Newbe with a date question.

jjmoore · #1 10-22-2016, 09:07 PM

My first post and hello, you have a great site here. I just received a 38 spceial, side ejector, blue, 5 screw, 6 inch, adjustable sights, no model # but the serial # is K 99XXX. It was my Dad's and looks new, I will try to post a pic soon. I was thinking of sending to S&W a info reqest. My question to the group is what year do you think this is? TIA.

Penmon · #2 10-22-2016, 09:31 PM

Could be 14,15,16,17,18,19,48,53,66,67 or 68 or there pre-model variation but K99xxx was from 1950. This is only accurate if it is a K and five number.
Pictures would really help narrow it down.
Information if from the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson written by Jim Supica & Richard Nahas,AKA as the "book".

opoefc · #3 10-22-2016, 09:46 PM

Welcome to the Forum. Chances are it's a K 38 Masterpiece, made in 1950. It's not a Model gun as they did not appear until 1957. Pictures will tell us for sure. Ed.

DWalt · #4 10-22-2016, 10:09 PM

K 99XXX

I show two SNs nearby: K992xx shipping in 1/51 and K1000xx shipping in 12/50. It would have been manufactured in 1950. Both are K-38 Masterpieces (pre-Model 14). The letter will be $75. It will tell you only the model, the exact shipping date, the original finish (likely blued), the original stock type (typically checkered wood magna grips), and to where it was first shipped, nearly always to some S&W distributor or a retailer (sporting goods store, hardware store, etc.). It will also provide a few paragraphs of general background information about that particular model. Most any reference on handguns, or even Wikipedia, will provide much information about the K-38 Masterpiece.

Assuming yours is a K-38 Masterpiece, its predominant market was competitive target shooters. At that time 25 and 50 yard Bullseye shooting was quite popular, and many Bullseye shooters used three guns: .22 semiautomatic pistols or revolvers in one stage, .38 revolvers in a second stage (the "any centerfire" stage), and .45 semiautomatic pistols (or rarely .45 revolvers) in a third stage.

jjmoore · #5 10-22-2016, 10:31 PM

Thanks for that and it makes sense, I also got a S&W M41 with both barrels and a Colt 1911 with target modified trigger and rail. I have shot the M41 and the 1911, both are spot on. I haven't shot the 38 yet because the top side cover screw is missing. I am still trying to figure out how to post a pic.

shouldazagged · #6 10-22-2016, 10:54 PM

Welcome aboard. As you've observed, this is a great forum. I hope you'll stick around.

jjmoore · #7 10-24-2016, 09:12 AM

This is one pic.

jjmoore · #8 10-24-2016, 09:14 AM

Another pic, I forgot to take a pic of the serial #, tomorrow I will post that.

DWalt · #9 10-24-2016, 11:05 AM

It's missing the upper sideplate screw. You should be able to find a replacement without too much trouble.

bananaman · #10 10-24-2016, 07:56 PM

Welcome to the FORUM! There is more than 1 size of screw on the side plate. Make sure you get the right 1. Numrich, or Brownells may have it. Shipping will be high for size and weight. You may wish to try ebay. Gun show is another possibility, or check classifieds here. I have the later version 14-3 from 1977. They are great shooters, as you will find out! Bob

jjmoore · #11 10-26-2016, 09:46 AM

Ok, here is the serial #. I know it is a 38 special, 5 screw (missing one, soon to be replaced), heavy 6 inch barrel, adjustable micrometer click sight and I have the 2nd set of target stocks. I have learned so much from this site about this gun, nice to know there are helpful knowledge people still out there. Thanks for your help, Jim

jjmoore · #12 10-26-2016, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Penmon

Could be 14,15,16,17,18,19,48,53,66,67 or 68 or there pre-model variation but K99xxx was from 1950. This is only accurate if it is a K and five number.
Pictures would really help narrow it down.
Information if from the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson written by Jim Supica & Richard Nahas,AKA as the "book".

Ok, Jim what are your thoughts?

Jim

Wiregrassguy · #13 10-26-2016, 12:06 PM

It's a pre-Model 14, K-38 Masterpiece that most likely shipped in 1950. Your best bet on an upper sideplate screw is to buy one on eBay for a WWII Victory revolver or a Model 1917. You'll need to refinish the head if you buy a Victory screw, but it isn't too difficult. These screws are obsolete so they aren't carried by MidwayUSA or Brownell's...at least I haven't seen them cataloged.

gmborkovic · #14 10-26-2016, 12:19 PM

I believe the large headed top side plate screw is a 4-48 not a 5-44 like the other ones. They are still floating around. I was lucky enough to buy a cigar box full of S&W screws from an on smith. Box is getting mighty empty.
Check e-bay.

mbliss57 · #15 10-26-2016, 07:08 PM

Congrats on your 1st post and a mighty pretty K 38 Masterpiece. It looks to be in very good condition minus the screw. You found a nice one! Welcome to the forum.

JP@AK · #16 10-27-2016, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Penmon

Could be 14,15,16,17,18,19,48,53,66,67 or 68 or there pre-model variation

Well, not exactly. Since it is chambered in the .38 Special (per the original post) all but the 14, 15, 67 and 68 fall out. All model numbers fall out because the serial number is too far below any model numbered guns (1958), not to mention the five screw configuration (also in the original post). All stainless guns likewise fall out, since they did not exist before 1965. So the only choices were K-38 Masterpiece and .38 Combat Masterpiece. We now know it was the former.

jjmoore · #17 10-31-2016, 01:01 PM

Well I did get a screw, I am lucky to have a gunsmith near me that doesn’t throw out stuff. He had a 5 screw 32 caliber that someone left to rot in a damp barn or cellar, with some patience he got the screw out and it cleaned up good. Funny how excited I was about a little screw, time to make some noise now.