To make a convoluted story simple, I blundered into a pair of 1954 vintage Combat Masterpieces (4"bbl): a K-22 and K-38. For me, a dream deal: both for $825; from a family friend of the original owner (now deceased).

Considering they are 56 years old, both revolvers are in top shape. Both have ‘K’ serial numbers, 5 screw side plate, and original ‘diamond’ grips; but no boxes. Both have been shot, but not much; seldom holstered, and; well maintained and carfully stored. Based upon the photo and description of the PPGS rating system in the Blue Book of Gun Values, the K-22 is at least as good as the 95% Kit Gun example. The K-38 is in much better condition, but I wouldn’t say it is 98%.

Anyways, here is my dilemma. I am not a collector; I have guns to shoot. On the other hand, I don’t want to screw up a piece of heritage. Are these a collectable item that should be put in the safe? Or, do I go ahead and (gently) enjoy them on the range and in the field?

Gently shoot them. These things were made to be shot.
Don't abuse them, but definatly use them.

It's a nobrainer for me. They're made to shoot. Yes, be gentle with them, and take good care of them, but shoot them. They're Combat Masterpieces - let them experience a little make-believe combat.

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I have two trigger fingers

There is a lot of collector interest in five-screw combat masterpiece models, but that does not mean they should be treated like newly discovered Picassos or kept under a bell jar in the library. Shoot them. I have a few five-screw Masterpiece models (but no combat versions yet), and they all get shot. Then after the range trip they get carefully cleaned, oiled, socked, and put back in the safe until the next range trip.

Shoot them and care for them. That's all.

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David Wilson

I agree, shoot them. I have both these models, the 38 was made in 1950 and the 22 in 1954. They are both great shooters and the 38 is a real tack driver. They are really fun to shoot.

Enjoy them and take good care of them as well.

Hello
As Other's have all ready said, They are fine guns but Not Rare in any form. They Later were assigned the model numbers of 15 & 18. Your's are both Pre-Model Series revolvers as the model number stamping came along in 1957 time span. I Guees what I am tyrying to say here is, They made a lot of them, so enjoy them and shoot them like you stole em... and remember your friend each time you fire them at the range

That's it in a nut shell.

Many thanks, fellows. Shooting them was my gut feeling, but I wanted some peer feedback before I porked the pooch.

I am going to 'enjoy' them tommorw (Wedsenday) afternoon at about 2:30 pm.

I'd shoot them also. And $825 for both? A great deal!

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Misty

I can't think of many S&W revolvers (that were made after 1900) that I wouldn't shoot just a little, at least, except for the ones with aluminum cylinders maybe

Shoot them and enjoy them. You got a great deal, congrats.

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Aaron Terry

I can't advise you as to what YOU should do. I can only state what I would do. I shoot my guns. All of them. Even the ones that were in pristine condition when I acquired them. YOU have to decide what YOU want to do with your guns.

Me, I only care about what makes me happy. What makes me happy is shooting my guns. Not keeping them for posterity.

Your pair pf CMs sounds familiar, BTW.

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No life story has happy end.

I doubt that I would carry them around out in the world much, but I would definitely shoot them!

Enjoy them, shoot them, maintain them, say "Thank you" each time you enjoy them for the priveledge of being a cog in the wheel of ownership. When you are old and gray, find someone who will enjoy them as much as you have, pass them down and make sure they understand the heritage behind the chain of ownership.
You are a lucky guy to have been given the oportunity to keep them for awhile.
RD

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Got a Phd from Hard Knocks U

Got the pair too. Pre 15 & 18. I shoot the hound out of them. Good guns.Both of mine date from 1954(my birth year) too.
Enjoy.

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S&W Accumulator

I will admit I have wimped out. I acquired two Masterpieces, a K-22 and K-38, in a similar fashion some 10 years or more in the past. Both are in 98% plus condition and as a result, I have fired neither since getting them. They are late 40's and early 50's respectively. I paid $450 total for both from a family member who was handling the estate. $225 each at the time was a good but not great deal, however their condition indicated they were rarely, if ever, fired so I went ahead.

I had/have a Model 17 6inch with target hammer and trigger, as they often were in the mid-70's, so have never 'needed' to shoot the 22. For years I wanted to shoot the K-38 but never did, having plenty of other K frames in 357 to provide enjoyment. Then several month ago I lucked onto a 1951 K-38 in a small gun shop in Palm Springs. It is roughly 95%, from careful handling and undoubtedly considerable firing. It is very tight, rust free and a fantastic shooter.

In summary, I have not chosen to shoot my 'collector' K's in that I have other shooters in the same configuration. I look at it as being practical. But I heartily agree with all here......if you shoot them with care and clean them throughly, they can be used forever without fear of devaluation.