K38 Target Masterpiece grips?

cmichini · #1 03-27-2011, 04:51 PM

Hi forum:

Just picked up a K38, I believe Target Masterpiece, circa 1950 that came with pachmyr rubber grips. I prefer something that looks a bit more correct. I looked on Gun Parts Corp (Numrich) and didn't see anything.

Anyone have any ideas where I can seek out some grips to make this new piece look more 'appropriate'?

Thanks in advance for any info.

Here's a pic. If you need pix of more specific areas, let me know and will do.

4-Screw · #2 03-27-2011, 05:19 PM

More than likely had oiled K-Diamond Magna grips. The pictures will help so we can see exactly what you bought.

cmichini · #3 03-27-2011, 06:20 PM

Pic added to OP. Hope that helps!!

Thanks for the quick look and reply!

mikepriwer · #4 03-27-2011, 06:27 PM

The original grips would be either magnas, or target stocks. A letter
might tell you which one, but if you are going to shoot the gun, you
should get whichever style you prefer. Both are available.

Mike Priwer

Doc44 · #5 03-27-2011, 06:47 PM

Your K-38 most likely shipped with Magna stocks like those pictured on the K-38 below that was shipped in January 1950.

Bill

Iggy · #6 03-27-2011, 07:13 PM

Am I correct in saying that S&W never called the K 38 a "Target" masterpiece? It was simply called the Masterpiece and the shorter barreled version with the Baughman ramped sight was called Combat Masterpiece.

Not trying to be picky here, just taking advantage of an opportunity to get things straight for all of us.

DCWilson · #7 03-27-2011, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iggy

Am I correct in saying that S&W never called the K 38 a "Target" masterpiece? It was simply called the Masterpiece and the shorter barreled version with the Baughman ramped sight was called Combat Masterpiece.

Not trying to be picky here, just taking advantage of an opportunity to get things straight for all of us.

That's correct. Unfortunately SCSW uses the incorrect "Target Masterpiece" label as a section head. That probably helps keep the error alive.

ancient-one · #8 03-27-2011, 07:24 PM

The end label on my 1955 vintage just says K38 Heavy Masterpiece,
Target Stocks and Target Hammer.

cmichini · #9 03-27-2011, 08:47 PM

Hi folks.

Thanks for correcting me. I heard reference to 'Target' Masterpiece when some referred to the Combat Masterpiece (could've been a youtube video).

I'll make sure to use the correct nomenclature in the future.
I tried to edit the title with cross-out (to retain the original error), but I'll leave it all in the original posts. This points out one of the good things about these forums. You get good info without getting beaten down for likely 'noob' misstatements.

Any idea of where to get the correct grips? The Magna grips look nice. I think I'll look into those.

Doc44 - That is a beautiful revolver. It looks hardly used at all.

Recoil Rob · #10 03-27-2011, 09:00 PM

Not sure what the budget is but as soon as I can I'm getting some Keith Brown Ropers for my CM...not my gun, this picture is from Keiths website, but you get the idea... Ropers on a K frame in wraparound black walnut.

pilgrim6a · #11 03-27-2011, 09:13 PM

Can I play?
Here's a pic of the stocks from my 1948 K 38 .
They are numbered to the gun.

H Richard · #12 03-28-2011, 11:07 AM

If the gun dates to 1950-1951, it could have (as option) non-relieved K target diamond grips, or football relieved K Diamond target grips. It was in this time frame when the change occurred. I have just acquired a set of non-relieved which are out to DWFAN for repair and refurb now. I'm still looking for a correct front sight, (mine had been filed into a ramp sight when I acquired it). Talk about something difficult to locate and pricey when found. But, bringing these nice old guns back to original is fun, and hopefully rewarding.

cmichini · #13 03-28-2011, 11:10 AM

It is circa 1950 per the S&W bible. I've looked around (ebay some others) and have seen more target grips than the magna's.

I may go that route as they look more correct than the pachmyr (sp?) grips, which are also a little big for my hands.

Thanks again!

larryofcc · #14 03-28-2011, 11:26 AM

Yep. The gold box for my 1948 K38 states K38 Masterpiece. Another myth and legend exposed. Big Larry

mikepriwer · #15 03-28-2011, 11:41 AM

cmichini

What is the serial number of your K38 ? We need to pin down the
year of the gun, to know which magnas would be right. The contour
of the shoulder changes quite a bit, over the first 3-5 years.

Mike Priwer

Homie · #16 03-28-2011, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by H Richard

If the gun dates to 1950-1951, it could have (as option) non-relieved K target diamond grips, or football relieved K Diamond target grips. It was in this time frame when the change occurred. I have just acquired a set of non-relieved which are out to DWFAN for repair and refurb now. I'm still looking for a correct front sight, (mine had been filed into a ramp sight when I acquired it). Talk about something difficult to locate and pricey when found. But, bringing these nice old guns back to original is fun, and hopefully rewarding.

The "relieved" TS were intoduced on the .44 mag, and some say on the Combat Mag as well-late '55-early '56. If yours was shipped with original TS a letter will confirm it. If not, buy a set and enjoy shooting it anyway!

Good shooting!

cmichini · #17 03-29-2011, 12:20 AM

S/N is K 9319X.

HTH

JP@AK · #18 03-29-2011, 01:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DCWilson

Unfortunately SCSW uses the incorrect "Target Masterpiece" label as a section head. That probably helps keep the error alive.

Supica and Nahas do the same thing. On page 144 of the 3d Edition, it says, "The K-38 Target Masterpiece - "Pre-Model 14"
I wonder if this is a carry-over from the M&P Model of 1905 for which there was a Target version available. Speculating . . .
JP

Oooops! Just noticed what I did. You were citing "SCSW" aka Supica and Nahas. Oh well. Thank goodness for the 'edit' button.