Companion to K-22 Masterpiece

[rct269]

It would seem you favor compromise over perfection. Fair enough. I, on the other hand, am not inclined to include "close enough" in my values. It's either as good as it can be, or it's lacking.

I spent a good deal of time racing sports cars during my (much) younger years. I didn't win a whole lot more races than I won---goes with the territory I reckon. But when I didn't win, it was because of the driver----me; not because of his equipment. His equipment was the best of the best---no compromises allowed---not even considered.

Same goes for shooting---I didn't win more matches than I did win, but my equipment was never the cause. It would never occur to me to consider substandard equipment.

Ralph Tremaine

 

[Doug M.]

My M14-3(?) makes me look good, and it is fun to shoot to show what a decent group looks like. I will go in with BC38 as to the flexibility of a .357 because you can use anything from 38 wadcutter target loads to some pretty stout .357 loads depending on what you need. For the vast majority of us, the incremental difference in accuracy that may come about in the way Ralph Tremaine says is not that big a deal. Few people can shoot well enough to need that incremental difference.

In addition to my K38, I have a 4" 66. I shoot it more than the K38, but mostly because I do my LEOSA quals a couple times a year with it and an auto pistol. My 66 sees a lot more .38s through it; I can and have qualified with stout .357 duty ammo, but the better shooting (placement) with .38 SWC is worth it to me.

 

[BC38]

It would seem you favor compromise over perfection. Fair enough. I, on the other hand, am not inclined to include "close enough" in my values. It's either as good as it can be, or it's lacking.

I spent a good deal of time racing sports cars during my (much) younger years. I didn't win a whole lot more races than I won---goes with the territory I reckon. But when I didn't win, it was because of the driver----me; not because of his equipment. His equipment was the best of the best---no compromises allowed---not even considered.

Same goes for shooting---I didn't win more matches than I did win, but my equipment was never the cause. It would never occur to me to consider substandard equipment.

Ralph Tremaine

You are correct Ralph. I don't favor the idea of "letting the perfect be the enemy of the good". Particularly in a case like this where the OP specifically asked for a recommendation for a 38 special OR a .357 magnum revolver.

If the request had been specifically limited to a 38 special, then the Model 14 would be the obvious choice.

BUT when the OP threw .357 magnums into the "mix" then, in my mind, the additional flexibility of the .357 magnum became the over-riding factor.

Just a difference in perspective, I guess.

Of course for those who can afford one of each, then that is the obvious answer - a M14 AND a M19!

 

[glowe]

It has always been my understanding that K 22 and the K 38 have different width ribs so, once loaded, they weigh nearly the same.

Originally, all Masterpiece revolvers had narrow ribs, offering different weights for different calibers. The narrow ribs were produced for just over 2 years. The factory approved wide ribbed K32s and K38s on 8/19/48 and the 1st K 38 Heavy Masterpiece was shipped on 2/4/49 serial number K66222 to Captain T. Thurmond Barrier, USMC. Below is a K38 narrow rib from 1948.

 

[kscharlie]

Originally, all Masterpiece revolvers had narrow ribs, offering different weights for different calibers. The narrow ribs were produced for just over 2 years. The factory approved wide ribbed K32s and K38s on 8/19/48 and the 1st K 38 Heavy Masterpiece was shipped on 2/4/49 serial number K66222 to Captain T. Thurmond Barrier, USMC. Below is a K38 narrow rib from 1948.

Actually, the K38 Masterpiece, narrow rib version, continued to be cataloged until September, 1953. From that point on, only the Heavy Masterpiece was available.

 

[stansdds]

Hello,

I'm interested in finding a companion S&W in .38 Spl or .357 Mag to go with my K-22 Masterpiece.

I now know the K-38 Masterpiece is that but I'm curious what you think about the Model 19 Classic being a viable candidate? Or should I scour the internet and gun shows for a K-38 Masterpiece and or a Model 14?

Just curious what you guys think.

Thank you!

The Model 19 Classic is only available with a 4.25" barrel, so not really comparable to a K-22 Masterpiece/Model 17. An older Model 19 with the 6 inch barrel is a good choice if you think you might want to shoot some 357 Magnum loads. If you do not plan on shooting 357 Magnum ammo, the look for a K-38 Masterpiece/Model 14.

 

[Green Frog]

Nearly fifty years ago I acquired a nice, all matching K-38 in a trade. Thirty years later anice K-22 followed me home from an auction. I was pleased to note that their respective serial numbers suggest both were made in1948. Those two make great companions. Otherwise, you might want to go with a 6" Model 19 or pre-19 to go with your K-22.
Froggie

 

[Smith657]

I've had good luck with wadcutters in 357 cases with Trailboss. It also eliminates the carbon ring left by the 38s.

 

[lkabug]

You have probably noticed, this forum is overrun with enablers.

Enablers? Just doing our job!

 

[Marlin57M]

My 14-3 does best at 50 yards with 3.0 gr of BE and Remington 148 gr. HBWC. Same load shoots almost as good in my Colt Officers Match Special.

 

[pasound]

I have a 1947 K22 and a 1948 K38. Both have nearly identical weight and DA/SA trigger action. The K38 has a taller front sight. The K22 has the medium ejector knob and the K38 the small ejector knob. They are a good pair to take to the range together.

 

[GSP Fan]

The K38 or a M14 hands down would be the best choice. Be patient and look for one you'll be glad you did. I sure was

 

[GunTher]

I hope I don't disappoint too many of you. After reading most of the posts I started looking for a K-38 Masterpiece or Model 14 locally. While I haven't seen any yet (will be constantly keeping my eyes out for one), I did find a Model 15-7 at what seemed like a good price, so I bought it. You've all helped me so much, thank you! Before joining this forum last week, I knew very little about S&Ws, now I feel like I know a bit more

 

[Retired W4]

I hope I don't disappoint too many of you. After reading most of the posts I started looking for a K-38 Masterpiece or Model 14 locally. While I haven't seen any yet (will be constantly keeping my eyes out for one), I did find a Model 15-7 at what seemed like a good price, so I bought it. You've all helped me so much, thank you! Before joining this forum last week, I knew very little about S&Ws, now I feel like I know a bit more

I think that 15-7 will serve you well. Nice looking K-22.

 

[raljr1]

Nothing wrong with a M15.....good choice....

 

[PeteC]

I think a lot depends on what one means by "companion".

• Same K frame, different caliber?
• Same Caliber, and different barrel length?
• Same caliber and barrel length and different manufacturer??
• Same caliber, but different frame size/weight???

From the selection, I assume the OP means a revolver in a different caliber, but the options are many...