I wanted to find out about a revolver I have inhereted. It is a S&W 38 Special CTG, the serial number at the bottom of the handle is K840534. I think it used to be a cop gun just from the wear at the end of the barrel and other spot I guess from the holster. Not sure what else I would need to describe, double action with original wood grips. I was trying to find out what I could including its value. I would really appreciate any help you guys could give. Thanks in advance.

Your gun probably shipped in 1968. The only way to obtain a definitive ship date is to purchase a historical letter. As it relates to value, you need to post photos. Your post indicates that you edited your original post with the comment "add pic" but the photos are not showing up.

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Doug

Welcome to the forum. While we're waiting for pictures, can you tell us how long the barrel is and what model number is stamped on the frame? Swing open the cylinder, and then look at the frame surface under the barrel. It should say something like MOD 14 or MOD 15, maybe with a dash and another numeral after it.

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David Wilson

it is a Mod 15-3, and the barrel is 3.5 long. I attached a pic this time

Attached Images

mygun.jpg (6.9 KB, 106 views)

That model was originally called the Combat Masterpiece. The barrel length is actually four inches, because you measure from the front of the cylinder to the muzzle -- that will pick up the portion of the barrel that is screwed into the frame.

This model was introduced in 1950 as the four-inch version of the K-38 Masterpiece, a six-inch barreled gun with adjustable sights. In 1957 S&W went to model numbers to identify their product line, and the Combat Masterpiece became the Model 15. The dash numbers indicate engineering or design revisions important enough to note, in the factory's opinion, so the 15-3 incorporates the third set of engineering changes after the model designation.

Yes, 1968 is probably right for your gun. Note that it has diamond reliefs around the grip screw. 1968 was the last year in which that stock design was seen. Late in the year they went to stocks without the diamonds.

Looks like a good gun. You could probably sell it immediately for $350-400, and maybe a little more if you were willing to wait for the right buyer. But it's probably worth more to you as an inherited gun.

A lot of Combat Masterpieces saw service as LE guns. The designation "combat" doesn't mean they were necessarily designed as war guns, but the phrase denotes revolvers with a shorter barrel and a ramp front sight that could clear leather quickly without a snag. There is also a .22 Combat Masterpiece that is essentially the same gun as yours in .22 LR. There is a belief in some quarters that the S&W Masterpiece guns were among the most inherently accurate revolvers ever built. A lot of that is perhaps just pride of ownership, but I can tell you from personal experience that some of us shoot the four-inch guns more accurately than their longer-barrel "target" versions.

A keeper. Don't let it go.

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David Wilson

Thank you so much, that was exactly what I was looking for :-)

Quick question. Is that $350-400 estimate for a perfect gun? This one has a little wear on it. Also where would I sell a gun? This one does not a lot of sentimental value. I have my grandfathers which is almost the exact same gun but in pristine condition, I am keeping that one. I am wanting to get something a little newer.

If you are really want to sell the gun, I might be interested in it if I could see some more detailed and larger pictures.

Many Thanks,

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Doc Garrett
Dead Man's Doctor

When I mentioned $350-400, I had in mind that you said this one had a little wear on it. By comparison, I bought a 1951 Combat Masterpiece in about 98% shape several months ago for $400. I considered that a good price. I think most blue CMs in really good shape might be expected to bring $450, maybe even $500 for an exceptional gun or a gun still in its original box.

I see you already have a nibble. But in case that doesn't work, there's a classifieds section on this forum that you might like to explore.

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David Wilson

I carried the model 15 4" for several years during my LE career. Great gun - it saved my life on one occassion. I'd keep it, my opinion only.

I'll try to get some better pics this weekend

Ok here are some more pics. let me know if you want something larger of any specific angles.

Attached Images

	mygun1.jpg (4.0 KB, 22 views)
	mygun2.jpg (3.8 KB, 24 views)

FWIW, those grips look to be pre-WW2 magnas. The picture is not
very good, but there appears to be too much checkering for grips of
that serial number.

Just what it looks like.

Mike Priwer