Just got a .38 from my grandfather and i took it in to get a value of it. The gun shop says iys a k frame but it says model number is a 29 which they say isnt right for a .38. So my question is is there such a thing as a 38 k frame model 29 and if so what is it worth. It has a 4 inxh barrel and what looks like to be dear antler grips but not sure if thats right. Please help

The model 29 is a .44 magnum N frame so no.

Without more information including the serial number and pictures there is very little to go on.

Bruce

Caclanton;
We need more info to help you. Please repost with serial number, including any letter prefix (you can x out the last two or three if you prefer), and photos of bottom of butt, both sides of barrel, and yoke cut w/cylinder open.

Larry

Try to chamber a .38 special....if it falls thru the cylinders, its not a
38

Its a 28 model sorry. And on the bottom of the gun it says k then 1371xx
Then it also has 531xxx by the model number which is behind the cylinder when u open it. Hope this is enough info

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Not a Model 28. Looks like a Combat Masterpiece (pre Model 15) from 1952.

A model 28 would be a .357 N frame. A model 28 should have an ejector shroud, which I don't see one that gun unless somehow it's hiding in the shadows.

What makes you say it's model 28? I'd guess a model 15 if it's a 38 special with adjustable sights.

Isnt this the model number

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What appears inside the crane is an assembly number which can also be viewed with the side plate removed, stamped on the frame and used during the process of the revolver being assembled and useless after leaving the factory.

Since it appears to be a pre. Model 15 (Combat Masterpiece) K Frame the serial number will appear in several places but the number stamped on the butt is the official number. All the others should be the same, most visible being on back of the cylinder when open, on the barrel flat, also seen with the cylinder open. On the back of the ejector star and on the crane viewed through one of the cylinder bores. Sorry to have been so long winded but felt this information should be added.

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Sam
S&WHF 333 S&WCA 2198

So where can i find the offical model number since i guess the pictures i posted did not show it

The serial number should be on the bottom of the butt of the grip.

If you look between the two grip panels at the bottom there should be a number. That would be the serial number.

With the serial number and the experts on here that will know what it is they can confirm it for you and maybe even get a rough estimate of when it was shipped.

The model number may not show but it does look like a pre 15 or something along those lines.

As others have explained, this is not a model number. Neither are the 2 and 8 stamped above and below this number. Your gun dates to about early 1952, based on the serial number that you see on the butt - K1371xx. At that time, S&W revolvers did not have model numbers, they had model names. Yours was called a .38 Combat Masterpiece (frequently referred to as a K-38 Combat Masterpiece). Model numbered revolvers first started showing up on dealer shelves in 1958, several years after your gun was made.

The 53164 (you included one too many x marks in your post) is the "assembly number," used during the soft-fitting process. The 2 and the 8 are fitter's marks, used as part of the Quality Control process on the assembly floor. None of those are helpful in identifying your revolver.

You have a fairly nice example of a relatively early .38 Combat Masterpiece. The stocks are not original, but overall this is a fine revolver. Congrats!

Welcome to the S&W Forum. We hope you will stick around and benefit from the free exchange of information found on this site.

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

Before 1957, S&W didn't use model numbers. Like others have said, it is most likely a K-38 Combat Masterpiece, unofficially called the "Pre-Model 15" . . .

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Wisdom comes thru fear . . .

Answered in my post #12 above, which I was writing when you posted this question. Let us know if you have additional questions.

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

Value of the gun rough estimate if possible

No. Model numbers are not separated and placed above and below more numbers.

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Mike
S&WCA #3065

As a shooter I'd say $400, but up to $700 for someone who specifically wants a Pre-15. Others may know more about the value.

What you have is a K38 Combat Masterpiece and I put the manufacture date at 1950. They didn't begin stamping the model number on those revolvers until 1957. (As for the information you received at the gun shop - go to a different shop!)

Well, they were mostly right. It is a K frame, and Model 29 would be incorrect for a .38 caliber revolver. What they got wrong is the model number, since it doesn't have one.

A couple years ago, I was in a gun shop in Nevada and the guy had an early '50s S&W revolver. He tried to tell me it was a "Model 8" because of a fitter's mark in the yoke area. I helped him see the light. Lots of people who sell guns don't know the first thing about S&W revolvers.

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

If your gun shop expert identified it as you say, I would take my business elsewhere as he doesn't know what he is looking at. It is clearly a pre model number K38 Combat Masterpiece, This model would become the Model 15 after 1957 when Model numbers were first used. In the condition that is seen in the pictures I'd guess the value in the $450 to $550 range depending on what part of the country you are in.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

I read all the posts above, but I also want to say it's a K38 Combat Masterpiece or pre Model 15.

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Memory of Randy Freas-Rimfired