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-   -   Informal Pictorial Essay - K-38 Masterpiece (and Model 14) variations (https://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-hand-ejectors-1896-1961/136787-informal-pictorial-essay-k-38-masterpiece-model-14-variations.html)

410bore 04-14-2013 11:19 AM

A couple 14-1's

http://i1130.photobucket.com/albums/...pse29938ed.jpg

http://i1130.photobucket.com/albums/...psf011eadc.jpg

http://i1130.photobucket.com/albums/...ps91cbad2e.jpg

An Early K38 Heavy Masterpiece with Target Hammer in 98%+ condition. Shipped January 1950. Serial Number K 804xx

http://i1130.photobucket.com/albums/...e/IMG_0781.jpg

http://i1130.photobucket.com/albums/...e/IMG_0783.jpg


http://i1130.photobucket.com/albums/...e/IMG_0784.jpg

dgludwig 04-15-2013 02:56 PM

For fun, look at the underside of the extractor star, you will need to push it out as if you are ejecting the shells and look under, use a flash light as the numbers are small (if there, you will probably not see the K, just the serial numbers), QUOTE

SmithNut: Yep, the serial number is stamped on the underside of the star extractor, just as you predicted! You answered my question regarding the model name (Masterpiece) being absent on my revolver but I'm still wondering if it's common for the model number not being on the gun. As I mentioned in my previous post, my Model 14 does not have the model number (14) anywhere on the gun. Thanks.

SmithNut 04-15-2013 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmithNut (Post 137158498)
dgludwig,
Your revolver was likely made in the 1957/58 timeframe, which is about the time that Model numbers started showing up on S&W guns.
Regards,


dgludwig,
Note the first sentence in my previous response (above) ..... It's my opinion that your gun was made before they started putting Model numbers on. In the 1957/1958 they started assigning model numbers, different times for different models, and guns "in process" when the decision to stamp model numbers would likely not be stamped as such. S&W never did anything in strictly order, so you might find a gun who's serial number is slightly earlier than yours having a Model number, some after. It's just the way they did it.

So, to answer your question, it is not unusual to find guns in this timeframe with - or without - a stamped Model number.

Regards,

dgludwig 04-17-2013 05:12 PM

Thanks, SmithNut.

gobbler 04-17-2013 08:30 PM

K38 Target Hammer
 
DCWILSON & 410bore,
Your posts regarding K38 serial numbers K78xxx and K80xxx with target hammers intrigue me. I have K38 Heavy Masterpiece K82xxx which I thought from the standard catalog was 1949 production. My gun also has a target hammer which I thought non-orginal since I had read target hammers didn't appear until 1950. Based upon your posts, my target hammer may indeed be original to the gun. I guess the only way I will really know is to letter my gun. Thanks to posters on this forum, my S&W education continues. Fantastic thread!

DCWilson 04-17-2013 09:16 PM

Gobbler, I'm glad that something I showed helped you understand your own gun better. If you letter it, don't be surprised if the letter doesn't mention the target hammer as an itemized feature on the invoice. Mine didn't, but I still think it is likely to have been original on the gun rather than a replacement.

One of the best things about threads like this is that specific guns in the collections of others can help us understand what we have in our own safes and lockboxes.

Luv those S & W 07-12-2013 10:47 PM

I just signed up on this forum,and was amazed how much you guys knew about S & W revolvers,I'am 56 years old and before the internet came out I couldn't find anybody that knew this much about guns,I fill right at home,like with SmithNut and the K-38's,do you guys remember Adam-12 they used 6 in. K-38's in the beginning then went to 4 in. K-38's?

FatDogEarl 10-17-2013 04:38 PM

What a great thread! I'm a tremendous fan of the Masterpiece and own several shooters.

mesaman 10-17-2013 09:19 PM

A great string of photos and information. My first S&W was a Combat Masterpiece purchased in 1953 just before being drafted. Plans were to take it to Korea with me but that wasn't an option. Cut ahead to 1978 when I entered the DPS-Arizona law enforcement academy. The CM was dusted off, Pachmayr grips attached and it served me until my retirement from the Mohave County Sheriff's office in 1986. What fond memories are attached to this fine piece. Now my S&W collection has bloomed to six revolvers, M-12 (snubby), the Combat Masterpiece, M15 .22 cal, M-1917 (.45ACP), and a 66-1. Also three autos M&P 40, 9mm, and .45 ACP. Kept an M28 until my grandson grew up and claimed it. I love my S&W's. Thanks again for the memories.

Checkman 10-17-2013 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luv those S & W (Post 137326032)
I just signed up on this forum,and was amazed how much you guys knew about S & W revolvers,I'am 56 years old and before the internet came out I couldn't find anybody that knew this much about guns,I fill right at home,like with SmithNut and the K-38's,do you guys remember Adam-12 they used 6 in. K-38's in the beginning then went to 4 in. K-38's?

I have long wanted one of the K-38 Target Masterpieces that were cut down to 4" length by the L.A.P.D. armorers in the early seventies. Those models are just cool looking. But alas I've never come across one except on the Internet and owned by somebody else.

97thSignalman 10-17-2013 10:05 PM

My old 14-4
 
2 Attachment(s)
This old guy was probably someones duty gun. It shows lots of holster wear and it suffered a little corrosion on the cylinder somewhere in its life. I shoots like a dream...smooth and very accurate. I picked it up a couple years ago for three hundred bucks. Someone has to save these old working guns.

whelenshooter 10-18-2013 12:33 AM

I can't show a photo of it right now because it is buried in storage while we have our new house built, but I have a four inch bull barreled four screw Model 14 (no dash). When I first glanced at it in the gun shop counter I thought it was a Model 19 until I saw there was no shroud covering the ejector rod. The magna-style grips are serial numbered to the gun. The serial number is K406xxx. I need to get it factory lettered somewhere down the line.

Checkman 10-18-2013 01:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whelenshooter (Post 137490554)
I can't show a photo of it right now because it is buried in storage while we have our new house built, but I have a four inch bull barreled four screw Model 14 (no dash). When I first glanced at it in the gun shop counter I thought it was a Model 19 until I saw there was no shroud covering the ejector rod. The magna-style grips are serial numbered to the gun. The serial number is K406xxx. I need to get it factory lettered somewhere down the line.

I look forward to seeing it.

gunguy56 10-18-2013 12:26 PM

I am fortunate to have recently acquired two(2) 1980 14-4's..both with 8-3/8" barrels. One is NIB but without docs or tools. The other is 95% with an clamp-on B-Square rib and a 2x pistol cope.. no alterations/drilling was done to frame thank heaven!! The first has serial 79K2xxx and the second has serial 83K5xxx. Will never fire the first and love to shoot the second....

Bohonkie 10-18-2013 04:43 PM

Absolutely gorgeous! I consider myself lucky to have my 14-4 (8 3/8") so I'm just astounded at the collection you have. Many thanks for posting!

BoCash 10-22-2013 10:30 PM

Model 14 Forever
 
Sorry I have not been around lately but happened upon this thread and it definitely got my attention.

While I have owned Smith wheel guns since 1958, I bought my first Model 14 in 1969, a 6-inch version that started me reloading. Since then, there have been dozens of them in many variations. The 8 3/8" versions were always my favorite shooters. Because of a change in my life recently, I sold a number of duplicates but am retaining enough to keep me happy.

If I were to dump all Smith wheel guns, a Model 14 (and maybe a Model 17) would be the absolute last to go.

Great thread!!!!

JP@AK 10-23-2013 12:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmithNut (Post 137158631)
The top gun is fantastic, is it one of the Combat Masterpiece guns for Missouri? Are you referring to Lyle Larkworthy? He had some fine Law Enforcement guns and I recall him owning one of the 5" Combat Masterpiece models.
I'd like to see if/where they are from a timeframe perspective, love the early guns with the fish-hook hammer.

SmithNut
I don't know if you saw this in the thread I recently created about my "new" MSHP revolver. But with your comments here, I thought you might like to see it. I have the full history of where it lived for its whole life, from the time it left the factory and shipped to the MSHP, to the time it showed up in my collection.
http://smith-wessonforum.com/members...ber-3-1952.jpg
http://smith-wessonforum.com/members...ber-3-1952.jpg

ddeanjohnson 10-23-2013 12:06 PM

3 Attachment(s)
Quote:

Originally Posted by SmithNut (Post 135462518)
The Model 14-1 engineering change is a fairly scarce unit. As with many of the original guns, the -1 engineering change was only made for a short period of time. This gun is a 4 screw and has Target hammer and trigger, Target Diamond stocks, trigger stop, bright blue finish and standard sight package. There are a few scratches on the sight plate due to improper screwdriver handling by a previous owner, but as indicated above, the -1 is too scarce to worry about the little things.... :)

Here is a 14-1, Single Action Only Variation. I acquired this revolver from Terry J. Popkin a couple of years ago -- Terry is also the photographer. A factory letter says that it was shipped June 28, 1961, and confirms that it shipped as a Single Action Only Variation. Note: the photo caption referring to "Roper grips" is in error -- the grips are rosewood Herrett's.

Douglas Johnson
SWCA No. 2404

nocigar 11-03-2013 04:33 PM

Davis custom 14-2
 
I have a 14-2 s/n k6688xx that has had the barrell replaced with a 1" tube that has been machined on both sides making it 13/16" wide and 5-15/16" from cylinder. A rib has been installed with built in front and rear sights that has bo-mar on the right rear. The top of the frame had to be machined to accomplish this. The lug on the bottom of the barrell is a double stepped from front to rear rectangle 4" long it has a spring loaded double ramped plunger inserted at the cylinder end that latches to a pin inserted in the cylinder yoke to help keep the yoke tight to the frame. Unlike the tripple lock the pin is not lifted by the cylinder latch. On the left side of the barrell are the words "DAVIS CUSTOM" does anyone have any history on Davis Custom?

Thanks Bill

bgrafsr 11-03-2013 06:53 PM

Back in the day Davis Custom produced a lot of PPC guns for the Practical Pistol Competition, and he was noted for making a very fine revolver. Your barrel is what is known as a slab sided barrel. Search for Bill Davis custom PPC revolvers and you will get plenty of info.

Old cop 11-03-2013 08:43 PM

Thanks so much for posting. I picked up a Model 14-4 yesterday in like new condition and am anxiously waiting to get it to the range.

pastor fred 11-03-2013 09:38 PM

K-38 Essay
 
Awesome presentation of beautiful revolvers for a new guy to view. I loved it - and hopefully I learned a couple things. I only have one Model 14 at present, but after seeing these works of art, am desiring to add to my SMALLl collection. Mine a full-lug 6" barrel 14 with the round butt. Love the feel and looks of it. Probably about 98%. The only challenge right now is finding a set of nice grips for that model of round butt.

Again thanks so much,
Fred

Green Frog 11-04-2013 01:10 PM

OK, I can't get pix on here right now, but I'm curious. Do you think serial number K499xx left Springfield in 1948 or '49? I arrived in the world in June of 1949, so it was probably already here waiting for me regardless.

I got this gun in a trade when I was collecting High Standards. The fellow who traded it to me had a set of Goodyears on it when he traded it to me, but said he thought he had the original grips at home and took my address. Sure enough, the original, numbered grips showed up about a week later. Sometimes folks come through for us! :)

Froggie

nocigar 11-04-2013 08:46 PM

Bill Davis Custom
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by bgrafsr (Post 137520121)
Back in the day Davis Custom produced a lot of PPC guns for the Practical Pistol Competition, and he was noted for making a very fine revolver. Your barrel is what is known as a slab sided barrel. Search for Bill Davis custom PPC revolvers and you will get plenty of info.

I learned more in the last 24 hours than the last 11 years. Thank you Bill

DCWilson 12-03-2013 12:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Green Frog (Post 137521348)
OK, I can't get pix on here right now, but I'm curious. Do you think serial number K499xx left Springfield in 1948 or '49? I arrived in the world in June of 1949, so it was probably already here waiting for me regardless.

I got this gun in a trade when I was collecting High Standards. The fellow who traded it to me had a set of Goodyears on it when he traded it to me, but said he thought he had the original grips at home and took my address. Sure enough, the original, numbered grips showed up about a week later. Sometimes folks come through for us! :)

Froggie

Can't be sure with a single specimen, but I'd guess guns with nearby numbers were shipping in late '48. In Jan and Feb of '49 guns were going out with serial numbers in the K56xxx to K66xxx range.

Big E3 12-03-2013 03:07 AM

1 Attachment(s)
I had always believed that my K38 serial # K817xx was a 1950 but not sure now. I found this one with Pachmayr's on it at a LGS, no chance of finding the original grips. I have targets on it for now with hope for finding period correct diamond magnas. The info here on this site is nothing short of amazing.

DCWilson 12-03-2013 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big E3 (Post 137571594)
I had always believed that my K38 serial # K817xx was a 1950 but not sure now. I found this one with Pachmayr's on it at a LGS, no chance of finding the original grips. I have targets on it for now with hope for finding period correct diamond magnas. The info here on this site is nothing short of amazing.

You are very likely to be correct in your estimate of a 1950 ship date. K78197 shipped in February of that year, and one numbered just slightly higher shipped in January. I suppose it is possible a few guns in the K81xxx range made it out of the factory in December 1949, but that doesn't feel quite right to me. I'll be happy to be corrected if someone has a K81xxx K-38 that letters to late 1949.

dieselpower1973 12-21-2013 09:20 PM

ISP 5" Heavy Masterpiece
 
1 Attachment(s)
Just received this revolver today...on loan from my father who was an Illinois State Trooper during the 1950's & early 1960's.

Serial K30426X
4 - Screw
Pre Model #
Diamond target grips w/ no serial

When he handed it to me this morning, Dad commented that all the other ISP officers in his district carried 6" revolvers. He had his holster cut-down at a cobbler's shop to fit the 5" Smith.

It looked rough when it came in the door this morning...I've since given it a little gun oil and a wipedown. Came with some vintage Western Super-X Metal Piercing rounds (only 6).

Holster wear is obvious. Front sight blade is well-worn, and may even be a hair crooked. Still, I feel fortunate to have the gun and my Dad still around to answer questions. The gun would be from 1955-early 1957, correct?

Engine49guy 12-21-2013 09:49 PM

Here is a pic comparing the thicker grooved rib of the four inch 14-3 (L) to the thin smooth rib of the four inch HB Dayton 14-2 (R) .

http://i624.photobucket.com/albums/t...psc1c5a102.jpg

dieselpower1973 12-22-2013 02:16 AM

After looking at some other posts concerning the 5" ISP Masterpieces, my father's gun must have been in the October 1957 shipment (based on serial number).

Nframecollector 01-05-2014 05:01 PM

I acquired a pre model 14 about two weeks ago and have since traded it for something else. It had an 8 3/8 bbl. and a target trigger and it had been refinished several years ago. I didn't feel good about the gun and I'm glad to be rid of it! There is a reason it was at the LGS for about two years. Also, according to the serial # on the frame it dated to 1949.

Green Frog 01-05-2014 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nframecollector (Post 137636465)
I acquired a pre model 14 about two weeks ago and have since traded it for something else. It had an 8 3/8 bbl. and a target trigger and it had been refinished several years ago. I didn't feel good about the gun and I'm glad to be rid of it! There is a reason it was at the LGS for about two years. Also, according to the serial # on the frame it dated to 1949.

Harsh expletive! :mad: That's the exact gun I'm looking for to use in one of my projects. Wish I'd known about it. :(

Froggie
b: 6/16/49

Maximumbob54 01-27-2014 10:58 AM

Everyone should have a chance to see post #91.

Lobster Picnic 01-27-2014 06:38 PM

Range report for the 14-3 - WOW! Even with stocks that don't fit my hand, I was well pleased with the results. The trigger isn't great as far as K-frame triggers go, but it hasn't really been broken in yet.

A Model 17 with the 8-3/8" barrel is high on my list now.

siyeh 03-08-2014 03:13 PM

What a wonderful thread! Just spent an hour learning. I came here after a Google search on a Smith Model 14. I just bought it and have a few questions.

I found the serial # in three locations: 352xxx. A quick search tells me it was born in 1959? Would these be the original grips?

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q...4/IMG_7107.jpg

It is a little rough around the edges. Someone with the wrong size screwdriver tried to open it up.

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q...4/IMG_7109.jpg

I paid $300 for it. Why does the hammer have this little hook? Is that common for S&W?

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q...4/IMG_7110.jpg

Was this trigger shoe a factory option? Or aftermarket?

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q...4/IMG_7111.jpg

I have only shot it a dozen or so times. What a sweet gun. It sure is a delight to play with it.

arjay 03-08-2014 03:27 PM

The original grips would have a diamond around the escutchion
The trigger shoe was added
The flat head screw with the buggered slot belongs under the grip so maybe that one looks better :-)
Nice gun!

LOBO 04-16-2014 11:10 AM

Any info on the military purchased guns? Serial number range, type of markings if any?

HoosierHaller 08-08-2014 06:55 PM

I purchased a Smith & Wesson K-38 Masterpiece today after reading this excellent thread. Thank you.

http://cdn-3-service.phanfare.com/im...362779caefa8_1

http://cdn-3-service.phanfare.com/im...3a674472facd_1

http://cdn-3-service.phanfare.com/im...48a3ab1ed050_1

http://cdn-3-service.phanfare.com/im...b0a6c15df292_1

Green Frog 08-08-2014 08:47 PM

HH, welcome aboard, that's a fine first post and a really fine K-38. Looks like you paid very close attention to what you read! Congratulations.

Froggie

howiema 08-08-2014 09:46 PM

14-2
 
Well this is my 14-2 I bought it from another forum member this year. I would say it is the finest shooting revolver I own. I am amazed at the accuracy of this gun.Serial k6105xx 1963 0r 4 I think. Not sure where the red sight attachment came frrm, it looks to be professionally done.

Some day I will get this picture thing down

Enjoy Pete

http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/z...09_2251311.jpg

Mike, SC Hunter 08-08-2014 10:23 PM

Thank you sir for a very informative post. Great pics & info.

helmsp 05-02-2015 04:15 AM

Thanks so much for this thread. It had a great and successful impact on my next two purchases.
14-1, had a tiny speck of rust on the bottom of the grip but otherwise in a near perfect condition. Additionally, it has '62 and the word "Brigant" stamped on the left side. Maybe the distributor for Europe?

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7748/...a2bd09cc_h.jpg
Beauty and the beast by helmsp, on Flickr

slabuda 05-02-2015 01:53 PM

Very nice post!

This is my next "want" Id love to find a decent condition one but not so nice as not to ever shoot. example. Al original matching numbers early one with the tapered barrel. I just love the look of that tapered and pinned barrel.

WOnder what the going price is for my area (SW Idaho). Im a bit unsure if I ever want to do a gunbroker auction as I do like to see and physically check out any gun i buy.

Ghostofwar 10-08-2015 10:21 PM

I love the look of the Roper Supply special edition model 14s. I would love to get my hands on one of those but I doubt I would want to pay the price that comes along with it. I would also want a gun that I wouldn't be afraid to take to the range and shoot all the time.

Did Smith and Wesson ever produce another 4" K Frame with full underlug like this? The only other revolver that I can think of is the 617.

Green Frog 10-09-2015 12:11 PM

They did produce the 6" full under lug blued Model 14, using up (and thereby destroying) a bunch of Model 16-4 barrel blanks. I've never seen mention made of similar 4" versions, but they could possibly be out there. In the meanwhile, you could build your own but would have to use up a smaller caliber barrel you rebore!

Froggie

rct269 10-09-2015 01:51 PM

My compliments to the chef!!

What can you tell us about the muzzle brakes? When did they appear on the scene? When did they depart? Were they ever shipped with the guns---either as standard equipment or an option? Your best guess (or certain knowledge) as to the number produced?

Many thanks!

Ralph Tremaine

heiner71 02-18-2017 09:31 PM

14-4 Single Action Only, 3Ts
 
I think this thread is worthwhile resurrecting. Lots of nice examples from all eras.
I am adding my latest addition. An 80s 14-4 with SAO hammer. I bought it as being shipped SAO from the factory, and the box seems to support it. Doesn't really matter to me if it has been converted after the fact, as I got a really good deal on this gun. You can see, it is like new.

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL147.../413156428.jpg

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL147.../413156433.jpg

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL147.../413156432.jpg

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL147.../413156431.jpg

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL147.../413156430.jpg

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL147.../413156429.jpg

Engine49guy 02-18-2017 10:46 PM

Have a few variants to add,
First is a 4" Model 14-3 (lower gun) from 1971 and 67-3 (top) which is really a SS copy of the Model 15-7 (perhaps the closest your gonna get to a four inch SS Model 14).
http://i624.photobucket.com/albums/t...ps07923bdc.jpg

Muzzle view of a narrow rib 67-1 (left) compared with a wide rib 67-3 (right)
http://i624.photobucket.com/albums/t...ps3cece77c.jpg

Model 15-7 Serial prefix BRC (left) with Model 14-6 serial prefix CAZ (right)
http://i624.photobucket.com/albums/t...and%2014-7.jpg

KalamazooKid 02-18-2017 11:10 PM

My 14-3 from 1974 is def one of my favorites.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...d92af1b74d.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...fdc663047c.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Targets Guy 02-18-2017 11:11 PM

Very nice, OP. Great read. I have a 1951 K-38 Target Masterpiece with original stocks

https://s16.postimg.org/p38nqr0s5/8_S_W_K_38_2013.jpgimages upload

and a 1957 K-38 Combat Masterpiece (pre-model)

https://s9.postimg.org/g40v6ymcf/27_...piece_2016.jpgfree image host

Your photos were a treat.


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