Goncalo Alves. This just happens to be my favorite S&W and I bought it from a Forum member. Just about drippy mint. Big Larry
Also, there were 50 like guns in the shipment.

 

[Hondo44]

I sure like those full top Magnas.

They'd even look good in walnut.

Edit: Too bad the photo was on fototime, it's now gone.

 

[bigggbbruce]

Here's my Combat Magnum K3168xx..cir.1957

 

[S&W ucla]

Here is pic of Bill Jordan's Combat Magnum. Glare on glass makes it difficult, but you can see "Bill Jordan" engraved above trigger. Maybe someone has a better pic.

 

[larryofcc]

That's no fair. His has a red ramp sight. Probably a w/o rear sight too. Big Larry

 

[Iggy]

Bill's gun had part of the trigger guard ground off for faster access.
He had hands so big you wouldn't believe it.


I got to shoot it.


What I learned from Bill that day saved my bacon several times. A real Gentle Man.

 

[S&W ucla]

Bill's gun...............I got to shoot it.

But did you have "steely" eyes?

 

[rocknroad]

But did you have "steely" eyes?

Dang! That looks photoshopped...with those oversize Sasquatch-like hands.

 

[4-Screw]

Nickel too...

Factory Nickel 1956 Combat Magnum with box

 

[junglefighter]

I met Bill Jordan on 5-27-80,he signed his book for me,and yes,he had very large hands and was as humble and polite a gentleman as you will ever meet.I was in Mashburn Arms,one of the premier gun shops in the country at the time.This was in Oklahoma City,Okla.

 

[Bubba2014]

The new revolvers that they are making today do not have the class or appeal of these older models, and it is sad. I bought three of the newer revolvers, and got rid of them. However, I'm always looking for the older guns that are in good condition, and their values continue to increase.

 

[rct269]

I sure like those full top Magnas.

They'd even look good in walnut.

"full top"-----dang, I sure am glad I thought of that!!

Ralph Tremaine

 

[kthom]

I had the opportunity to meet and shake hands with Bill a couple of times. I have pretty good sized hands and am about 6' tall. I felt like I was a six year old kid holding my dad's hand when I stood next to him and shook hands. They were the largest hands I ever shook!