4" bbl .38 Masterpiece

[kaaskop49]

Anyone have info on an almost-grail gun my supervisor carried many years ago? It was a 4" SB .38 Masterpiece with HB and Patridge front sight. Don't know if it was a Model 14 or a "pre-" number gun. (Mods, plse move if necessary.)Would love a photo, if possible. Thank you.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

 

[StrawHat]

The 38 S&W Special Target Masterpiece was a 6" barrel revolver with target sights (adjustable) and a few other embellishments. The 4" version of that revolver was known as the K-38 Combat Masterpiece when introduced in 1949-1950. In 1957, S&W assigned Model numbers to simplify record keeping and the K-38 Combat Masterpiece was named the Model 15.

Someone will be along with more information and images.

Kevin

 

[murphydog]

There were small runs of 4" K-38 Masterpieces (heavy barrel with top rib) in the late 1950s and early 1970s, presumably to test the LE market for potential purchases. Technically, even though they were heavy barrel model 10s with a ramp front and Target rear sights, the Dayton Gun Sports model 14-2s of the mid-1960s also fall into this category.

 

[T44spl]

This sounds like the gun that S&W should have gone with a full blown run, Not a limited edition run. A 4" HB with adjustable rear sights and a Patridge blade front is the cats meow.

 

[mchom]

Here is a 4" K38 Masterpiece

Shipped in '55 to Rex. Stocks not original. Note the heavy barrel profile compared to Combat Masterpiece. And no Patridge as is customary on 6".

I do like the look of a Patridge on a 4"
Here's a 14-6 from Roper Police Supply

 

[JP@AK]

There was a special order Model 14 with a 4" barrel that shipped in July, 1958. It was a one-off and did not have the heavy Model 10 barrel, like the Dayton guns had. Serial number was K314496, which, incidentally, is the lowest serial number known to me on a gun marked Model 14.

 

[murphydog]

I also recall that LAPD (probably among other departments) went from 6" to 4" revolvers sometime in the 1970s (?), and more than a few of the longer guns were armorer modified to the shorter length. Those probably had the Patridge front sight reattached.

 

[Inkgardener]

Shipped in '55 to Rex. Stocks not original. Note the heavy barrel profile compared to Combat Masterpiece. And no Patridge as is customary on 6".

I do like the look of a Patridge on a 4"
Here's a 14-6 from Roper Police Supply

Fairly new enthusiast here…

What's a Patridge?


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[mchom]

It's the style of front sight
I don't recollect the man's full name who it's named for but his last name was Patridge

 

[mchom]

It's the style of front sight
I don't recollect the man's full name who it's named for but his last name was Patridge

 

[Dvus]

Fairly new enthusiast here…

What's a Patridge?


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It's the sight on the second pic in your quoted post.

 

[Inkgardener]

It's the sight on the second pic in your quoted post.

Are they better, or considered an upgrade?


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[JP@AK]

Are they better, or considered an upgrade?

Neither better nor worse. It all depends on what use the gun is being put to. For target work, the Patridge has a slight advantage in sight picture. On the other hand, because of its shape, it can be a disadvantage in withdrawing the revolver from leather. That's why the "combat" versions normally had the Baughman ramp; for ease of the draw.

When I was shooting a lot, I never saw a difference in my performance (score on target) whether I was shooting a revolver with the Baughman or the Patridge. My scores tended to be about the same either way. But I never did much with drawing and shooting. That might have made a difference.

 

[dnater]

I also recall that LAPD (probably among other departments) went from 6" to 4" revolvers sometime in the 1970s (?), and more than a few of the longer guns were armorer modified to the shorter length. Those probably had the Patridge front sight reattached.

My SoCal department went this route, with a local gunsmith doing the conversions in the late '70s. The patridge front sights were reused. I had one of these issued to me while I was a reserve officer. The gun shot wonderfully and I hated having to turn it in when I became a full time officer. Was issued a NIB Model 15 that I never carried. That one got turned in when we got S&W 686s.

 

[greenrunner]

I was told when a young LAPD officer that the change from 6" to 4" revolvers was in around 1969, when LAPD made other equipment and uniform changes (e.g., round hats, abolished leather jackets for non-M/C officers, etc). You can follow LAPD equipment and vehicle history by watching the yearly Adam-12 episodes, because Jack Webb was a stickler for detail and updated Reed and Malloy's personal equipment every year, even though in reality officers tended to stick to the older stuff they were issued..

Apparently they issued M15s until around 1980(?), and my class starting in March 1981 wss issued all M67s.

When I joined in 1981, some older officers still carried the 6" M14, and that gun was optional and carried by some younger officers. I tried a 6" for a while but it felt too long and I did not shoot it any better than my M67, so I sold the M14 and stuck to the M67. All LAPD revolvers including backup guns had to be neutered and on file at the firearms unit.

 

[Wyo]

Sounds like you're looking for something like this? This is a 14-1, early '60's I think, that came out of southern California. Gold bead front sight. I haven't lettered it but always wondered if it might have come from LAPD or some other area department. A very slick piece and a real pleasure to shoot.

 

[GerSan69]

Anyone have info on an almost-grail gun my supervisor carried many years ago? It was a 4" SB .38 Masterpiece with HB and Patridge front sight. Don't know if it was a Model 14 or a "pre-" number gun. (Mods, plse move if necessary.)Would love a photo, if possible. Thank you.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

I believe I have one. 4", patridge sight. Dates to 1954. IIRC the barrel is heavier than the ones on the Model 13 and some of the 10s. I posted photos and started a thread on it, must've been 5 years or so ago. The end of the barrel was finished if it was cut down, but left in the white. I'll see if I can find the thread and see about more photos tomorrow.

 

[GerSan69]

Anyone have info on an almost-grail gun my supervisor carried many years ago? It was a 4" SB .38 Masterpiece with HB and Patridge front sight. Don't know if it was a Model 14 or a "pre-" number gun. (Mods, plse move if necessary.)Would love a photo, if possible. Thank you.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

Well, I found the thread.....

G

Thread '4-inch .38 Masterpiece'

Dec 6, 2016

I need to stay out of a certain LGS... I find something cool every time.
Today was no exception. I found a 5-screw .38 Masterpiece with a factory 4" bull barrel. Think "Dayton," but older - K223315. 1954 vintage. It has the Patridge sight on a grooved heavy barrel. The barrel is numbered to the gun. The grips seem original (haven't looked under yet) but have some wear or filing on the bottom corners, and they've been given a gloss finish.
I'm not finding anything in SCSW 3 or 4. Am I missing something? Any ideas???
Pics to follow later today! Thanks!

• GerSan69
• Replies: 25
• Forum: S&W Hand Ejectors: 1896 to 1961

• 

....and you posted on it. 2016, a little further back than I thought.
Photos should still be there around posts 9 and 11.

 

[bananaman]

Some CLASSY stocks on your Masterpiece, Wyo! Bob

 

[Wyo]

Some CLASSY stocks on your Masterpiece, Wyo! Bob

Thank you. Stocks are by Craig Spegel.