"Your" definition of a true "Combat-Magnum"

[HamHands]

I've often wondered what the true definition of a true "Combat-Magnum" really is: I can tell you what my definition of the meaning is... But I'm wondering what the collective idea is of the term/criteria is in the minds of the knowledgeable members that make up this wonderful forum/community. I think the epitome of the idea is pretty much summed up in the borrowed first (3) pic of the revolvers posted in the pics below. It's a short (3" to 4") barreled, ramped front sight, chambered in either the venerable .357Magnum... or my new favorite, the .44Magnum; thus in a high speed, low drag profile with a round butt frame & coupled w/ combat style stocks sporting a smooth/crisp trigger and either equipped with a short spur or bobbed hammer. But that is my idea of the concept... and I want "your" idea of the concept... There is no right or wrong answer... just keep your opinion(s) honest and respectful. Thanks most of all... for participating-posting in this subjective thread and for passing on your imparted wisdom of the idea as a whole. I've been a semi-auto guy all my life except for the last (5) years... In which I've come to the blatant realization that I've been missing out on the revolver as an extremely viable, reliable, and certainly venerable concept in regards to self defense that we all enjoy; that I plan to pass down to my 7 year old daughter (when the time is right later on), and hopefully most certainly to my grandchildren in the future! Thanks again fellas!

My quintessential definition of the subject is pictured in the first (3) borrowed pic(s) below.

This last pic is of my own personal 629, and my new to me M29, "Combat-Magnum" both used now for CCW around town and "Woods Carry" revolvers that I've become so fond of... even over my beloved CZ semi-auto, the "P-01..."

 

[dr. mordo]

I have to agree. My 4" M29 and 3" M629 are my go-to guns while my actual "Combat Magnums" stay in the safe. That said, I think a 8 shot 627 would be a heck of a CCW, and the extra weight of the N frame would make full tilt 357 much more manageable than 357 in a K/L frame, so follow-ups would be faster and more accurate.

 

[Engine49guy]

IMO the "True Combat Magnum" is a 4" non model marked KT-357 that shipped between 1956-1958 prior to Model marking,

(After that the Combat Magnum became Model 19).

As for what my personal ultimate .357 "Combat Magnum" revolver might be ?
Perhaps a four inch 7 shot 686-5 Mountain gun with smooth Combat trigger and Finger groove Combat stocks.

Alternate take is the 19-7 K Comp (right)

 

[Laketime]

I once owned a mod 586 ,four inch barrel magnaported, action job, Millet high visability sights, pachmeyer grippers.

 

[nachogrande]

IT MUST HAVE FIXED SIGHTS.

An "original" 1911 for a semi, many revo's, a 681 perhaps??? If out of ammo, it must have enough heft to bludgeon someone.

 

[HamHands]

Duplicate !

 

[Engine49guy]

The nomenclature is a bit confusing, one might argue snub Magnums are more of a CCW than a "Combat revolver" .

Prior to the introduction of the 4" Combat Masterpiece the only options for a 4" S&W duty revolver in .38 caliber were
the K frame M&P, N frame 38/44 HD or N frame 357 Magnum.

The name Combat first appears on the "Combat Masterpiece" (pre Model 15) and its .22 sibling (Pre Model 18) in 1949 and became a regular catalog item in 1950 ,
The name "Combat" was applied to distinguish the 4" versions from their 6" "Masterpiece" counterparts before the advent of model marking.

In 1954 S&W introduced the Highway Patrolman (pre 28) as a cheaper alternative duty weapon with target sites in .357 caliber ,

The 4" K target frame .357 "Combat Magnum" became available in 1956 as a lighter alternative to the bigger N frame 357's
and in SS in 1970 as the Model 66.

 

[sw282]

The first TRUE combat MAGNUM came out in 1847. The Colt Walker.

Even after 170 years there are just a few guns as powerful... Capable

of generating over 500 ft pounds of ENERGY.. Walker wanted a pistol

capable of killing the rider AND his horse out to 100yds. A TRUE Combat Magnum..

The cylinder chambers held 60 gr. of Black Powder.. About the same

amount as Army Muskets used in that era...

 

[HamHands]

The nomenclature is a bit confusing, one might argue snub Magnums are more of a CCW than a "Combat revolver" .

Prior to the introduction of the 4" Combat Masterpiece the only options for a 4" S&W duty revolver in .38 caliber were
the K frame M&P, N frame 38/44 HD or N frame 357 Magnum.

The name Combat first appears on the "Combat Masterpiece" (pre Model 15) and its .22 sibling (Pre Model 18) in 1949 and became a regular catalog item in 1950 ,
The name "Combat" was applied to distinguish the 4" versions from their 6" "Masterpiece" counterparts before the advent of model marking.

In 1954 S&W introduced the Highway Patrolman (pre 28) as a cheaper alternative duty weapon with target sites in .357 caliber ,

The 4" K target frame .357 "Combat Magnum" became available in 1956 as a lighter alternative to the bigger N frame 357's
and in SS in 1970 as the Model 66.

Very true! In my mind/opinion the "Combat Magnum" is a hard hitting fight stopper that's easily able to be put into action, snag free upon the draw; something you'll always have on you... that doesn't require a drop leg holster to carry AND is easily reloadable.

I'm thinking of having my M29's cylinder machined for moon-clips and the chambers chamfered by Clark Customs.

I'm loving the history here; of which you seem to be well informed of. Thank you for your informative post(s)! This is exactly what I started this thread looking for...

 

[BAM-BAM]

S&W introduced the "Combat Magnum" to the world in 1954/55 ....... 4", Blue K-frame .357 magnum with adjustable sights.......it was assigned the model number 19 in 1957!

 

[old bear]

My definition of a “combat magnum” revolver, would be any magnum caliber revolver I was willing to carry into a potential combat area. My personal choices, any 2 ½” – 4” model 19/66. Other than replacing the factory stocks, which is mostly an appearance thing, I don’t feel the need to make any modifications to any of the above.

 

[Practical]

I would go by Smith & Wesson's Definition. A Combat Magnum has been a 4" 585 or 686 while a Combat Masterpiece has been a 4" 67 for example.

 

[shocker]

Combat magnum? A Glock 10 mm.

 

[CajunBass]

Any revolver Smith & Wesson put/puts the name on. That would be any K-frame, 357 magnum, with adjustable sights, including "pre" 19's Model 19's all dashes, including the new "classic" 19, and the Model 69, 44 Magnum.

They named it. I don't get to change it.

 

[2ndshift]

Combat magnum? A Glock 10 mm.

BOO! HISS! BOO!

 

[HamHands]

My definition of a “combat magnum” revolver, would be any magnum caliber revolver I was willing to carry into a potential combat area. My personal choices, any 2 ½” – 4” model 19/66. Other than replacing the factory stocks, which is mostly an appearance thing, I don’t feel the need to make any modifications to any of the above.

Mostly Agree... But stocks for me make a huge difference with the way a revolver handles. I have meaty hands... and Magna's with a Tyler T on an "N" frame gives me a grip rivaling my 1911 Commander with slim stocks.

 

[HamHands]

Combat magnum? A Glock 10 mm.

I like handload or boutique 10mm performance for sure. And I can't even begin to entertain the capacity/firepower argument but... a 300grain full house .44mag stomps 10mm anything all day!

 

[Engine49guy]

IIRC Combat Magnum production began in 1955 with only one or two VIP guns leaving the factory prior to the 1955 Christmas holiday shutdown, regular shipment begins in 1956 .

The L frame 586/686 series is actually the "Distinguished Combat Magnum" and the fixed sight 581/681 is the "Distinguished Service Magnum".

IMO while moonclips aid extraction when using rimless rounds in a revolver and make for faster reloads when racing the clock in competition Im not sure there is any benefit to modify a .44 Magnum for moonclips unless you are using it in competition ,
If so the excessive recoil and muzzle flip of the 44 Mag cartridge would likely negate its use.
The advantage of Magnum rounds are their higher lethality from a well placed center mass shot with the focus on accuracy instead of volume of fire .
If there is a reasonable threat of multiple targets or a prolonged gunfight scenario requiring a higher volume of fire its time to consider a 15 shot 9mm semi auto with two spare mags,...In that scenario some believe a handgun is a tool best used to fight your way to your rifle or shotgun

 

[Dolfenn24]

I've often wondered what the true definition of a true "Combat-Magnum" really is: I can tell you what my definition of the meaning is... But I'm wondering what the collective idea is of the term/criteria is in the minds of the knowledgeable members that make up this wonderful forum/community. I think the epitome of the idea is pretty much summed up in the borrowed first (3) pic of the revolvers posted in the pics below. It's a short (3" to 4") barreled, ramped front sight, chambered in either the venerable .357Magnum... or my new favorite, the .44Magnum; thus in a high speed, low drag profile with a round butt frame & coupled w/ combat style stocks sporting a smooth/crisp trigger and either equipped with a short spur or bobbed hammer. But that is my idea of the concept... and I want "your" idea of the concept... There is no right or wrong answer... just keep your opinion(s) honest and respectful. Thanks most of all... for participating-posting in this subjective thread and for passing on your imparted wisdom of the idea as a whole. I've been a semi-auto guy all my life except for the last (5) years... In which I've come to the blatant realization that I've been missing out on the revolver as an extremely viable, reliable, and certainly venerable concept in regards to self defense that we all enjoy; that I plan to pass down to my 7 year old daughter (when the time is right later on), and hopefully most certainly to my grandchildren in the future! Thanks again fellas!

My quintessential definition of the subject is pictured in the first (3) borrowed pic(s) below.

This last pic is of my own personal 629, and my new to me M29, "Combat-Magnum" both used now for CCW around town and "Woods Carry" revolvers that I've become so fond of... even over my beloved CZ semi-auto, the "P-01..."

It's funny you bring up your CZ P-01, cause my P-01 along with my Model 19 "Combat Magnum" is my most accurate handgun. I absolutely love them both.

 

[shocker]

I like handload or boutique 10mm performance for sure. And I can't even begin to entertain the capacity/firepower argument but... a 300grain full house .44mag stomps 10mm anything all day!

No question. I've got a 2.75 44 combat magnum myself. What's practical for me too shoot from it and get it back on target for a 2nd shot? A load that's about equivalent to a full house 10 mm. Physics.
Might as well carry a Glock 20 with 3x the capacity.