I bought a gun today at a show, and am looking for any info on it possible. The gun is a s&w .38 special, hand ejector, 6 shot, cylinder swings out to the left, serial number is 76K7135, then on the cylinder the model shows as 14-4, then there is another number on the opposite side from the model number- shows 4x 271 F8. The gun has adjustable rear sights. Anything you guys can tell me would be great!!! Thank you!

57K001 – 91K6,800......1980
It's a K-38.

Thank you!

Welcome! Its official name is the K-38 Masterpiece, and the information on the bottom of the grip frame indicates it shipped in 1980. S & W records ship (sales) dates, not production, but a popular gun usually sold soon after it was made. These came in 6 and 8 3/8" barrel lengths, and nearly always in blue finish.

A good start to an S & W addiction . Hope this is helpful.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Thank you murphydog!!! I have the 6 inch barrel, and it's actually my first gun. I've fired a lot, with friends and renting at the range to see what I liked, and this gun feels awesome! Do you happen to know off hand if this gun requires any regular maintenance other than just cleaning? I've read about people saying they 'field stripped' their gun- I have no idea what that means lol. I know how to use the brushes to clean a gun and how to use gun oil, but on a revolver, do you have to take anything off? Thanks to everyone, I know I'm a noob lol.

Keeping the bore and chambers clean and lightly lubricated, a drop of oil on the moving/sliding parts like the ejector mechanism and the yoke (the arm that swings the cylinder out) and you should be good to go. If the gun cycles with some stickiness or roughness in the trigger pull, you may want to take it by a local gunsmith for an inspection, or learn how to do this yourself.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Filed stripping is usually used to refer to maintenance on an auto pistol, and really does not apply the same way to a revolver. Regular cleaning of the barrel and cylinder with appropriate cleaning supplies will do all that you are really likely to need. In fact, most people over clean their firearms; a few passes with a wet brush using a good cleaner, followed with some wet and then dry patches will likely do most of what should happen. That may vary by type of ammo - the softer lead ammo may require more attention. Don't use a CLP (all in one, cleaner, lube, preservative) if you can avoid it; the effort to do all functions means one size fits none. I happen to prefer SLIP products, but there are other good ones out there.

That should be a fun revolver to shoot and mine makes me look like a better shot than I am.

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NHI, 10-8.