I have just purchased a K-38 Target Masterpiece from a family friend. The revolver is a 5-screw, pinned barrel with target hammer and trigger. The serial number is K2178XX, and the diamond magna stocks are matching numbered to the frame. While in very good condition, there is holster wear to the blue on the muzzle, front sight, rear sight and on the cylinder leading edges. The D/A trigger pull is smooth, sweet, and lighter than the S/A pull on my 1917, and the S/A pull is to die for. Can someone give me an idea of the birth date for this firearm. I paid $350.00 for it, and while it may be at the upper end of the range, I think I did OK. Pictures will follow as soon as I can figure out how to post.

TIA, John

1954 -You beat me to my birth year gun!

That serial number is 1954-1955 according to the 2nd. edition. The Target Hammer & Trigger could be factory origional with that time frame, I believe. All matching Masterpiece in that condition for $350.00 is a bargain and a great gun to boot. Post pics when you have them. I would ask about the box also. Who knows he may have it. That wou;ld be a bonus.

Bob

You did better than OK -- you did very well indeed! Heavy Barrel Pre-14s in the condition you describe can go for $600 or even more.

Those of us who are fortunate enough to have any of the early Masterpiece revolvers know the delightful experience you are in for: the K-22s are possibly the best .22 revolver ever made; the K-32s and K-38s are either the best of their kind ever made, or the equal of the best ever made; there are a few independent thinkers out there who say that the .32 and .38 target revolvers built on the Colt 41 frame deserve the top spot, or at least do not deserve to be relegated to second place. Maybe, maybe not.

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David Wilson

I'd say $350 is on the lower end of the range for an all matching, 5 screw K-38 with TT/TH. Great deal on a great gun.

Congratulation on a truly great gun. The price makes it even better.

Congrats on the premier 38 special revolver ever made. I foolishy sold a 1951 Combat Masterpiece 4 inch and have regretted since. Both these two models are the class of the field in 38 specials.
Enjoy,
Howard

I think you got an excellent deal. I just bought a 5 screw, 4" K38 Combat Masterpiece, with incorrect stocks, about 90% for $380 OTD. The funny thing is, it was marked as a Model 15. It was dim, and I didn't have my reading glasses handy, but I knew that around here, that's a good deal for a 15 in decent shape. And I always wanted one. I got home and found out it's a "pre-15", ser#K192xxx. I was pretty stoked about that! So, yes, I think you got an outstanding deal!

The K38's and K22's are excellent revolvers and while the k22's have had a major run up in the price the past few years the K38's haven't. I think that's because most folks out there think a 357 magnum is a better deal.

You got a good deal on that one for $350 and the good news is you won't be afraid to go out and shoot it.

I have a 3 T's k-38 that I traded for earlier this year a 14-2. It is a tack driver. I bet yours will be too. Good score at a good price.

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Jim
Many K and N Frames

My K38 Masterpiece K2164XX shipped in 1955.

I have a revolver I am trying to date its serial number is 172053 it is a. K38 Masterpeice target

I have K 38 K172032 which shipped March 1953. Pretty close.