Took a tip from a good source that these don't pop up all the time with the tapered barrel so I got it a few weeks back. Numbers match throughout, but the front sight is not a classic Patridge, I'm concerned it was replaced. This gun has seen little shooting wear, but the front sight does have a ding on it indicating a knock into something hard somewhere along the line. The stock panel pic showing a small bit of white lint on it isn't a mar to the finish, it blew off once I saw the photo.

The front sight has been altered. It was a Patridge blade, which had
a vertical rear face. Someone cut off the top corner of the rear face,
resulting in that angular cut on the rear face.

Mike Priwer

Way cool gun. I have two in my collection, # K 39023 shipped 8-16-1948, and # K 75735 shipped 5-1949. Both have boxes and one has tools. Looks like someone added a taller front sight as maybe the gun shot too high and could not be adjusted by the rear sight. I had a similar problem with a M617. Had to take off the patridge and install a baughman ramp that was somewhat higher. I think I love the tapered bbl. K-38 more than any Smith. Need to find a one liner now. Congrats on your find. Big Larry

I have a similar K38 from 1951 which had the similar alteration done to the front sight. It cost me dearly to find an original Patridge front sight to replace it with. But, I'm happy I did it and returned the K38 to it's original configuration.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

I have seen quite a few '48-'50 'K's come out of the woodwork lately. Many are in 90-99% condition. I wonder why.
I fear Mother Nature is the reason.

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Field Researcher. IGC

Blackcloud2, here is a picture of my 1949 K-38 narrow rib variation. You can see what the original Patridge sight looked like. Mine has the factory trigger stop installed, it looks like yours does not. Is there a slot in the frame behind the trigger ?

Hey Wally. How about a complete serial number? Mine is # K 75735, no XXX's. Maybe a twin to yours. Big Larry

Very nice K-38. I have the nearby K78197, which has a wide-rib heavy barrel and must be one of the first revolvers produced with the HB option. The narrow rib tapered barrel was available as an option for several more months, but at the time yours was produced I suspect it was probably the only option.

It has been said before but I'll say it again. The HB guns may shoot a little better with the extra forward weight, but the tapered barrel guns have better visual appeal. You have a good one. Congratulations.

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David Wilson

With 32 S&W's in my collection, I have to say, these two are my favorites. I also have a 5 screw and two 4 screw Target Masterpieces. I actually love em all. or I would not have so many. Big Larry

Walter, I just got back from shooting (not this gal!) and the slot is there in the frame. I checked a 1952 HB version and it has the stop installed. Did this come as an option or would a previous owner have it removed? The screws are so clean that it doesn't look as if the sideplate has been off, but I'm no expert.

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DC, I have K76933 and it is a HB variation, so it occured earlier. I believe there was another thread about that some time back. To shoot the tapered or light barrel guns requires a lot more concentration and follow through which is not so required with the HB variation. I have found that to be the case with the 1950 & 1955 45 acp guns.

That is a nice piece the OP has and they are more visually stimulating to me as well.