If I did ir right this is a photo of my newest acquisition, a Target Masterpiece (5-screw pre-Model 14) that is slightly older than I am. According to catalog 1948 production. Very ordinary example. Shoots REALLY well, much better than I can hold. I got rid of the butt-ugly black plastic target grips and put on what I believe is a more or less correct set of S&W lumber. I confess that for $400 I am very pleased with myself on this one.

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IMHO you did just fine. Verah nice.

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Mike
S&WCA #3065

$400 , gripless. Good score

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Mike 2796
SoFo Bunch member

Nice deal. I'd be happy with that. I really like Model 14's of any vintage.

You had me at 400 (plus that 5 screw thingy)!

Roger

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Eph 2:8-9

very good find, you did well.

Nice get. Look for a pair of sharp shouldered diamond magna grips like these. They would be correct for a '48.



A little better pic maybe.

Thanks 5122. I will look into that.

Fantastic purchase. The last K38 that I purchased, back in the mid 90s, was a 4 screw with service: stocks, trigger and hammer, was acquired for about $ 300. You did very well.

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Judge control not gun control!

Don't throw away the ones you have on it. They are called 'pc' or modified magnas and are a couple of decades newer than your 5-screw. Notice the rounded bottom edges. There are a few models these were exclusive to. Someone will want them.

Noted 5122. I wasn't planning on it.

The PC/Modified Magna grips were in standard use on fixed sight K-frame revolvers (M&P/Model 10), not the K-series revolvers. The PC stands for "Plain Clothes" because the rounded bottoms reduced wear on jacket linings, and also produced a lower fabric print-through when carried concealed. They were first mentioned in the 1952 S&W catalog, and the earliest M&P revolver I have listed as definitely having PC grips shipped in 4/53, although there isn't much doubt that earlier M&Ps had them.

Pre 14 you did ok for $400. I have one too. My online dealer just happen to have a k22 masterpiece target 1948, pre 15 k38 combat masterpiece and pre 14 k38 target masterpiece I just had too. My three holy grails one shot. I had some extra money luckily.

Mostly true as far as it goes. I would mention one exception, that being the 2" Model 15 Combat Masterpiece. Those did ship with PC Magna stocks, at least in the -2 and -3 range. My guess is that all 2" Model 15 CMs had them, regardless of dash number, but I can only vouch for the -2 and -3.

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

Congratulations!!! K-38's, pre-14's and 14's are all awesome guns in my opinion! You do find them at decent prices now & then. My 14-3 was $410 shipped & insured. It is a good shooter. Enjoy your Smith! Bob

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Yes. Older S&W .38s are a great buy right now.

$600 last year