I need general info on the K-38 Target Masterpiece revolver for a friend of mine such as likes, dislikes and is it a good potential collectors piece. To be honest, I'm not sure that I've posted this request in the right place. Any info will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Not too sure which model you mean but I carried a Model 15 as my issued weapon for years and loved it. Shot high expert, 97% +, easily w/that revolver.

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Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)

The Model 14 is generally considered the best K-frame for target shooting, as it has a 6" or 8-3/8" barrel and Patridge sights. Other things to look for would be the wide .500" target hammer, .500" target trigger and the various version of target stocks (grips). Anything before 1957 would be called a K-38. After 1957 it was the Model 14 and Model 15 (4" or 2" barrel).

I’m guessing from your location, you’re strictly interested in target shooting, in which case the Model 14 (6 inch barrel) is probably the best choice. As for “collector value”, I think it’s safe to say that a reasonably well cared for K-38 Masterpiece will never lose any value, and will likely appreciate some. They are some of the finest handguns ever made, and they don’t make them anymore. Good shootin’,
Doug

I have a 14-2 SAO, from the factory, 3T's, 6", and it is without a doubt the finest target revolver I own. You can't go wrong with any K38 or Model 14.

The actual K38 Masterpiece is older than 1957, before they put model numbers on the crane yoke. The Model 14 or Model 14-XX is the newer revolver. In general they are very accurate and well liked. For a collector the older the better.

My pre 14 number k38 target masterpiece 6” revolver is a work of art. Build by real craftsman. The action is so smooth. Seeing how smooth my k22 is I went after the pre 15 model number combat masterpiece 4” barrel too. If you have a chance to get the pre model number k38’s grab them. I’m very impressed with these.

I was a class A machine erector/builder. I gave every machine my best workmanship. I remember building three lathes for GE jet engine. They were so accurate the round test part we turned was more round than the federal test fixture. All three machines were the same. Back then we cared about quality. If the machinest with the bare casting did his job right and the metal scraper did his job right I gave you my best workmanship you got a great accurate machine. Now they think they can remove the human hands on and replace us with a CNC drive. We have lost the old timers hands on tricks of the trade. I was lucky to have worked with the last of the old timers.

kidcom, you have different availabilities there than we have here, that’s a fact, but if your friend can find an older example of the K-38/Model 14, preferably one with pinned barrel, it should be of a vintage to have good quality and usability. My own K-38 is vintage 1948 and is a personal favorite, but I recently bought a Model 14-3 to use for a custom build and if I were looking for a nice shooter K-38, it would have been fine just as it was. I hope this will help with your search.

Froggie

As for likes and dislikes, I especially like the large amount of control and feedback provided by the wide target trigger. The sights are excellent and easy to line up for a precise shot. The process of loading, aiming, shooting and ejecting offers the satisfaction of being one with a finely built machine.

When did the model 14 get discontinued? I owned a NEW 14-3 (I think - 6" bbl, .500 trigger, .500 hammer). One of the sweetest pistols I ever had. Sold it for a Gold Cup.

Now I'm looking for one again to punch paper, and S&W doesn't build them any longer. Thanks.

Somebody needs to add pictures! My -3. Bob

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My 1949-1950 k38

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The only problem with K38's/14's is when you miss you can't blame the gun.
I have an 8 3/8" that will shoot quarter size groups all day with wad-cutters, if I do my part...

I need to take more pictures, but I like this one so I'll post it again. My 14-3 with the long barrel and wood grips from Thailand. Note the wide target trigger and hammer.

My 14-2. (It's the one in the middle)

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My K-38 Target Master was a marvel...until I began to have problems. Difficulty opening the cylinder. Jammed once; had a good gunsmith get it open. Still having difficulty. Considering sending it to S&W. Any suggestions from anyone? It's still beautiful!

I may have completed a "Quick Reply" already. My K-38 Target Masterpiece was just that...a target masterpiece. Then, I began having difficulty opening the cylinder, and it jammed once with several unfired rounds and required a good gunsmith to get it open. Still having problems, so I'm not shooting it. Thinking of sending it back to S&W. Any suggestions? Thanks!

I have a couple of model 14's - a no dash four screw and a 14-3. The 14-3 is one of my most accurate revolvers, and I have a lot of revolvers. The quality is very high on these guns, and I believe they are more than just "model 10's with long barrels and adj. sights," though I can't really prove that they were purposely built to a higher level than fixed sight K frames.

The value on these has gone up since I bought mine. I personally believe that the combat versions of these guns (aka model 15) are a little better value. My impression is that they are made to the same high level as the model 14, but are more plentiful as they were more practical for carry and defense. My '53 K-38 Combat Masterpiece is a rival with my 14-3 as my most accurate centerfire handgun, and may even have a slight edge.