Hello everyone,
I am new to the forum and have been a S&W owner for all of 4 days. My father gave me this revolver that was in my grandfather's gun case for what appears to be 35 yrs. It was in the original box with the receipt from Aug. 21, 1976. He paid $171 for it including a box of bullets and 2 leather holsters. My Dad said he took it out once on a deer hunt in 1976 and he unloaded it on a running deer and missed all 6 shots. He went home and put it in the gun case and never took it out again. I have the original box of bullets and in fact 6 are missing. The manual says it is a K-38 Combat Masterpiece Model 15. I was just wondering if anyone had some more information or thoughts on the gun or anything I should be aware if I decide to fire it? Thanks.

Attached Images

.38 SP.jpg (37.0 KB, 62 views)

Give it a good cleaning and shoot it. I would go easy on firing +p loads just use regular .38 specials. This is the adjustable sighted K frame .38. S&W has made a bazillion K frame .38s over the years. They are solid guns and great shooters. If you are new to revolvers or guns in general have a gunsmith look it over.

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Jim
Many K and N Frames

Probably a 15-3 if made in 1976. Look on the frame under the cylinder crane for the model number. Built on the K frame the 15 Combat Masterpiece is a classic S&W revolver. The Model 18 is the companion in 22 Long Rifle.

BTW- Shoot all the +P you want. It is loaded no hotter than a mild target load. All the hysteria surrounding +P is myth based on marketing hype.

If you want to shoot it and are new to shooting handguns, call Smith and Wesson and get a free owner's manual for it. Do you know someone who shoots handguns to go with you? It doesn't need cleaning after 6 rounds, just check to see that the barrel has no obstructions in it.

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Jim
S&WCA #819

I have to disagree with Hondo44.
I would definitely give it a good cleaning (and oiling), because it has sat for 35 years.

And I would also not worry one iota about +P ammo.
As SaxonPig said, today's +P is mostly a marketing hype.
I'd bet it's no hotter than the regular .38 spl of 1976.

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John 3:17
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+p should be fine, but I don't see the need.. I think the combat masterpiece is one of the finest revolvers built, enjoy it

Congratulations on the revolver from your Dad via your Grandfather. The good news is they are actually great shooters and very accurate. Your Dad just had an off day or maybe just maybe shooting at wild game with a revolver he wasn't quite comfortable with or hadn't practiced with made him miss. Anyway you need to shoot it and see how enjoyable it is and you will get very accurate with it with practice.

It just so happens my last purchase was my only model 15 a 15-4

Thanks everyone for the advice. I am not new to guns. I have been an avid hunter for 27 years and have a cabinet full of rifles and shotguns. However, I am rather new to handguns and sport shooting and I can't wait to taking this to the range.