I recently obtained a five screw, six inch, pinned barrel .38 special with matching numbers except for the grips. There is no model # and the s/n is K 829xx.It looks similar to my model 14 except it is stainless. Is it a pre model 14 or something else? Also the front site is about an 1/8th of an inch set back from the muzzle. I suspect the TT and TH are after market as they appear to be nickel. I know, send pics, haven't figured that out yet. Thanks.

I do not think it's stainless most likely nickel or chrome plated aftermarket if the trigger and hammer are plated.
I think the model 60 was the first stainless gun made by S&W in the 1960's.

S&W were not making any stainless guns when a 5 screw K38 were made. What you evidently have is a K38 with an aftermarket industrial chrome finish, which was very popular back in the 70's and 80's. Those are very tough finishes, and wear like iron. Check the advanced button and down below there is a link to " manage attachments", you can link to a photo in your picture file and it will attach.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

Serial number would make it a 1949 K-38. Does it look like this one (not blue of course)?



This one is a 1951 version.

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Mike
S&WCA #3065

Mike, yes it looks like that revolver except for the front site which I believe to also be an after marker. I have several K framed guns with adjustable sites and it looks like those except for the finish.

I think we have solved it for you. Sounds like you have a 1949 K-38. It will be a tack driver.

My target the first time shooting the '51 K-38 at the indoor range from 10 yards.

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Mike
S&WCA #3065

Thanks for all the info, great web site as always.