1954 K38 Worth it UPDATE with new photos UPDATE

[got2hav1]

I have a chance to buy this revolver, but it has some concerning freckling on the side plate and the front of the yoke. You think it could be cleaned up. Posted some not so good photos. I can get it for $450. A deal or no?

 

[38 Specialist]

I think I would. Despite the corrosion, that seems like a pretty nice specimen. In my market, that looks like a great price. I bet she's a sweet shooter

 

[minconrevo]

I've owned shooters like this one that were functionally fine but irreparably ugly. You'll find a pre-purchase detailed check list if you search. One like this you have to accept up front that it cannot be made factory-nice at any reasonable price.

The sideplate screw heads aren't especially buggered; they can be replaced with new. The sideplate itself doesn't show evidence of ham-handed prying.

Assuming it passes all the pre-purchase checks, the asking price isn't that awful. Still, for myself, I'd pay another $200 or so more for a much nicer one.

 

[alwslate]

Looks like a very good buy for $450 to me. Only light freckling and light usage for it's age.

 

[AlHunt]

Somebody will pay $450 for it. And it'll be a great project cleaning it up, oiling it and showing off the before and after pics.

 

[BC38]

I bought one with a aftermarket target grips, slightly more finish wear, but no rust for the same price early last year.
It's a great shooter.

 

[robertrwalsh]

I buy shooters and not safe queens. Were I in the market I would pay that for it. I just saw two yesterday at a LGS I do a fair bit of business with. The cheaper one with funky grips was $600. The better one with nicer probably original grips was $800. I already own one so I was not in the market.

 

[Farmer17]

The diamond grips are worth some good money. I would sure buy it and maybe try to get a new side plate or maybe just leave it the way it is and shoot the heck out of it. You won't loose money if you decide to sell it.

 

[wilburmay]

Looks like somebody trying to get rid of it quick to me.
Wilbur

 

[murphydog]

As noted above, it depends on your goal in buying it and your level of gun OCD. It's a very good price for a range/shooting gun, but if the finish/metal defects bother you they're not getting any better. Good luck in your decision.

 

[LittleAugieMo]

Don't let the "freckling" scare you off as it might suprise how well it will clean up.

 

[TheTinMan]

I've owned shooters like this one that were functionally fine but irreparably ugly. You'll find a pre-purchase detailed check list if you search. One like this you have to accept up front that it cannot be made factory-nice at any reasonable price.

The sideplate screw heads aren't especially buggered; they can be replaced with new. The sideplate itself doesn't show evidence of ham-handed prying.

Assuming it passes all the pre-purchase checks, the asking price isn't that awful. Still, for myself, I'd pay another $200 or so more for a much nicer one.

I paid $764 for this with a beat up box last year:

$450 for a mechanically sound K-38 seems reasonable to me.

 

[Bald1]

If I were in the market for one that would seem like a decent price. However I'd try to buy it for $400.

 

[Baxter6551]

My LGS has one with worn finish for $650. I'm sure I would buy that one for $450 but would try and get it for less.
I bought a very finish challenged (but not rusted) model 10-6 cheap a couple years ago. Had it bead blasted then blued. Came out very nice with a matte blue similar to a model 28.
I don't think that K-38 needs a refinish at all. I'm sure it will clean up nice. I bet some oil and 0000 steel wool or Flitz followed by Ren wax would do the trick.

 

[raljr1]

Yeah, that looks like a decent deal. Those things are crazy accurate and that little pit of freckling won't effect its accuracy

 

[Yendor357]

If you're under the misunderstanding that that rust, that has eaten the finish off, is somehow going to magically disappear with some Hoppes No 9 and some 3 in 1 oil, I have some bad news for you. That finish is ruined. It would be expensive to make that revolver bearable for me to look at.

I absolutely hate lazy bums that do that to a fine old gun. It's so easily prevented. Ugh!

 

[Hawg Rider]

I think that $450 for a nice K-38 shooter is a great deal. The color case hardening on the hammer and trigger looks to be nice, too. You could always try a little cold blue touch-up, but then again you could just accept its condition and enjoy it. Maybe I'm biased, but this would be a birth year gun for me and I'm always on the lookout for birth year revolvers. Go buy it!

 

[JH1951]

If a 'shooter' is what you want, that is a very reasonable price. Just make certain that it has no mechanical issues. If you want a collector piece, this one is not for you due to the finish disruption (which will always to some degree be there). If I would be happy with a shooter grade I would inspect that one and likely take it home.

 

[bedwards]

I'd have it for $450 but it doesn't hurt anybody to counter the seller. I bought a rough one earlier this year (with much encouragement from the guys here) and its one of the best shooters I have.
A soak in Kroil and judicious light rubbing with a copper penny or copper battery connector and you'll be surprised how much it will clean up.
You only go around once.

 

[LEO918]

Shot my 14-1 yesterday - It still puts all the bullets in the same hole if I do my part.