Combat Masterpiece Heavy Barrell

[dro45]

I have searched the forums and can't find anything that really helps.

I have attached several photos of what I believe to be a Combat Masterpiece Heavy Barrell. It was a duty carry of an old friend.

I have attached several photos which I hope will help identify.

Thanks for any help or info.

 

[linde]

. . . I believe to be a Combat Masterpiece Heavy Barrell. It was a duty carry of an old friend . . . Thanks for any help or info.

There were several examples of 4" heavy barrel Combat Masterpieces. To be able to tell you more about yours we'll need to know a) is there a model number stamped on the frame in the yoke cutout, b) any special markings on the frame, and c) most helpful of all, a partial serial number (like K1234XX).

Russ

 

[RichCapeCod]

Live and learn. Never knew such an animal existed.

Rich

 

[jimmyj]

"Non Expert" Jimmy:
In the era 1967-1968 (?) the SPPD S&W Distributor received two special run Heavy barrel Combat Masterpiece Revolvers. One Blued and one Nickel.
I purchased the blued but had it only for a short period as my twin sons were born and I need $$$ more than the revolver.

 

[linde]

While our OP is hopefully looking up the details on his example . . . here's a 2011 discussion that may be helpful to those waiting on the edge of their chairs for more specifics

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1961-1980/215702-model-14-4-inch-barrel.html

Russ

 

[THEMULE]

"Non Expert" Jimmy:
In the era 1967-1968 (?) the SPPD S&W Distributor received two special run Heavy barrel Combat Masterpiece Revolvers. One Blued and one Nickel.
I purchased the blued but had it only for a short period as my twin sons were born and I need $$$ more than the revolver.

Red blooded American boys are tough...... You could've fed em the empty shell casings

 

[dro45]

There were several examples of 4" heavy barrel Combat Masterpieces. To be able to tell you more about yours we'll need to know a) is there a model number stamped on the frame in the yoke cutout, b) any special markings on the frame, and c) most helpful of all, a partial serial number (like K1234XX).

Russ

No model number there, instead it says
H
86878
2

I removed the grips to get the model number, it is K 292xxx.

Hope this is all helpful.

Thanks to all for the replies.

 

[dro45]

By the way, somehow I had notification turned off. That's why I was missing in action on replying. Fixed now.

 

[murphydog]

The SN puts it as a 1957 gun. As Russ noted above there have been several runs of heavy 4" barrel .38 Specials, and I seem to recall some were of this vintage. The bluing on the barrel and cylinder suggest the parts were finished in the same batch, but unfortunately it doesn't indicate they are original to the gun. A factory letter would, but requests are not being accepted until at least after the New Year:

Firearm History Request - Smith & Wesson

 

[linde]

No model number . . . I removed the grips to get the model number, it is K 292xxx . . .

K292XXX would be the serial number . . . and, as murphydog posted, would be circa 1957 . . . and is likely one of the special ordered 4" (heavy) K38 Combat Masterpieces produced for the Kansas City Police Department . . . or an overrun from that special run.

If you'll PM or email me the full serial number I will check my list of known KCPD serial numbers.

Russ

 

[dro45]

I heard back from Russ. His private note is below, with his permission. He used full serial numbers, which I have xxxed out. With much thanks to him.

Don,

Based on the available information we have, K292xxx did not ship to the KCPD in any of the three invoices that have been documented. There were, however, several in the KCPD shipments that are very close . . . . . { a bunch of serial numbers here| . . . but not your number. Could
there have been a forth invoice that we're not aware of? . . . sure, but
only a factory letter request will reveal if one exists.

As you can tell, the factory did not ship in serial number sequence. Based on the closeness of the s/n, I strongly suspect your K38 Combat Masterpiece was an "overrun" from the KCPD special order and was shipped to a stocking dealer with an appetite (and standing order) for anything out of the ordinary.

I'll let you decide if you want to post this on the forum.

Russ