Thanks, Russ...that will be the first I have seen.

I talked to "Moon" after this original discussion. He joined ISP in about 1967, but was a rangemaster, so had some additional knowledge of ISP handguns.

Like ispcapt, he was incredulous that ISP would have issued revolvers in that era.

I'm not arguing that they didn't -- just confirming how unusual it would have been.

I know a couple of men from the class of 1957 - it was an expansion year - but haven't run into them.

Moon also confirmed that there was a time that ammunition was restricted to .38 special, even though .357 revolvers were authorized. No guesses on years for that.

Excellent picture showing the 5 inch Missouri State Highway Patrol Pre-Model 15.

Thanks.

Shawn

Thanks for the post and pictures!

Shawn

Shawn,

Thanks ... these MSHP pre-15s are special revolvers ... I am fortunate to own one.

Russ (MO native, St. James resident)

Russ:

You are correct. These MSHP revolvers are very special. It is, in my opinion, what defines a collectible - not a planned commemorative, but a real non-catalogued, limited production item done at request of a quantity customer, without thought given for its rarity or future "collectibility," but instead made for real work.

The troopers and families who have them are usually aware they have something special. For years, troopers would repeat the phrase that S&W denied ever making the 5 inch Pre-15, or words to that effect.

Obviously, they were made in 1952 or thereabouts, and by the time I was hearing about them in the 60s, much time had passed, and certainly the 5 inch version was not catalogued, and most folks just dismissed it as being a mistake in description or something of that nature.

I can recall a trooper friend proudly showing me his when I was just a boy. His father, a trooper before him, got the 5 inch gun originally, and when dad retired, dad made sure his 5 inch revolver was issued to son. Son bought it when MSHP sold them and would not part with it - trust me - I have tried!

So few come on the market, that price is hard to set and each sale is probably a unique transaction. Fantastic that you have such a nice example. I hope you have the history of who carried it, whether it was ever used "in the line of duty," etc., as those kinds of documented things are great to keep with such a collector's item.

Thanks again for sharing the pictures.

Shawn

Shawn,

Thanks for your insights. As you would expect, there is a really neat story that goes with the revolver ... one of very few that was never refinished. The retired Missouri Trooper I purchased it from personally made a walnut presentation case for the gun, his name badge, rank, insignia from two different troops in which he served, and a 50 year commemorative MSHP belt buckle. If you would like more information, please send me an email - my address is in my profile.

Russ

There was an earlier order for the ISP, also through H.H.Harris; mine is numbered K271846 and it shipped July 30, 1956.
Roy called it a Pre-Model 14.
Rob

I had a chance to talk to one of the retired troopers from the class of 1957. He confirmed that he had to buy his own revolver, leather and even ammunition -- which he noted with some bitterness was a significant expense for a young rookie trooper.

He didn't know anything about 5 inch K-38's.

Of course, I should have asked what he did carry.... but I didn't. The venue wasn't the best.

Last of the issue M-39 flap holsters with the magazine pouch on the rear of the flap.


Rear of the flap holster.

As long as you wore these holsters and they were moving constantly, they looked great....put them on the shelf and the finish cracks bad!

Trooper being inspected has a Smith & Wesson....Trooper next to be inspected has a Colt.


More ISP revolver photos.


ispcapt's last squad car..........!

Fascinating thread! Can anyone provide details on the ISP rigs in the above photos,mfg,etc?

Regards,

Tecolote

these photos may answer your questions, specifically note the years.

Occasionally, a recruit class would produce someone who was dangerous with a handgun (in the good way) and they seemed to hit everything they shot at.

Many went on to shoot with the ISP Pistol Teams through the years and the best of them were selected to compete for and won the prestigious "Governors 20." As the years passed, those men literally taught the ISP how to shoot.

My "educated" guess is they were the reason for the K-38 order.....and yes, the ISP did own K-38's, but they never saw the "street".

Class....dismissed. Integrity..., Service..., Pride.

2K7, Great additions to the thread. Thanks very much for posting. Your's is the best possible "reason" for the 5in. K-38"s that I have read . All my best, Joe.

Here are pictures of my 5" K-38 Masterpiece. The serial # falls right into the run of I.S.P. guns. Obviously carried and shot quite a bit. Well maintained ,as by an armorer. I shoot it ,and it makes me look good.


Gun broker auction. 2 years ago. Seller was in Colorado. Gun belonged to his father. He was a moron. No letter ,no other details.





















The grips show holster wear , lots of it.








Regards , Allen Frame

__________________
NRA cert.instructor&R.S.O.

The car number of Cpl. Clark, pictured above: A-12, which was a neat number to have in 1972 if you liked Jack Webb TV shows.

I know my replay is several years old but I have more information about the 5" K-38 Master Piece which others may find informative. My father purchased the 5" K-38 Master Piece when he joined the ISP in 1957. This pistol was a big purchase for him, along with having to buy all his uniforms and leather gear. He also had to buy the insurance coverage for the police car the first few years on the job. All that changed eventually and ISP now provides it all. I remember the day he had to retire his revolver and take up the issued S&W 39, he was not happy. I started my career in LE with his 5" K-38 MP until I could afford to buy my own. The pistol now belongs to my son. While I had the pistol I inquired with S&W about the history of it. Below is the response I received from S&W;

11/12/1981
Research of company records indicate serial number K302977 was one of 90 K38 Masterpiece revolvers equipped with a 5" barrel and blue finish. They were shipped on July 26, 1957, to the State Police in Springfield, Illinois.

Signed by;
R.G. Jinks
Services Operation Manager
Historian

I still have the letter.

That is outstanding . . . thank you very much for sharing. I didn't take time to go back and review the early posts but wanted to share with you that there were a total of three shipments to the ISP . . . 150 shipped 7/3/57, 90 shipped 7/26/57 and 230 shipped 10/15/57 for a total of 470 units.

Those of us who own a 5" ISP 38 Masterpiece believe it is one of the finest revolvers ever made by Smith & Wesson. It's a pleasure to meet someone who not only carried one, but who carried his Dad's 5" K38 and has already passed it on to his son. It don't get any better than that.

Russ

Thanks for the info gentlemen, I now have the Joneses for a 5" K38........whimper.

__________________
Always bet on stupidity.