Just picked up an old K-frame 38 Special with 5-inch barrel and fixed sights. I believe she was made 1948-52. Appears to be in great shape and smooth as butter. I've always wanted a 5-inch pencil barrel 38 K-frame but never thought I would find one in this good of shape. Serial number is C 199179. Could someone help me narrow down the year of production? I would appreciate it greatly.
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Pre-model 10 K-frame 38 Special 5-inch
- Thread starter Hotdog386
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Alk8944
US Veteran
The year should be 1951 for this SN, probably late in the year.
My two favorite revolver barrel lengths are 6 1/2" and 5". Unfortunately the 6 1/2" K-Frame guns haven't been made since about 1910!
I have several K and N-Frame 5" guns though.
I have a 5" M&P in the same time frame as yours, but it is a franken-gun. Barrel and stocks match, frame and cylinder match. I bought it before realizing this! Why this was done who knows.
My two favorite revolver barrel lengths are 6 1/2" and 5". Unfortunately the 6 1/2" K-Frame guns haven't been made since about 1910!
I have several K and N-Frame 5" guns though.I have a 5" M&P in the same time frame as yours, but it is a franken-gun. Barrel and stocks match, frame and cylinder match. I bought it before realizing this! Why this was done who knows.
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Beautiful post war metal artistry. Not to shabby for a 73 yr. old gun.
Late 1951 is probably right. I show a 4" unit at C189212 that shipped in November, 1951.
I show a 2" unit at C201821 that also shipped in November, 1951.
The usual caveat applies: To be certain would require a letter, since shipping was not in serial order.
The 5" guns were actually very common as police service weapons when cops still walked. When the moved to vehicles the 5" were too long without a swivel holster for most cops and 4" became more common. They are neat weapons.
I like the 5" barrel also. Here are a few from my collection:
.32-20 Target shipped March, 1904.
.38 M&P shipped February, 1926.
.38 M&P shipped March, 1946.
.32 M&P shipped April, 1948.
.38 Combat Masterpiece special order shipped October, 1952.
Not a K frame, but here is a 1974 Model 27-2 with the 5" barrel.
.32-20 Target shipped March, 1904.
.38 M&P shipped February, 1926.
.38 M&P shipped March, 1946.
.32 M&P shipped April, 1948.
.38 Combat Masterpiece special order shipped October, 1952.
Not a K frame, but here is a 1974 Model 27-2 with the 5" barrel.
Onward now to the 2 1/2", 3" and 8 3/8"...
...Ben
