K 38 5 inch barrel serial number k 79xxx

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mopro

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I have seen multiple posts about the two law enforcement special orders ,(I think it was Missouri and Illinois State patrols)of 5 inch K-38s but the serial number range is much higher than the gun I have. I assume mine is just a private special order. I have not pursued a SW letter yet, but will eventually. Just wondered if anyone has any info on it. It dates to 1949 as far as I can tell.20170722_182425.jpg
 
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Quite interesting. It is a K-38 Heavy Masterpiece that probably shipped in late 1949 or early 1950, based on the serial number. The 5" barrel is definitely odd, so I suspect it was a special order unit. I have never encountered a 5" barrel on a Heavy Masterpiece this early. The letter should be very interesting - you definitely should order one.

The stocks are period correct. Have you checked for the serial number?
 
thanks for your reply. I have not pulled the grips yet but will next time I get into the safe. I assume they will be marked in pencil or stamped with serial if original?
 
Was hoping someone would show the differences in the frames between the Pre Model 14 and 15, or maybe post a link here if there are pictures and descriptions somewhere on this site already.
 
YeshuaIsa53 said:
Was hoping someone would show the differences in the frames between the Pre Model 14 and 15 . . .
Click to expand...
Initially there was no difference. But when the Heavy Masterpiece was introduced, the frame boss just behind the barrel changed. On the Combat Masterpiece, it remained the same because that model continued to have the tapered barrel. On the K-38 Heavy Masterpiece, which became standard sometime around 1954, the frame boss was changed to accommodate the new barrel profile.

Here are illustrative photos:
Combat Masterpiece; frame boss tapered to the side:
1751572521517.png

K-38 Heavy Masterpiece; frame boss is flat:
1751572569343.png
 
Show us a pic of the muzzle. Are there any marks beside the serial number on the barrel?
Are there any service marks on the left side of the frame under the grip?
 
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