I walked into a gun shop the other day to wish the staff Merry Christmas and I found a Pre Model 14 in the case. The ring on the cylinder was barely visible and the action was tighter than on new S&W revolvers they had on hand. Marks were barely visible on the recoil shield. It has target sights, a 6" barrel and diamonds on the grips surrounding the grip screws. The serial number, K29XXXX, indicates it was manufactured, or at least shipped, in 1957.

I have wanted one of these for the past 30 years and just fell into this one. This is my new favorite handgun.

There was no box or tools with the revolver. What color box and what type of tools would have been enclosed in the box when it left Smith & Wesson?

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Train to win

Yes. K290000 would be from 1957. It would be the four screw variety. Nice find - good for you!

I have a 4 screw, slightly older than yours. It shipped in 1956 and is the top of the two guns in the following photo. The bottom gun is an earlier 5 screw.


I do like the K-38. A lot! Congratulations on picking up a great revolver.

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

By 1957, it probably shipped in the two-piece blue box (not Bangor Punta). It is possible that it went out in the gold box, as those were still being used up. I have an original blue K-38 box from 1956 and a gold one from about the same time.

The tools would have been the aluminum cleaning rod, a bore mop, a bore brush and the black handle SAT.

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

The SAT on the left is correct for your K-38.

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

Thanks for the info.

I hope I don't get tarred and feathered for this, but I fired 50 rounds through it today.

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Train to win

Good grief NO! Shoot it all you want. Just clean it properly and store it well. It was made to be fired! I shoot mine all the time (with very few exceptions).

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

I've got one from 1953 and next to my 14-3 it is my favorite range gun. I have shot thousands of rounds through mine without any problems. I generally shoot either 148gr WC or 158gr LSWC. Excellent guns, congrats!