I'm thinking about buying this gun from a fellow that says it is a K38 masterpiece SN89KXXXX. I figure that makes it about 1980 or so.

I'm a bit surprised at the cylinder release thumbpiece. Is this original?

When did the "new" thumbpiece design start going onto the model 14?

Youse guys think $350 is reasonable?







Carl

Don't know about the thumb piece,but I would have bought it already at $350.

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Living a dream - S&WCA #2364

The gun dates to 1980 and if that is a MIM thumbpiece it dates to 1997 or later. I'd buy it and not worry about the thumbpiece at that price.

That thumbpiece is not original to the gun. They didn't start using that style until the 1990s. The price seems good though.

Both the new style MIM thumbpiece, and the old style are interchangeable. Previous owner probably liked the new one. Me, I have old style ones on the two guns I have that came with the MIM part. Just like the aesthetics of the earlier style better.

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Gunsmithing since 1961

Definately a good price if the gun checks out as good as the pictures, and changing out the thumbpiece to the original style is no big deal.

I don't think you could go wrong on that price. 14's are great shooters.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

What's the matta with you? You haven't bought it yet?

Looks like a good find. The grips are not original either but like the thumbpiece, they are an easily changed part. Buy it before someone else does.

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Expect no quarter.

Gun has target hammer & trigger, grips could be original. Could have been ordered as 3T. I prefer the ergonomics of the slanted thumbpiece myself. Price is a screaming buy for that gun! Buy it now, won't last long at that price.

I've had bad luck interchanging new for old thumb pieces. They do not fit the same in the frames I've tried. One even broke the bolt in recoil, due to the sloppy fit.

The old style thumb piece can be found fer cheap in junk parts boxes at gunshows may even find one in the classifieds on this forum. Good luck!!

Actually I swapped it for a Firestar M45. I figure the Firestar was worth about $350. I couldn't have bought it for cash - it was only up for trade. This fellow really wanted that Firestar.

This is only my third Smith, the others are both Model 10s. One is a -5, 2-inch round butt, the other is a -6, 4-inch square butt.

This K38 is a model 14-4, and looks better in person than the photos. I'm gonna shoot it anyway.





It looks much better now with the original thumbpiece.

He's happy. Doubtless you are happy. Good deal. Personally, I'd be thrilled to own a nice 14. You have a beautiful example of S&W excellence. Clean it... get some ammo and head for the range! Cheers!

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<><

Do you mean 14-4? Good looking gun.

Yup - thanks for the proofreading.

I figgered the best way to clean out the cobwebs was to take a few pot shots out the side door.

Shoots great - much easier to sight than the model 10.
148 gr plain base wadcutters over about 3.5 grains of unique all went inside an inch at 20 yards freehand.

Even a blind hog finds an acorn now and then.

This is the first time I've ever even held a K38. I'm happy -

I have had mine for many years. I believe it was made ~1978.

[IMG] Uploaded with ImageShack.us[/IMG]

Most accurate handgun I own or have owned

Love those Model 14s. Thanks for the good story. Rest the grip on a table and shoot it at 100 yards some day....will surprise you.

Pinned barrel, target hammer, target trigger! Such a deal! Glad you got it. It should be accurate enough not to hit the door frame.