I joined this forum a few weeks ago to research an S&W 38 special that I currently have in my possession. I am a handgun lover, but not an experienced enthusiast, that's why I am turning to you all - my expertise is motorcycles. I have an opportunity to acquire this handgun from a sister-in-law who's husband recently passed away. She doesn't want this handgun, and is willing to make me a good deal. I want this handgun and want a good deal, but I don't want to 'steal' it from her, either. So I am asking for advice on what would be a killer deal, but at least fair to her given that this handgun will ultimately 'stay in the family'.

I have been reading this forum for a number of weeks, and think I have gleaned the following information about this handgun:

On the barrel it says 38 S&W special CTG. The serial # is K 995xx, the number 63986 is stamped on the frame in front of the cylinder when you swing it out, as well as on the piece the cylinder is mounted on. I believe it to be a K38 Target Masterpiece, equipped with a square butt N target stock with extractor relief. It has a 6" pinned barrel, with an adjustable rear sight and non-recessed cylinder. It has 3 screws in the side frame, and 1 screw in front of the trigger guard. It looks to be in very good shape.

P1010657.jpg

P1010658.jpg

If I am mistaken in any of my observations, please correct me, and let me know if there is any other information I might provide. I would welcome any pricing suggestions, as well as a manufacture date.

Thanks in advance
Bill - Goldwinger from Texas

Welcome to the Forum.
Your .38 Target Masterpiece was born in 1950 according to the Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson. It was later called the Model 14 in 1957.
Very nice.Someone smarter than me will be along with a value.
Jim

I'd like to piggyback on the OP's question with one of my own...i picked up a Model 19-3 nickel 4" with serial number K570XX. It also looks like there is a "9" stamped in front of the K, but seems to not be part of the original serial number. Any help with this strange mark and an approximate date of manufacture would be great...

Looks like I'm on duty tonight for these K-Frame questions.
That is indeed a 9 in front of the K. It's part of the serial number. It dates to 1975.
Jim

Bill;

If you remove the right stock panel, you'll see the hidden fourth sideplate screw, making this one a 5-screw frame. It looks original and well-cared for. It would probably be worth about $500-550 to a collector, and I hope this helps you decide a fair intra-family value.

__________________
Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

There was indeed another screw under the grip, so this is a 5 screw frame. And since another poster pointed out that this is a 1950 vintage handgun, it seems I should have posted this in the "Hand ejectors: 1896 to 1961" forum. Sorry about that, but as I pointed out, my expertise is motorcycles, not handguns. Thanks all, for the info. I think I have a $ figure in mind for sister-in-law.