K38 Masterpiece? Year and value help

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Castloader

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Good morning all, serial lurker here. I’m considering a purchase of a revolver at the LGS. The salesman is calling it a “pre model 14”. It’s a 5-screw, SN K931XX. I’m guessing this is a K38 Masterpiece. Says 38 S&W SPECIAL CTG on the barrel. Unshrouded ejector. Finish looks to be about 90-95% or so by my untrained eye with some slight holster wear near the muzzle. Action is tight, bore looks good. No box or papers. Checkered magna grips, probably original. Looks like the standard hammer and trigger (not the wide target version). Seems consistent with pre-55 Masterpiece. I’m looking to get into something semi-heirloom to teach my son how to shoot and take care of as well as pass on to him down the road. I’ve heard those old Masterpieces lived up to the name.

I’ve been “raised” on semi-auto’s and just recently caught the revolver bug. I shot a buddy’s model 19 with triple-T’s and I just couldn’t miss even if I tried. I have a couple modern .357’s but I shoot 38’s predominantly for the economy and fun factor. Neither of my 357’s are as accurate or fun as that model 19. As my username suggests, I cast and handload, so this gun will be a target/plinking gun. I’m looking for something accurate, beautiful, fun and attention-getting that I’d be proud to bequeath someday. From what I read, an old Masterpiece sounds like the ticket. A few questions:

1) what year of production am I looking at?
2) whats a reasonable price range here?
3) Am I wrong about it being a true K38 Masterpiece?

Thanks in advance.
 
Don't know what area of the country you are located in, but this is a "bad time" to be looking for used guns that are in high demand.

You are right that the old Masterpiece's are excellent guns for exactly what you want. The 38 is classic. The one your looking at maybe even has the diamond checkered stocks.

Price wise for condition you have noted would normally be a $800 gun around here (central coastal VA), but since there are none to be had at all......tad under $1,000 ($995, etc.) seems to be the new normal if one is seen on a private sale, etc.

LGS's just do not have to "deal" at all these days. If a S&W, or Colt wheelgun comes in it doesn't even last a day, and these are being sold with no ammo availability!

Your LGS probably knows (or at least checks on-line) with closed auctions on GB and see's these high knockdown prices, also knows the buyer has to add shipping, and transfer fees so they may be pricing at GB closed prices and see if it sells.

I would say if you can get it, and it is truly in the condition you've noted, mechanically checks out for somewhere around $800 you will be fine.

As to the year, SCSW, 4th edition lists 1950 serial range to be K84150 to K104047.
 
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Welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass! The K-22 and K-38 Masterpieces were designed for target shooting and are excellent choices for a legacy heirloom. They both are selling in the $700-$1000 range depending on condition. Occasionally, you can find a local F2F sale for less if you are patient. Since you liked the M19, why not look for one. A 4" version is somewhat lower in price than 2" and also in the range of values as the Masterpieces. IOW, don't limit yourself to Masterpieces only. There are a lot of choices for a shooter hand-me-down.
 
Welcome to actual participation on the S&W Forum, Castloader. :)

Yes, it is a K-38 Masterpiece and, as cmansguns noted, it probably left Springfield in 1950. The K-38 became the Model 14 in 1958.

If you can get it for a reasonable price ($800, give or take) you won't regret buying it. I suggest casting up some 158 grain Keith type bullets and load away. Bullseye and Red Dot powder both work well for .38 Special target loads.
 
Thanks everyone. He’s asking $900, I might bite. I appreciate the assist with the year and model. One follow-up question:

I read another post where a member was claiming better metallurgy in the late 50’s models. I also really liked the target trigger and grips on the 19 so I might pass this up for a later model with those. Regarding the question on the 19, for some reason I’m attracted to a dedicated .38, and a longer barrel. Is it worth picking up a later model 14 vs the original Masterpiece? Where’s the sweet spot shootability-wise?
 
Castloader,
I've got a pre-14, a 14-2, 14-3 and just recently acquired a 14-4. I bought the 14-4 because it had the three Ts and all the others did not.
Be patient and you may find another, but I wouldn't pass up the pre-14 you're talking about. If you do, you'd be giving up the opportunity to be shooting a great .38 target gun while you keep an eye out for another, or a model 19. By the way, my LGS recently had a model 19 with target trigger, hammer and a 6" barrel with patridge sight! Reading your post makes me wish I'd brought it home.
You should also keep a eye on the classified section of the forum; K frame target triggers and hammers come up for sale on occasion and often they can be drop in replacements.
The 14s also shoot very well with 148 grain wadcutters and light charges of Bullseye or Red Dot.
George
 
The "improved metalugy" matter with respect to non-magnum revolvers is largely mythology. There simply is no significant different on that front between an early 1950s K-38 and any of the Model 14 revolvers. Hence, that would not be a factor with respect to the unit you are looking at.

Regarding the question on the 19, for some reason I’m attracted to a dedicated .38, and a longer barrel.
Click to expand...
I get that. I own and shoot several Combat Magnum revolvers. But for target work I much prefer my various K-38s, both the model marked guns and the older units.

From the standpoint of collectiblity and price appreciation, you will likely be better off with the example from 1950. Fewer five screw units were made (1947-1956) than any of the Model 14s except the -1, and maybe the original 14. In addition, the "mystique" of the five screw frame can provide an edge on collectiblity.

Where’s the sweet spot shootability-wise?
Click to expand...
I have them all, and I don't think there is one.
 
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Wow, you guys are great, thanks a bunch. I've got some thinking to do regarding my trigger, hammer and grip preferences. Since I'm looking for a shooter more than a safe queen, I may hold out for a later model with the 3 T's. I couldn't get over how nice it was to shoot that gorgeous girl.
 
I have several 50s Five screws. You can..as I have done.. Add target hammers, smooth or target triggers, on the short action models.
I keep the original parts in their boxes. My long time friend is my 35+ yr gunsmith and FFL..
I did my own work before, but now use my bud
for action parts setups. You can set up the Smith as you like while having the orig 5 screw
configuration. It doesnt have to be either or...😁
As most here may recall..the factory sold action parts in the past to enthusiasts to
add to their current guns..hammers, triggers,
and stocks. While many like keeping their revolvers original, the factory parts made it accessable
to have yours configured as you wanted one.
The problem now is that there are fewer and fewer good gunsmiths to help you achieve
that at a reasonable cost with quality workmanship..FWIW..
 
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You described the grips as "probably original". If they are not serial matching, that would be a bargaining point with the seller.

Sounds like a nice revolver. If you buy it I'd lay money that it won't be your last S&W.
 
In that serial range could be either a narrow rib or a wide rib "Heavy" Masterpiece, will be in the dull satin blue finish unless special ordered in bright blue or refinished.

Condition and originality are the most important factors in a collectable old SW.
For shooters its mechanical condition and price.
IMO if the gun is LNIB with docs / original grips $900 is very fair, if it's a shooter with finish issues and non OEM stocks not so much.
On a side note you should be aware that the SW factory reportedly will not work on any pre model marked guns (pre 1957-58 ish).

I would not rule out newer guns priced more reasonably, I have a 14-6 that is one of the best shooters in my collection.
Lots of good info here on the forum.
Best of look in your search and be sure to post pics.
 
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I think you will regret passing that one up. They don't come along every day, and they don't build them like that anymore. Just my 2 Cents....

WR
 
In my limited experience, there is not a lot of difference in quality or accuracy from the first 38 Masterpiece through the various changes. Also, not a big difference in price. Folks here probably know about Simpson, Ltd, a gun dealer in Galesburg, Illinois.He has a good website, a bunch of Model 14s for sale and he is not insane with asking prices. You can check his list for info on prices of various models. For a legacy gun, I advise staying with the Model 14. It is the quintessential S&W revolver. Anyone who is able to develop some skill in shooting a revolver will be able to shoot a Model 14 very well.
 
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Ok, so full disclosure, that model 19 I borrowed massively helped me win a service match where I couldn’t seem to improve my score with a semi auto. Using that revolver for the first time, I almost shot a perfect score. I was blown away by how big of a difference the pistol made, at least in my hands. I guess you could say I was wooed by the swan song of the wheelgun...

Thanks for the info about Simpson, I’ll check them out.
 
Since you asked, try to get that (or a similar) K-38 for somewhere in the $600-800 price range (depending on market and cosmetic condition-excellent mechanical condition is a must!) Then find a Lyman 358156 mould and go crazy casting and loading. I don’t think you will be able to wear it out. Since I’m not casting 38s as much as I used to, my 1948 vintage K-38 mostly gets fed swaged hollow based wad cutters, and moulds for these as well as the double ended variety are commonly available too.

Froggie
 
I noticed that prices on some auction/listing sites have gone up 10-20% in the last 6 months on used pistols and revolvers. I've been looking for a model 15 for awhile but I think I'll just wait this market out.

The only sane prices I've seen have been on forums that have a market place. Just purchased a pistol on one that was a square deal. I just mentioned I was looking for a certain model and boom, had a deal going.
 
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I just settled on a beautiful 14-4 TTT on GB for $665. Not as vintage, but in great condition and has everything I want for a much more reasonable price. I appreciate all the help, you all are the best of the internet in my book.
 
K-38s and 14s are probably the best S&W bargain right now. Most of the action is in the magnums and rimfires.
 
Yea, I can reload (with components bought before the madness) for way cheaper than rimfire, so I've been getting out of that game. I'm just looking for a fabulous plinker and I think I found it.
 
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