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03-12-2011, 03:47 PM
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Early M&P Target Revolver?
I have found a S&W 38 Special target revolver that looks very much like my Model 14-4. It is S/N K 76297 (there is quite a gap between the K and the number). Am I correct in thinking that it is a M&P 1st or 2nd change target gun?
Thanks
Peter
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03-12-2011, 04:36 PM
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That would be a K-38 Masterpiece from late 1949 or early 1950. That model became the Model 14 when S&W went to Model numbers in 1957, so that's why it resembles your later Model 14.
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David Wilson
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03-14-2011, 11:01 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DCWilson
That would be a K-38 Masterpiece from late 1949 or early 1950. That model became the Model 14 when S&W went to Model numbers in 1957, so that's why it resembles your later Model 14.
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Thank you David. The only detailed S&W reference book I possess is Neal & Jinks "1857-1945", and so from the serial number 76297 I assumed an early M&P. Presumeably the K before the number tells you otherwise?
Peter
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03-14-2011, 11:32 AM
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Yes, the K prefix is a dead giveaway for postwar production. It went on the K-frame guns with adjustable sights when S&W reset their serial number sequence to 1 (or 101, actually) in late 1946. The fixed sight K-frames used the holdover S prefix (without the V) from the wartime years, then went to a C prefix in 1948. The letter prefixes in postwar guns are always part of the serial number.
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David Wilson
Last edited by DCWilson; 03-14-2011 at 03:40 PM.
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03-14-2011, 03:35 PM
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PJGP,
Congratulations on your find. Any K-38 Masterpiece is an outstanding target revolver but the early pre-Model 14s are exceptional!
Am curious if K76297 has the early tapered narrow-rib barrel or the standard heavy wide-rib barrel like your Model 14-4? 1949–1950 is during the transition period when both were available.
Below are comparison pictures with the heavy on the left and tapered on the right.
Thank you, Russ
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03-15-2011, 06:47 AM
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Thanks again David
Russ, it has the wide rib. However, it is not mine, but in a local dealer's stock. My 14-4 is used for sports shooting, mostly the 1500, and a K-38 doen't really fit into my revolver collection. Given the licence restrictions that we have to live under here in South Africa, and the fact that I have just found several Webleys that most certainly do fit my collection, I will probably pass up the K-38 - pity though!
Peter
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