This Forum is much better than crack. The threads about the Air Force retiring their Model 15s and all the Combat Masterpiece threads made me do it and I could not be happier with my first K frame. I probably over paid by $50 t0 $75 bucks and I think I would do it again in a heartbeat. Honest wear and care, so its nice for a shooter like me. Range tomorrow. Thanks for letting me share my excitement.

One of my favorite models. Now you need to look for a 22 version.

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No life story has happy end.

Beautiful Revolver. You done good!! Time for a range report

Congrats! Such great shooting guns, you are in for a good day at the range tomorrow.

^^^ Enabler ^^^

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SWCA #3356, SWHF#611

You mean one like this? It's also a '51 model.
Tom Black

I agree with Art Doc.

A K-38 & K-22 Combat Masterpiece Pair is perfection in each hand. Every S&W Enthusiast should have a pair of these in their collection. I have 2 sets - my traveling pair with Target Hammers, and a 'Safe Queen' pair with Speed Hammers. Well matched, nicely balanced and very functional. I prefer mine setup with Target Stocks (Relieved on the K-38 & Non-Relieved on the K-22, for quick ID).

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Mitch
SWCA 2438

Thanks for the kind words regarding my new to me pre 15. Ah hm, the next item on my unofficial 2019 list is a Model 18. As I was filling out the 4473 yesterday the owner of my LGS put a blue box on the counter. When he opened it a pre 18 was revealed! From the same consignment lot as my K38. In better condition, but sans grips, $850. C***!

We wouldn't know what that's like.

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You're shy a few manners.

Looks good to me. I always pay too much most of the time!!!

so, I'm really jealous of those stocks, very nice get.

What it is like to shoot a K frame, Joy! It really is. Smooth and soft in the best of ways. After 30 or so rounds I used a rest and some minor sight adjustments easily dialed it in. The best part? Sharing a S&W classic with younger friends at the range. The young ones may not grasp the history or understand that a Combat Masterpiece is a piece of industrial art, but they can't help but be impressed by it and I can see them really think about shooting it. I am really happy that it is my turn to use and care for this pistol for awhile.

I kinda' like 'em myself...

Attached Images

Combat Masterpiece.jpg (107.3 KB, 175 views)

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Living a dream - S&WCA #2364

WOW!

Bob

I like them so much that I have 14 of them. From a 5 digit 1950 vintage to a -3 from 1969. Have one from every year in the 1950's but still need several from the early 1960's to complete the set. Took couple of them out last week with WC and SWC ammo. Man, talk about relaxing!! You have a good start on a great collection! Congratulations.

If you got what you wanted you paid the right price

What's the difference between Target and Speed hammers?
Very beautiful piece OP. I love vintage S&W pistolas!

Super looking pre-15. In a short while the 'overpaid' will likely fade into the distance, especially after a range session. Good luck on getting the .22 version Model 18 if I recall correctly.

I carried my model 15 so I had to have a .22 version, it took a good long while to find one that was affordable.

I like your thinking, Pal. I have never thought I paid too much if it's something I wanted. Problem I have is, I want them all!

Agreed! Thank You, Bob

they will probably get me in trouble, I am not in trouble for the K38. They currently have a Pre 18, .22 , in 10% better condition
than the K38 I just bought on Tuesday. They are asking $850. No grips, but they will provide non correct grips. I am fortunate and grateful that I can afford to get the Pre 18 financially, but Honey might be mildly displeased. Both of these Models were on my list for the upcoming Colorado Gun Collectors Show in mid May. So... any thoughts?

Thanks

ps. enabling is always welcome!

Buy that Pre 18 now and don't look back.

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Living a dream - S&WCA #2364

Sigh... If I could ever find a 1950 in .38 or .22...

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Heavily armed old man.

The target hammer has a wider spur.

There is no such thing as a "Speed Hammer." The intended reference is to the short throw hammer that S&W introduced in 1948. It had a shorter throw than the prewar hammer and S&W advertised it as a "High Speed" Hammer. See the reference on a box from the late 1940s here:


And here is a photo of the subject hammer (this one is from 1952):


Finally, this picture shows a comparison between the High Speed hammer (right) and a target hammer (left) The gun on the left is a Model 15 Combat Masterpiece and the one on the right is a 5" Combat Masterpiece from 1952.

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

The owner will find some S&W grips. I will work on Honey. I knew I should have done the deed when I first saw it, that actually might have been easier in some strange way than doing it a week later.

Thanks, Bob

The pre-18 sounds a tad high. Wait for the Colorado show. You will find one there, I will wager. A few years back I was in the market for a great 29-2 but couldn't find one close enough to actually handle it. I went to the show and found 5 or 6 at the first three tables I looked at. Might have been luck. It got better from there in terms of eye candy. Don't go without your cash limit in your pocket. Sadly, my pocket is now empty so I don't go any more.

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Some collect art; I shoot it!

The pre-18 sounds a tad high. Wait for the Colorado show. You will find one there, I will wager. A few years back I was in the market for a great 29-2 but couldn't find one locally. I went to the show and found 5 or 6 at the first three tables I looked at. Might have been luck.

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Some collect art; I shoot it!

WOW! Thanks so much for that tutorial! Very nice pieces too. Hmm, I wonder if all S&W boxes show what type of hammer comes with the revolver? I'm buying a 66-no dash and the box doesn't say anything for the type of trigger or hammer.
Again thanks for the lesson.

By sometime around 1960 or so, paper labels on the end of the box top had little boxes for the hammer and trigger type. If checked, a target hammer or target trigger was on the gun when it shipped. Here's an illustration:


Later, the folding boxes had computer printed labels that were different. Those were succeeded by hinged plastic boxes.

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

I have 2 Model 15's in my possession. My Dad's 1953, and my 1976 version. Can't be beat for accuracy.

I have shot many pre 1951 versions. Best to compare today's modern plastic guns. Anytime my shooting partner gets a new toy that has been "massaged" by the local gunsmiths, I always take mine to see if he can beat it. Hasn't so far. Double or single action.

My dad's is all original with some barrel holster wear earned on duty as a police officer. Mine has been modified with new cylinder and center pin, and of course Pachmyr grips.

Best pistol to use to teach someone to shoot and then bridge out with more modern auto's.

Oh, om. My box doesn't have the checks on the trigger and hammer type. I guess it has standard hardware?

Correct. At least it did when it left the factory.

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

I should probably start another thread, but so many of you have shared very good information here regarding K38s, 15s, K22s and 18s, for which I am very grateful, that I will leave a few thoughts here.

1. Wow, K38s are so smooth and well made!


2. I like my LGS. They are located in hostile territory and I enjoy supporting them. My recent purchase covers me there. They have a very nice pre 18, maybe too nice, for me and a pre 28, and an Inglis. All of which may be a future purchase of mine. If they get sold, good for my LGS.

3. The Colorado Gun Collectors Show is worth attending! With a pocket (or two) full of cash. Last year I got my Eddystone there for less than a 1/3 of what I was prepared to spend. I should be able to find an 18/K22 there. And it is fun to go with an item in mind.

4. I am chasing a unicorn. I love revolvers and while I prefer S&W for some reason I would like to acquire a Manurhin Mr73 and I have feeling that should I come across one at the show (possible) it will take a lot (all) of my current slush fund.

5. Yep, I am excited about the show in six weeks and will gratefully enjoy my new to me K38 in the meantime.

Bob

Spent yesterday at the amazing Colorado Gun Collectors Show, then stopped by my LGS and purchased this Pre 18. I'm very happy and might even make it to the range today.

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