The early guns with narrow ribs had tapered barrels.
Smithnut:
Do the tapered barrels on these narrow rib K38s Masterpiece Pre-14s seem to have the same dimensions and taper as the 4 inch barrels used on the Combat Masterpiece of the same period?
Thus, I am wondering if the four inch Combat Masterpiece barrels made while these narrow rib tapered K38s were in production were shortened from the 6 inch tapered barrels on the K38s of this late 40s and 1950 to 1953 period.
I guess what I am asking is this: It is generally accepted that the Illinois State Police 5 inch revolvers of about 1957 were straight barrel K38s with the 6 inch barrels shortened to 5 inch and a Baughman ramp front sight on ramp base used.
I suppose I am wondering if the factory did the same thing with the tapered 6 inch barrel of the narrow rib K38 (i.e. shorten the 6 inch tapered barrel to make the 4 inch Combat Masterpiece).
Also, since the Missouri State Highway Patrol guns of October 1952 were 5 inch tapered barrels with the top corners of the frame beveled, do you think those barrels were made by shortening the 6 inch tapered barrel used on the narrow rib K38? I notice your narrow rib K38s have tapered barrels and beveled frame corners.
I am curious because I am trying to sort out in my mind if the Missouri revolvers, which were 5 inch models are correctly classified as Pre-15 Combat Masterpiece or Pre-14 K38.
To add to the confusion, the factory affixed labels to one end of the standard gold K38 box reading "Combat Masterpiece," on the 5 inch Missouri guns yet Roy's letter on said guns calls them Pre-14s.
Keep in mind, the Missouri guns have the features of the Combat Masterpiece, tapered barrels and beveled frame corners, except they are 5 inch guns and they were shipped in 1952 when the narrow rib tapered K38s were still in production.
What is your considered opinion?
Thank you.
Shawn McCarver
. At the end of the day, they are just an old law enforcement gun with great handling qualities.
). I am at work, but will check closely when I get home. I was kind of curious with your label having hand written "target stocks", did your come have target stocks on it? Mine came with a set of non-relief targets, but I wasn't sure if they would be "proper", as most duty guns from the era in K frames would most likely sport magnas. Just wondering.
