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04-19-2017, 03:53 PM
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Pulled the trigger on a 5 screw Pre-14 S&W.
So, I have been lusting over either a Model 14-2 or 14-3, when this caught my eye on GunBroker. While the pics were terrible, and I don't believe this was done intentionally, but rather the lighting used, I decided to spend just a little more and take my chances on this 1954 made Pre-14. Anything pertaining to 5 screws that I should look for when it arrives? While I have many Model 19's, this is my first foray into early K-38's. Thanks.
Don
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04-19-2017, 04:21 PM
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You should really enjoy shooting it! My 14-3, had poor quality photos on G.B. Description sounded wonderful! I even called & talked to seller. I was very pleasantly surprised when it arrived at my FFL. A quite nice 14, for $410 shipped. (Aug. 2014) Bob
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04-19-2017, 04:31 PM
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Congrats! I've taken a chance on several with poor pictures. Every time I was pleasantly surprised when it arrived. More pics when you get it.
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04-19-2017, 09:27 PM
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It looks like it has the 'Bright Blue' finish. From what I understand that was special order. The target hammer was also. I promise it will shoot straight!
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04-19-2017, 09:46 PM
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Difficult to tell from the posted pics but a few observations,
Guessing the stocks are not numbered to the gun by the heel fit,
trigger shoe obscures trigger finish but hammer finish looks to be blued so suspect until better pics arrive...
How sure are you its a 1954 ? IIRC that is when the transition to bright blue occurs so could be OEM BB .
Last edited by Engine49guy; 04-19-2017 at 09:48 PM.
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04-20-2017, 06:50 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Engine49guy
How sure are you its a 1954 ?
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The serial number is K2245XX.
Don
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04-20-2017, 07:23 PM
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My list shows K210,096 to K231,255 was 1954.
Only thing to watch is the ejector rod screws in right and do come loose.
Change was made to left around 1960.
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04-20-2017, 08:47 PM
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You'll love it. If it won't group with 148gr hbwc I'll eat my 1957 4 screw.
@ 50 yards.
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04-20-2017, 08:59 PM
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Here's my 54, serial number K2197XX. It has the satin finish.
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04-20-2017, 10:07 PM
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You will enjoy shooting it, most are very accurate and fun to take to the range. Mine is a '53 model, in the matt blue. Now to find a matching K22 at a decent price.. These things get addictive.
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04-21-2017, 05:53 PM
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Okay, you guys have got me curious now. I did not know that there was a bright blue and matt blue finish offered in that time period. What is the best way to determine which I will have? Thanks.
Don
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04-21-2017, 06:05 PM
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I have a 1952 Model K38 5 screw and it's a shooter.
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04-21-2017, 06:33 PM
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Mine's a 1949.
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04-21-2017, 07:22 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by fyimo
I have a 1952 Model K38 5 screw and it's a shooter.
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Another BEAUTY! Bob
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04-21-2017, 08:38 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by USSR
Okay, you guys have got me curious now. I did not know that there was a bright blue and matt blue finish offered in that time period. What is the best way to determine which I will have? Thanks.
Don
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From what I've learned here the 'bright blue' could be special ordered. There was a K32 on here a while ago that the consensus was that it was ordered in 'bright blue'. It was handwritten on the box.
This is my K32 from 1954 ser#208***. Not so shiny.
Last edited by MrG5122; 06-11-2017 at 09:32 AM.
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04-22-2017, 10:42 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by USSR
Anything pertaining to 5 screws that I should look for when it arrives?
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Yes. Be careful when handling as they can be contagious!
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04-22-2017, 06:01 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MrG5122
From what I've learned here the 'bright blue' could be special ordered. There was a K32 on here a while ago that the consensus was that it was ordered in 'bright blue'. It was handwritten on the box.
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Since I won't have the box with it, what is the current price and procedure for getting it "lettered" from Smith and Wesson?
Don
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04-22-2017, 08:32 PM
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Thanks Jack.
Don
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04-22-2017, 08:50 PM
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Hey Jack,
What's the difference between the Letter of Authenticity request, and the Foundation's Historical Research request?
Don
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04-22-2017, 09:16 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by USSR
Hey Jack,
What's the difference between the Letter of Authenticity request, and the Foundation's Historical Research request?
Don
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The former is a prerequisite for the latter.
The research request can turn up information not available in a simple review of the original invoice (such as a return to the Service Department that would have happened later). It also does not have a fixed cost. The charge is determined by what, if anything, the SWHF review uncovers.
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04-24-2017, 03:28 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by VNK971
Here's my 54, serial number K2197XX. It has the satin finish.
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My 1951 K-38 also has the nonrelieved target stocks. Were these aftermarket stocks or is there a chance it were shipped with them instead of serial numbered K frame magna stocks?
Last edited by ChuckS1; 04-24-2017 at 03:36 PM.
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04-24-2017, 05:14 PM
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About 35 years ago when I was in my High Standard collecting phase, a man came to my table at the old VA Beach Gun Show carrying a K-38 with non-original grips. He wanted an HD Military I had for sale, so a trade was arranged. He said he had the original grips @ home and would try to find and send them to me. I took his promise with a grain of salt and took it home, then lo and behold the correctly numbered grips showed up a week or so later! It's a 1948 vintage, narrow rib gun in about 98% condition, lacking only box and docs to be a real dream. I "traded" it to my dad for a period of time, but shortly before his passing he it returned to me, so now it is very unlikely to go anywhere in my lifetime.
Yep, those old K-38s are really something special.
Regards,
Froggie
PS At a local auction about 5-6 years ago I picked up a 1949 vintage K-22 in only slightly less perfect condition to keep it company. That is another, story however. Now if I can just find a 1950 vintage narrow rib K-32!
Last edited by Green Frog; 04-24-2017 at 05:16 PM.
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04-24-2017, 05:22 PM
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Jeez, I think I've just expanded my obsession from just Model 19's to include K-38's.
Don
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