I have a model 14-3 s/n 8K363xx and recently bought a 5 screw which looks just like the model 14 (s/n K784xx). Same features, 6" etc. Is it a pre model 14? and if so what was the correct name. Can anyone date both? Thanks in advance. I was real happy to get the 5 screw for $250.00 at a gun show.

Its a pre 14.S&W called it the K-38 Masterpiece and yours is from '49 or so.

Yes, although I personally don't care for the "pre-Model" terminology.

I'm glad you asked that!
S&W called it a K-38 Masterpiece.

Yes.
8K363xx = 1976 (8K20763 - 8K80001)
K784xx = 1949 (K73122 - K84249)

You'd better be happy. That's a great price unless the gun is completely trashed!

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

The seller was calling it a, pre model 10 so obviously didn't know what he had or the value.

I'm beginning to believe that many gun shops, being ignorant of all things Smith & Wesson, call any older S&W .38 Special revolver a Model 10 or "pre" Model 10.

I was in a gun shop in Nevada a couple years back and saw a used S&W on display. The tag said "Model 8." Looked like an old M&P to me, so I asked to see it. When I inquired why he called it a "Model 8," he opened the cylinder and pointed to an 8 stamped in the yoke cut! It was, of course, too old to have a model number.

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

LGS had my BSR listed as model 22110. Assembly number.

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Matthew Conrad

Your five screw could either be a K-38 Masterpiece or a K-38 "Heavy" Masterpiece as both were available in that serial range.

If your barrel has a narrow rib like the one on the left it is a K-38 Masterpiece,
If the rib is wide like the one on the right it is a K-38 "Heavy" Masterpiece.