I need help identifying this new revolver i just inherited. It is a 38 s and w special ctg with a 6 inch barrel and the serial number says 27785 with a d below it. At a local gun shop, the guy told me it was a pre-k model, which would mean it is dated before 1957, but I would like any additional information I can get. Thanks/

Rubber stamp: It is not a "CTG".
There is no such model, the CTG is an abbreviation for CARTRIDGE as part of the caliber stamping, not a model designation.
Denis

Welcome to the Forum.

The main serial number is located on the butt of the revolver. It is repeated in several areas.

There can be prefixes to the serial number, such as "K", "S", "C", "D". Sometimes these letters are separate from the digits.

There is no such thing as a "pre K" model. The different frames are known by letters, such as "N", "L", "J", etc. The K frame (medium size six shot, generally) has been around since 1899. Of course, it has been improved over the years.

The 1957 date refers to the year that S&W started assigning model numbers to their firearms. This model number will be stamped on the frame where the yoke closes. It would read like "MOD 14-1". Now, the Model 14 was/is the K-38 Combat Masterpiece. If your revolver has an adjustable rear sight, it could be referred to as a "pre K38".

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John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

Is the serial number you referred to shown on the bottom of the frame between the grips? That is where the serial number would be found.

Thanks for all the replies. I was under the impression that the serial number was located on the metal piece in front of the cylinder and it could only be read when the cylinder was out in an open position.The actual serial number says K 313786.

Your 38 special revolver,built on a K frame,generally known as a K38,was made in 1957,just before they started using model numbers.

The "CTG" is just what was stamped on the barrel

All right thanks for all the help! The gun is in excellent condition as well and hasn't even been fired that much. What do you guys think the value of this revolver is?

$500, give or take a few. The 1950s-era K-38 Masterpieces are very well regarded by both shooters and collectors. If the gun happens to have its original box, documents and tools, add $100-150.

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David Wilson

How would you make that determination without even knowing if it's a M&P or a K38 masterpiece?

To the OP:

Does it have fixed rear sights or adjustable rear sights?

Assuming it is indeed a K frame, and made in the 50's or even late 40's:

If it has fixed rear sights like this, it's a Pre-Model 10, or 38 Special Military and Police


If it has adjustable rear sights, it's a pre-model 14 or K38 masterpiece


Typically postwar M&P's can go from $200 to $300, maybe more if you have the box and it's in really excellent shape

Postwar K38 masterpiece's can go from $300-450, maybe more if you have the box and it's in really excellent shape

nipster - the OP furnished K prefix serial number so David knows that it can't be a M&P - it has to be a K38

Ok, didnt realize you could get that just from the serial. At any rate, $500 seems a little steep

The rear sights are adjustable

I should have used a few more words to explain my conclusion and judgment. This gun is a K-38 Masterpiece, and from the serial number probably a four-screw Pre-14; that serial number would have been used shortly before the first model-marked guns were introduced.

In any caliber, Masterpieces are not inexpensive unless the seller has misunderstood or mispriced what he has; the description of the condition as "excellent" and "hasn't been fired that much" makes me think 97-98%. Anybody who can get one of those in that condition for less than $500 is getting a deal in my opinion. K-38s are a little less expensive than K-22s and a lot less expensive than K-32s.

I have paid up to $750 for a premium condition pre-14. I doubt I would go that high for a four-screw specimen, but the earliest five screw guns definitely bring that kind of money.

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David Wilson

Correct. Immediately following the cartridge size.

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Jim
S&WCA #819

Andre,
I was pointing out, in reference to the title of your thread, that you don't have a ".38 Special CTG".
That's just the caliber stamping.
Denis