What makes a model 19 a combat magnum?

[BLACKHAWKNJ]

All a matter of marketing. Jeff Cooper questioned the designation "Combat Masterpiece" as he thought the 38 Special-especially in the then standard 158gr RNL-was inadequate as a defensive round. The Combat Magnum was the brainchild of Bill Jordan who thought the 357 in a K-frame was "the answer to a peace officer's dream" though he acknowledged that the 38 Special was the most powerful round the average man could hope to master.And given his large size I would think the N-frame would be more suitable.
And after WWII the virtues of adjustable sights on issued/carry revolvers were being acknowledged.
That's the first I've heard of the federal government mandating model numbers on firearms. GCA 68 required serial numbers on all firearms. Colt and Ruger use model names, not numbers.
My understanding is that the Combat Magnum has treating to allow it to stand up to 357 pressures, hence merely reaming out the chambers of a Combat Masterpiece or changing cylinders will not convert it-safely-to a 357.

 

[bigggbbruce]

LOL..... always liked the fact they skipped assigning " Model 13" ....... until 1974..........................unlucky I guess.

I worked in service installation in hotels. Many don't have a 13th floor and others don't have 13's in the room numbering.

 

[joeymfd]

Thanks to all who responded! I just picked up a 19-3 with a 4" barrel and according to my copy of the standard catalog of smith and wesson 4th ed it is in the 1974 vintage. The grips are wrong and is a shooter grade with lots of holster wear. I was just wondering about the terminology of " combat magnum". Thanks for the insight. I love this site. Joe

 

[Double-O-Dave]

Joe:

Congratulations on your Model 19. FYI - I don't know if you are aware, but the K-frame .357 Magnum revolvers, which obviously includes your Model 19 as well as the Models 66, 13, and 65, have a milled flat on the bottom of the barrel above the yoke cut out. There have been reports of frame cracking in this area when using high velocity, magnum ammo. The cause of the frame cracking is somewhat controversial, but quite a few blame the ammo - in particular, the 125 gr. JHP, which in its day was considered a premier man-stopper round. Thus, many recommend limited use of the 125 gr. JHP .357 Magnum round in the K-framed revolvers. Lighter and heavier bullet weights, as well as standard and +P loadings in either .38 Special or .357 Magnum seem to be okay. I own a Model 66-2 with a 2.5 inch long barrel that I've enjoyed for many years. I don't carry it much anymore, but if I did, I'd probably load it with some 125 gr. JHP ammo in .38 Special +P and call it good. You should see the fireball that comes from the muzzle of the piece when touching off a .357 Magnum round in it - particularly in low light.

Good luck,

Dave

 

[clang444]

Just to add to the names of S&W revolvers:
Model 13 is the .357 Magnum M&P Heavy Barrel AKA M&P Magnum
Model 65 is the .357 Magnum M&P Heavy Barrel Stainless
Model 581 is the Distinguished Service Magnum
Model 681 is the Distinguished Service Magnum Stainless

"Kit Gun" is also used for many J & I frame .22s.

 

[BAM-BAM]

Just to add to the names of S&W revolvers:

"Kit Gun" is also used for many J & I frame .22s.

"Kit Gun" is often used with the 2 and 4 inch J-frame Models 34 (blue/nickel) and 63 (stainless)