I just inherited a beautiful Smith 38 combat masterpiece, serial number 1K67199. Can anyone tell me where to find information on the manufacture date? This pistol is just excellent, but it has Pachmyr grips. I would love to find original wood grips for it thanks in advance.. Dixie in Texas

That would be about 1971.It most likely came with magna grips like these on the top gun

Your gun was probably sometime in 1971. I do not believe that you will get the date of manufacture, but somebody will be along to give you perhaps better info.

We need pictures to deal with your grip question

Welcome to the forum

Edit: sorry i missed the Pachs. Arjay is right about the grips

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Pete
I ain't no fortunate son

Late 71, early 72.

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Mike
S&WCA #3065

The correct grips would be like the bottom two in this picture. For my preference, I like the "optional" Target grips like the top two, but would not have the diamond center.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

Thanks guys. as soon as I figure out how to post pictures, I will. I really like the target grips in the pictures. Now to find some. I really love this pistol.

I have 3K24808 Aug. `71 ship date.
Jim

271642834_921031695218883_8789446970157883160_n.jpg271642834_921031695218883_8789446970157883160_n.jpg

Nice handgun. Your Combat would have had Square bottom Magnas, unless Targets were a special order.

Is that a Model 15?

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Mike
S&WCA #3065

Yes M15-3 K38 Masterpiece

Actually, Jimbo, just to clarify, it is a .38 Combat Masterpiece.

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

so sorry for the way my pictures look. Compared to the pictures in this thread, mine look terrible . Any body want to help me do a better job of this? I shoot better than I take pictures.

There are many members here that post excellent photos. I don't post many myself because mine aren't worthy either. I'll bet someone will be along shortly to help you.

The accessories classified section on this forum is a great place to find target or magna grips for your M15.

Any K frame square butt grips should fit fine.

Nice revolver! My photos are nothing special, but I do know more overhead light would help yours. Photos taken outside always seem better.

If your main purpose for your model 15 is to be a safe queen get the Magna grips. If you intend to do a lot of shooting keep the Pachmyrs on as they are very comfortable. There is a reason they replaced the original Magnas.

Welcome to the Forum! The Model 15 is a great revolver, and I'm sure that you will really enjoy shooting yours. Personally, I don't see the need for rubber stocks on a .38 Spl. revolver when shooting standard loads...maybe if you're shooting a bunch of +P or +P+ rounds- but those loads are not recommended for your revolver. Your Model 15 (-3?) most like shipped with the smaller magna stocks, similar to those on my 1962 Model 15-2 snubby. As you can see, a lot of folks use a Tyler T-grip or similar grip adapter to make those magna stocks a little more comfortable to hold and shoot. You may prefer to get a set of the larger K-frame Target stocks for yours- as other Forum members have mentioned, you can probably find a set here on the Forum by posting in the Want to Buy section. You can also find nice reproductions on eBay. Enjoy!

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Thanks to all who replied. I had a chance to shoot it Sunday. It is just excllent. Shoots where you point it. I actually like the Pachmyr grips, but still want the originals or reproductions. I have big hands , and the Pachmyrs work well.

I was fortunate enough to ask the previous owner of my 38 if he still had the original stocks.. He found them.. they are the target walnut. But, someone at some time mounted something on the bottom, there are two screw holes, one in each side . They cracked just a little. What would be mounted on the bottom of grips?

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Can't be sure but ite
looks like OP's gun
has target hammer and
target trigger.

Just for the OP's reference,
the target trigger is about
as wide as the trigger guard.

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Ubi Est Mea

At one time it was popular to put a metal plate on the butt of some sort, brass, steel, etc. I guess they wanted the extra weight, or perhaps they wanted to use it to nail up reward posters.

You mean revolver.

Nope- it has neither.

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Regards,
Lee Jarrett

One of my Model 27-2s has brass plates bonded (not screwed) to the bottom of its target stocks. Some folks allude that back in the day a few cops may have used them to help "persuade" a perp to surrender! However, they may also have been installed to protect the stocks or to use for engraving some name or event. Glad the previous owner still had the target stocks...you should be able to easily repair them. If you want a truly professional repair job, there are several Forum members who do outstanding work on stocks at reasonable rates. Good luck! Enjoy!

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I really like the look of those butt plates. I may try to make some. but would like to see if anyone on the forum makes them.