Turned Down a k 38

[silvercobra]

Just had the chance to buy a 5 screw K38 6” blued target stock told was 1954, really nice 95 to 98% sn K217xxx out the door for $740 I passed was that a mistake

[JP@AK]

1954 is probably correct. Not a bad price as described. Were the stocks non-relieved? If so, the price was even better.

[Jtown]

1954 seems right, Price isn't bad may be a little high.
Walt


Jack types faster than I do, I guess

[kennethg]

If you had the funds to pay the price, you did make a mistake on not buying this K-38. They don't make them like that anymore and they do appreciate. Even if you shoot it.

[zipty6]

Does that 6" barrel increase the value of these guns? I picked up a 4" from 1954 for substantially less than that last week.

[silvercobra]

Thanks for the input I’m not sure on the grips but if I get another shot at it I’ll check, would that year have sn inside right grip

[DWalt]

Almost all Masterpieces had 6" barrels, so nothing unusual there. With un-relieved target stocks, that price would have been attractive. Without them, not so much if without box, tools, and paperwork.

[Waveski]

Question:
Would I be correct in understanding that a 6” K38 is the direct predecessor of the model 14 ?
Also , would a K38 Target as described in the OP essentially be a Combat Masterpiece ,but with a longer barrel?)

[zipty6]

Originally Posted by Waveski

Question:
Would I be correct in understanding that a 6” K38 is the direct predecessor of the model 14 ?
Also , would a K38 Target as described in the OP essentially be a Combat Masterpiece ,but with a longer barrel?)

I believe that the 6" barrel was the Target Masterpiece, whereas the 4" barrel was the Combat Masterpiece. The 6" became the Model 14 and the 4" became the Model 15.

[DWalt]

Originally Posted by zipty6

I believe that the 6" barrel was the Target Masterpiece, whereas the 4" barrel was the Combat Masterpiece. The 6" became the Model 14 and the 4" became the Model 15.

There is no K-38 Target Masterpiece. Only a K-38 Masterpiece. And the Combat Masterpiece was never called a K-38.

[zipty6]

Originally Posted by DWalt

There is no K-38 Target Masterpiece. Only a K-38 Masterpiece. And the Combat Masterpiece was never called a K-38.

That's good to know, thanks.

Sent from my SM-J700T using Tapatalk

[paplinker]

In Pa I am seeing the satin finish K 38s sell around $500 all the time.

The bright finish guns seem $650 area

[jimbo728]

Originally Posted by DWalt

There is no K-38 Target Masterpiece. Only a K-38 Masterpiece. And the Combat Masterpiece was never called a K-38.

Looking at the S&W paperwork that is in my M 15-3 box, the revolver is described as K-38 Combat Masterpiece Revolver Model No. 15.
Actually it was called K-38 or am I missing something here?
Jim

[Art Doc]

I want the record to show that I made absolutely no comments whatsoever about terminology.

[DWalt]

This was how the Combat Masterpiece was advertised in 1954:

[JP@AK]

Originally Posted by jimbo728

Looking at the S&W paperwork that is in my M 15-3 box, the revolver is described as K-38 Combat Masterpiece Revolver Model No. 15.

Jim
You are correct. I noticed that on the spec sheet also. However, it seems to be the only place that S&W did this. In all their advertising, on the box ends (before paper labels, which did not use names), in the AMC, etc., they were always called the .38 Combat Masterpiece or simply Combat Masterpiece. I don't know why they added the "K-38" language to the spec sheets after 1958, but it seems they did. Odd.

[JP@AK]

Originally Posted by silvercobra

would that year have sn inside right grip

No, not on target stocks. On Magna stocks the serial number would be there, minus the K.

Target stocks needed no hand fitting. So serial numbers were not applied. I have heard that some of the early target stocks on the Combat Magnum were marked with a serial number, but I've never seen one.

[clang444]

Originally Posted by DWalt

There is no K-38 Target Masterpiece. Only a K-38 Masterpiece. And the Combat Masterpiece was never called a K-38.

From 1960:

[Waveski]

Originally Posted by Art Doc

I want the record to show that I made absolutely no comments whatsoever about terminology.

Duly noted.
I guess it is too late in the evening for my brain to deal with K38 ambiguity. Kind of wished I hadn't asked.

[hkcavalier]

Sounds like a good retail price. Not running into many high condition K-38s out there.

This 1952 gun was $600 in 2015.

[jimbo728]

I think I understand the K 38 designation question. I was just curious.
I guess in 1954 the Combat Masterpiece probably was not the Model 15 by designation either.
Jim

[alwslate]

The price seems a bit high to me but the real question is did you really
want to own it or were you looking for an investment?

[Bubba2014]

Either of those guns would be good investments, and they will never be made again. Most of the old S&W's continue to increase in value if in good condition.

[H Richard]

I have heard and observed numerous people over the years refer to "any" 38 Special K frame revolver as a K38, regardless of barrel length or type of sights. Right or wrong, at least you know what they are talking about, just need a little refining info.

[jimbo728]

Very well put indeed.
Jim