When did numbered cylinders on MDL 19 end

[bushmaster1313]

When if ever did serial numbers end on Model 19 cylinders
Thanks

If they were never numbered please let me know

(As I state in a later post, I saw some very nice Model 19's from the 1970's but the cylinders were not numbered)

 

[22hipower]

I don't think Model 19s ever had SNs on the cylinders. The Combat Magnums (pre-19s) 4 screw guns may have had them, not sure and don't have mine available to check, or my reference materials for that matter. By the time they were produced and stamped as Model 19s I'm pretty sure that S&W had stopped putting SNs on cylinders. If I'm wrong, someone will be along with the correct information shortly.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[JP@AK]

By the time they were produced and stamped as Model 19s I'm pretty sure that S&W had stopped putting SNs on cylinders. If I'm wrong, someone will be along with the correct information shortly.

That is correct, Jeff. The lowest serial number on a model marked Model 19 found so far is K316819. It shipped in 1958. Numbered cylinders ended in c. 1956 and no later than about mid-year 1957. So, no model marked 19s had numbered cylinders.

I don't think Model 19s ever had SNs on the cylinders. The Combat Magnums (pre-19s) 4 screw guns may have had them

I don't think the pre-model-numbered units had them. The first Combat Magnums were produced late in the year 1955. Consequently, they never had five screws. It seems possible that some early examples had numbered cylinders, but my surmise is that by that time the company already knew that practice would be discontinued, so the Combat Magnum, which would not go into full production until 1956, would not have had serial numbers on the cylinder.

Officially, we are told that numbered cylinders were discontinued when the soft fitting process was eliminated in 1957. But I have owned two K-38 Masterpiece revolvers that shipped in late 1956, neither of which had serial numbers on the cylinder or the barrel flat.

If someone has an early Combat Magnum with a numbered cylinder, I'd like to hear about it - and see photos.

 

[mh51]

I've got two early Combat Magnums with numbered cylinders....K262531 shipped 09/1956. K264499 shipped 01/1957. Neither one are marked Mod 19. Both have the serial # in the ejector rod shroud, also.
Don't have any photos right now, but will try to get some posted.

 

[22hipower]

I've got two early Combat Magnums with numbered cylinders....K262531 shipped 09/1956. K264499 shipped 01/1957. Neither one are marked Mod 19. Both have the serial # in the ejector rod shroud, also.
Don't have any photos right now, but will try to get some posted.

Interesting. Mine (K 262344) may well have a numbered cylinder too then and I'll check it when I have it in hand again. . . .next month.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[Doc44]

All of the .357 Combat Magnums made prior to the elimination of the Soft Fitting operation in May 1957 should have the serial number stamped on the rear surface of the cylinder. This would include the first 5000 made and a few thousand more. I have or had six .357 Combat Magnums in my collection; one made in December 1955 (the first one, K260003), four shipped in the first half of 1956 and one shipped in March 1967 (K264000 range). All of these revolvers have the serial number stamped on the butt, the rear surface of the cylinder, the yoke (without the K) and in the extractor rod shroud, just like the 44 Magnums made during the same time frame, but with a 5-screw frame.

Bill

 

[larryofcc]

My Combat Magnum # 262336, shipped 7-20-1956 has all the numbered parts, except for the scarce numbered stocks. Walnut diamond targets. One of the highlights of my collection. Big Larry

 

[SS336]

Maybe Doc44 can explain this to me.
On my M19-3 2 1/2, discovered this correct serial #, here, on the cylinder when cleaning it after a range day.
Also original grips are numbered are numbered. I believe this is a 1970 revolver.
Is this odd, No?

 

[larryofcc]

Maybe Doc44 can explain this to me.
On my M19-3 2 1/2, discovered this correct serial #, here, on the cylinder when cleaning it after a range day.
Also original grips are numbered are numbered. I believe this is a 1970 revolver.
Is this odd, No?

In my collection, I have a 1974 M53 unmarked dash 2 with the serial number in the same place. Big Larry

 

[Doc44]

The serial number on the cylinders may have been stamped if the 19-3 and Model 53 were reworked during manufacture. The serial number was stamped in order to keep fitted parts together.

Bill

 

[WCCPHD]

My Combat Magnum K261987 shipped in February, 1957.

Apologize in advance for the "quick and dirty" photos.

 

[jeff66]

I have #422940. It is stamped on the butt, rear surface of cylinder and the yoke. It is not stamped in the ejector shroud housing. It is stamped model 19

 

[bushmaster1313]

Thanks for all of the above.
I saw some very nice Model 19's from the 1970's but they did not have numbered cylinders.
This information is very helpful.