Locate model number S&W 38 Special

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Butch38

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Hello everyone, I'am new to the forum and was wondering if someone could tell me where I can locate the model number. I was given this gun after my uncle passed away in 1983. It was his service revolver while he was a police officer. The serial number is K217478. Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
 
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If you open the cylinder it should be stamped lower left on the frame
 
Welcome to the forum. The gun is likely a gun made before 1957 when S&W starting stamping them with model numbers. If you give us details of the gun, caliber, barrel length and type of sights we can help you. Even better a few good photos would solve the mystery quickly. I have a feeling it may be a 4" 38 Special which was a common duty gun, also called a Combat Masterpiece which became a Model 15 in 1957.
 
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Welcome to the Forum.
That will not have a model number on it, as it was made in 1954, before they started stamping numbers on them. If it is a .38 Special with adjustable sights, as I suspect it is, it is a Combat Masterpiece. In 1957 it was stamped Model 15.
Jim
 
Thanks for your help. It is a 38 Special with 4" barrel and adjustable sights.
Don
 
Does it look like this?
CIMG5452.jpg
 
Butch, you have a Combat Masterpiece that was later called a Model 15. If the grips look like the ones in the photo if you take them off the right grip will also have the serial number stamped inside. Great guns that were almost ubiquitous among PD's for a while.
 
Thanks for all the quick replies. Would anyone have a general idea of what it may be worth? I fired 1 round thru it last year, seemed to work properly.
 
Condition is everything. If the action is sound, the gun can be classified as at least shooter grade. That ought to be worth a minimum of $250-300. If the finish is in good shape (say 95-98% original, with a little bluing loss and wear at the muzzle and on the high edges), it might be a $400 gun or a little more. In-between condition would bring an in-between price.

A refinished gun would paradoxically be worth less even though it might look better than a gun with a worn original finish. That's because a refinished gun has NONE of the original finish left, and collectors discount for that.
 
If you can post some pictures the members can give you some estimates as it depends on condition and originality.

The one I posted above is a 15-1 and little newer than yours but the same gun and about as clean as they come.
Has a few minor scratches but retains 99% of its original blueing and has its original numbered grips but no box.
I very happily payed $400 at a local gunshow 2 years ago.
A newer 15-3 is advertised locally for $475 for 3 days now unsold
IMO $350 would sell it quickly.

Sometimes worn examples sell in the $200 to $300's range but condition dictates price.

They are good guns you should consider keeping it.
 
New to gun history

Hey guys I've always been accustomed to shooting guns but never really got into the history of them, until a few nights ago. My cousin came home and asked if anyone wanted to buy a revolver with about 150 rounds for fifty bucks. It was not in the greatest condition. I got it and brought it home and noticed that it was a 38 S&W Special CTG. Now I know a 38. Is a good piece and I know that Smith and Wesson is one of the best brands.

So my questions are:

Is there any to tell the make and model on a prize such as this?
Maybe by serial number or something?
 
New to forum also trying to I dentify a bequeathed weapon.

I just joined the forum and read the posts and did not find #'s as suggested here are pics if someone knows the info or how I should proceed. It appears to be a 5 screw model
 

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You will have to remove those grips to see the serial#. It's located on the bottom of the grip frame. From a cursory look at your pictured revolver, it's been refinished and a front sight was added to the barrel post factory probably because the barrel was shortened. Better pic's will help determining that.
Welcome to the Forum BTW...
 
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Thanks

I will check that I hadn't considered refinishing as part of the equation.

trying to learn how to navigate the forum.
 
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