what exactly does a combat magnum come with? What is the difference from that and a regular model? I own a 18-4 a 19-3 and a 586 how do I know if they are combat magnums?
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.
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.
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.