K-38

[DEMARTJF]

Hello. new member, first post.


I have a S&W, K-38-1 purchased in 1961, It has a 5 inch barrel, all the searches I made only call out 6 or 8 inch barrels, do I have an oddball or did S&W make a 5 inch version also. Any info will be appreciated.


John

 

[Bullet Bob]

S&W did make some 5 inch K38's, but mainly in the 1950's, as far as I know.

Please don't be insulted if we ask if you're measuring from the front of the cylinder, or the frame. If it's not statedin a post it's good to ask.

We'd love to see pictures, and maybe even a partial serial number with "xx" substitued for the last two numbers to protect your privacy.

 

[weatherby]

Hi John and welcome.
They did indeed make some 5" ones.
Pictures and more details will help to authentic if it came that way.

 

[-BTM-]

Hello. new member, first post.


I have a S&W, K-38-1 purchased in 1961, It has a 5 inch barrel, all the searches I made only call out 6 or 8 inch barrels, do I have an oddball or did S&W make a 5 inch version also. Any info will be appreciated.


John

What’s the -1 represent?

 

[TheTinMan]

What’s the -1 represent?

An engineering change from the K-38 (without dash). Many S&W revolvers went from having a name to a two digit number, then subsequent variations on that number.

For example, I own a .44 Magnum, a Model 29, 29-1 and a 29-3. While I don’t own one, the 29-4E and 29-5 brought in several engineering changes commonly referred to as the “endurance package”.

 

[Crookedcreek]

What’s the -1 represent?

First engineering design change on that model.

 

[murphydog]

There were two batches of 5" Target sighted K frame .38 Specials for law enforcement. The first was in the early 1950s for the Missouri State Highway Patrol with tapered barrels, usually known as a .38 Combat Masterpiece, and the second in the late 1950s for the Illinois State Police with heavy barrels or K-38 Masterpieces.

Factory contract overruns were sold through standard commercial channels, or it is also possible for a gun to have a replacement barrel. If it is original, there should be a matching barrel serial number on the flat near the extractor rod, covered with the cylinder in battery.

 

[cgt4570]

I agree that you please verify you're measuring the barrel length correctly. The entire barrel is the barrel length, from front of cylinder to end or bore. Ignore the frame. It isn't part of the barrel!

And pics!!!

 

[murphydog]

What’s the -1 represent?

He may have meant "K-38 'I' bought...", or possibly it is stamped MOD 14 (or 15) -1. This would lower the odds it has an original 5" barrel.

OP, here is a good post with ID details.

To IDENTIFY your Gun >

 

[DEMARTJF]

I did make a wrong measurement. It is 6inches from the end of the barrel to where it meets the cylinder.


Thanks all for the replies.


John

 

[Bullet Bob]

You still have one of the best handguns for shooting ever made, and from a great time period. Hope you enjoy it a lot.

 

[H Richard]

Here's a K38, 5" as ordered by the IL State Police for a shooting team. Ship date 7/3/57. There were also some MO State Police that ordereed 5" guns. The IL guns were heavy barrel and the MO were standard barrel, If I recall correctly.

 

[Wrangler Rich]

Here's a K38, 5" as ordered by the IL State Police for a shooting team. Ship date 7/3/57. There were also some MO State Police that ordereed 5" guns. The IL guns were heavy barrel and the MO were standard barrel, If I recall correctly.

Ok, no disrespect intended, but that target is labelled 30 rounds in 10 seconds. Is that correct? If it is, wow that is awesome 5 or 6 reloads....


No way could I do that.

WR

 

[JP@AK]

the MO were standard barrel, If I recall correctly.

Correct. The MSHP revolvers were Combat Masterpiece units with the special order 5" barrels (tapered configuration). Here are pictures of mine. It shipped from Springfield on October 3, 1952.

 

[H Richard]

Ok, no disrespect intended, but that target is labelled 30 rounds in 10 seconds. Is that correct? If it is, wow that is awesome 5 or 6 reloads....


No way could I do that.

WR

The 10 Seconds was the normal "Rapid Fire" for 5 rounds NRA bullseye. I shot that 6 times on this target. 12 yards. I did not fire all those rounds in 10 seconds.