Combat magnum?
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Tallball
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Sistema1927
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Combat Magnum was the name given to what eventually became the Model 19.
Combat Magnum is just the name that S&W used for marketing...it later became the M19
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They didn't know what they were talking about or were just confused and grabbed what they thought sounded good.
The M-18 was the .22lr version of the Combat Masterpiece (M-15). With longer barrels, 6' and 8.375", it became the Target Masterpiece in rimfire M-17 and centerfire M-14
The M-586 was the Distinguished Combat Magnum. "Distinguished" referred to the PPC class it was designed to compete in...against the Colt Python
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MidRoad
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I believe the model 66 and 69 are also refered to as combat magnums aswell. Stamped right on them.
https://www.smith-wesson.com/firearms/model-66
https://www.smith-wesson.com/firearms/model-69
https://www.smith-wesson.com/firearms/model-66
https://www.smith-wesson.com/firearms/model-69
The M-66 makes sense as it is the stainless steel version of the M-19
Naming the M-69 that is a bit puzzling, especially since it is built on a completely different sized frame from the original Combat Magnum. All I can deduce is that they dropped the Distinguished part of the L-frame's original designation since it is no longer applicable to it's intended usage...very few people every called the 586/686 by it's Distinguished Combat Magnum moniker
Old Dog
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S&W Model 19 and Model 66. Period.
fordtrucks
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That’s one issue I have with smith. All these funny numbers, extra names, dash/no-dash, yes/no lock, etc.
As a non-smith person, it actually makes it hard to get into them because it’s so hard to tell the differences. Too many numbers and variables to keep straight without a chart to know what each one is and where it stacks up compared to the others.
It’s almost like they’re trying to hide info from the consumer.
As a non-smith person, it actually makes it hard to get into them because it’s so hard to tell the differences. Too many numbers and variables to keep straight without a chart to know what each one is and where it stacks up compared to the others.
It’s almost like they’re trying to hide info from the consumer.
BSA1
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Not just Smith & Wesson. Ruger is also very confusing with some of their model names & numbers.
The book has most of the answers. Like most questions you can read an answer. Not difficult at all. The changes referenced by the dash numbers are sometimes significant and sometimes not.
The revolver is a "Combat Magnum", often referred to as a pre Model 19.
The revolver is a "Combat Magnum", often referred to as a pre Model 19.
.308 Norma
Member
Thanks for pointing that out, Bones741. I've had my Model 69 since they first hit the market, and never even noticed that the words "COMBAT MAGNUM" were stamped on the side of the barrel. It's a great shooter, and now I like it even more.
CraigC
Sixgun Nut
S&W's used to have names, rather than just model numbers*. The "Combat Magnum" was simply what the called the model 19 before it became the model 19. The 586/686 were the "Distinguished Combat Magnum".
(*Not that there weren't model numbers before that)
(*Not that there weren't model numbers before that)
George P
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And the s.s. cousin, the 66
George P
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Not at all; they have just made so many guns in tons of variations, that the S&W book mentioned above is an invaluable resource (as is both S&W specific forums on the Web)
With some changes (the dash models), the changes were minor; other times, it meant things like pinned barrels and recessed chambers went away (many consider that a bad thing). Most of the changes typically dealt with changes on production methodologies that made it easier and cheaper to make.
Driftwood Johnson
Member
Howdy
Originally the 357 Combat Magnum only came with a 4" barrel and Baughman Quick Draw front sight. This sight is sloped at the rear, and allows the gun to be drawn quickly from a holster without snagging. The 357 Combat Magnum was the first 357 Magnum revolver that Smith and Wesson built on the K frame, at the request of Bill Jordan, a famed lawman. Jordan was looking for 357 Magnum power in a lighter revolver than the standard N frame 357 Magnum. The 357 Combat Magnum was first introduced in 1955.
In 1957, the same gun became known as the Model 19. When the Model 19 first came out, it too was limited to the 4" barrel and the Baughman front sight. Later production (1963) included a 2 1/2" barrel and a 6" barrel. The 6" barrel had a Patridge front sight. There were a few Model 19s made with 3" barrels, and even less with 5" barrels. The photo posted by 25-5 shows the Baughman front sight on a 4" barrel.
Personally I have always thought just the 4" barrelled Model 19s should be considered the Combat Magnum. The idea is an officer could draw it quickly in a 'combat' situation. The 6" version with the Patridge front sight is better suited for target work.
Here is a photo of my Model 19-3 that I bought brand spanky new in 1975. This one has the six inch barrel and Patridge front sight. You can see that the paperwork states that this one is a Combat Magnum. So much for my 'combat' logic.
Well, as a Smith and Wesson aficionado and collector, I have always thought that is part of what makes Smith and Wesson revolvers interesting.
If you want to learn more, buy a copy of The Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson, by Supica and Nahas. Currently in its fourth edition, although I prefer the third edition. You can find it on Amazon.
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