Saw at LGS today, sn# K 2007xx on butt, cylinder, and yoke. Other numbers on yoke illegible (more magnification and cleaning off lubrication needed). Front and adjustable rear sights match those of photos of other K-38s, likewise for wooden diamond grips with S&W medallions. Barrel marked SMITH & WESSON on one side, 38 S&W SPECIAL CTG on the other. At least 85% condition, I reckon. No box. Did not check bore (closing time!). Asking price $500 + tax. If bore is good, I am considering offering $400 and see where it goes. What do the forum experts think? Any thoughts on shipping date?

Ship date of 1953.

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Dave Brown
SWCA #3279

$400 actually sounds low for a shooter-grade K-38, but if you can get it for that more power to ya!

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Psalm 27:2

I just paid $400 for this been there/done that no dash Model 14, and am still high-fiving myself. Buy that thing.

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“What you got, ain’t new.”

Thanks, Dave, for the shipping date. Hkcavalier, my offer is intended to get the seller talking. Sigp220 - we see if I can get it for that price, should I want it. By the way, I just acquired a slightly used 220SAO in .45. What a tack-driver! I am still paying it off, which explains my hesitation in jumping for this revolver.

You are most welcome!

Best of luck!

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Dave Brown
SWCA #3279

You might have a shot at it if the shop is looking to move inventory. K-38's tend to sit on the shelves a long time waiting for someone to appreciate them. These days,most customers I see want semi autos 9 out of 10 purchases. When they do buy a revolver, it's either got to be a magnum boomer, snubbie or both.
Good luck!

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Dave

Without seeing your prospect , $500 is bumping the upper end of the range , $400 would be a good price. Offsetting my opinion is the fact that vintage revolver prices are escalating of late. On the other hand , there are a lot of Combat Masterpiece / model 15s floating around.

There is wide support for the opinion that the S&W model 15 is one of the great all time shooters ; I sure think so. Your prospect is a pre 1957 Combat Masterpiece (as opposed to the post '57 model 15) ; that is a plus. If you do not already have a C.M. or 15 , and that one passes inspection - seriously consider going for it.

That is why master card was invented. For moments like these.

I've been wanting one of these for a while, but I'm still trying to learn a little more about them before actually purchasing one.

That said, I bid on one recently and was outbid, and I found another one at a gun show last weekend and it didn't have a price on it, and the seller never told me what he wanted for it. He wanted me to start the haggling but I didn't bite so I walked.

Does anybody have a quick crash course on these things? It's hard to find much about them, or maybe I'm not looking in the right place.

Thanks!

You can start here, clicking on the “k38”’ tag below. It will bring up 10 pages of threads which were tagged K-38. Some won’t be helpful, but there is a lot of info available. Smithnut’s pictorial essay is particularly good.

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“What you got, ain’t new.”

At 85% I'd also offer $400 just to see if they're willing to negotiate. I'd possibly go as high as $450 total out the door price if it was something that I'd rather have sooner than later. $500 and a good dose of patience can probably net you a pretty nice K-38 - eventually.

I acquired this 1954 K38 in a private party sale earlier this year for $450.

Thanks for the info, and yes, that pictorial essay thread is great!

Now, see you guys later, I'm off to the auction sites, lol

IMHO $500. should get you a K38 in better than 85% condition.
Check out the larger auction sites for 'sold' results to get a good feeling for what a K38 is selling for (not asking prices, look for actual 'sold' listings). The as new in box varieties are bringing big bucks, but the prices fall substantially for every 5% downgrade in condition. Personally, I think $500. and a cup of patience will bring you something better than you describe.

I think the C.M. is one of the best handling and shooting revolvers out there. I would offer the $400 and incrementally go up in price until the $500 is reached. That is what I would call a top price. Good luck!

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Kevin in Oregon

I must of missed something.4" pre15
Or 6" pre14 I like both but the 6" gun
Is my preference, I have 4 and
If another show up cheep I will
Buy it really like ones with 1/10"
Front sight.
I recommend you get it if you can!