Help dating a pre-war M&P Target please. Update and Pics

[Gunhohulk]

I just put a pre-war k-38 in gun jail and was wondering if you guys can help me get a date estimate on it. My dog ate my S&W 4th edition and haven't been able to replace it yet. The serial is in the 6962xx range. Thanks in advance!

 

[JP@AK]

Hi
I'm not terribly sure I know what revolver you are asking about. There were no K-38 prewar revolvers. So, the question is are you asking about a prewar K frame with target sights or one with fixed sights? The serial number range you asked about would be in the early '40s, probably 1940. But if it has an adjustable rear sight, it will be much more valuable.

 

[Gunhohulk]

Looks like I'm off on my nomenclature. I believe it would have started out with target sights due to the grooved front strap and back strap on the grips. It's actually a King Super Target so it has the rib sight on it.

 

[murphydog]

It would be a .38 Military & Police Target model from the era Jack mentioned, perhaps late 1930s.

The K-38 (Masterpiece) was the name of a similarly equipped gun after WW II.

There are several King fans here that would like to see photos.

 

[Gunhohulk]

Thank you for the info! This is only my second 5-screw gun so I still have some brushing up to do with my knowledge. I will post picks as soon as I have them but I live in a state that hates me so I have to wait 10 days to pick up my property.

 

[paplinker]

Closest MP target I have is 670716 from May of 1938

I am looking forward to some pics too!!

 

[DWalt]

I just put a pre-war k-38 in gun jail and was wondering if you guys can help me get a date estimate on it. My dog ate my S&W 4th edition and haven't been able to replace it yet. The serial is in the 6962xx range. Thanks in advance!

On my list is 6957xx which shipped in 8/40. I can't say if it left the factory as a .38 M&P target model or not. As it has been modified, it doesn't matter much how it left the factory.

 

[wheelgun610]

The 696000 serial range is also where the pre-war K-22 Masterpiece falls. Those were produced in 1940, so it's entirely conceivable that that .38 is from around that time - regardless of whether it left the factory as a fixed, or a target sighted gun.

Mark

 

[Gunhohulk]

King Super Target Pics

Here are some pics finally. Special thanks to paplinker who put in a ship date request with the SWCA. Looks like it shipped with s/n 6962xx in October of 1940. Now it's time to see if it letters to King.

 

[murphydog]

Cool gun, the bluing from the mid-1930s until WW II was some of the best work the factory has ever done.

Edit to add - now I see "King Cockeyed Hammer" stamped on the side of that part.

 

[RKmesa]

Here are some pics finally. Special thanks to paplinker who put in a ship date request with the SWCA. Looks like it shipped with s/n 6962xx in October of 1940. Now it's time to see if it letters to King.

CONGRATS - What a beauty!! Your pre war 38 M&P Target KST is on my short list. If you ever tire of it, please let me know and I will give it a new home. It would go well with my pre war KST Outdoorsman Revolvers in 22 and 38/44:





Here's a link to a corny poem I wrote about King Super Target guns...

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-ha...ns-corny-king-poem.html?625293=#post140854463

Thanks for sharing,

 

[paplinker]

Glad to see you finally got some pics up on the forum. Looks like a great gun that now requires some great target grips!

I was happy to help you get an idea when it was shipped, Now the letter hopefully will tell if King might have sold it.

I am hoping seeing what the SWCA can do for you, you might consider joining some day. Great group of people,and a lot perks and a wealth of knowledge.

 

[bruce5781]

Glad to see you finally got some pics up on the forum. Looks like a great gun that now requires some great target grips!



I was happy to help you get an idea when it was shipped, Now the letter hopefully will tell if King might have sold it.



I am hoping seeing what the SWCA can do for you, you might consider joining some day. Great group of people,and a lot perks and a wealth of knowledge.

To expand on what Rich has said about the SWCA, Roy saved me several thousand dollars when I asked for a ship date on 44 3rd Model Target, and he told me it originally left the factory as a 38 Spl. Definitely worth the price of admission.
Regards,
Bruce

Sent from my SM-G781U1 using Tapatalk

 

[Keith Brown]

Thats pretty spectacular !! Love the M&P Targets and having one with the King package would be a perfect addition to the group. Thanks for posting the pics and feel free to post another dozen or so !

 

[Gunhohulk]

Keith, if you accidentally slipped and made a set of K Frame ropers I think I would feel obligated to put them on it!

 

[glowe]

I have commented in the past on the fact that there is good reason to call the late 1930s K frame 38 Targets - K38 Models. First, in 1940, there were K22s and K32s, but for some reason collectors did not name the same revolver in 38 Special Target as "K". In the 1939 S&W catalog the 38 M&P Square Butt was named the "K Model". I do not own either either a K22, 2nd Model or a pre-WWII K32, but I do not believe either have a "K" associated with the serial number on the butt???

There was a large batch of 38 M&P Targets made in 1940, likely over 100 guns. I have one, #696317 that shipped in August 1940 in not near as good a condition as the OP's but original factory configuration. Another half-dozen were documented over the years and are shown below:

696252 - Oct 1940 OP's Target
696268 - Oct 1940 Target
696304 - Aug 1940 Target
696311 - Aug 1940 Target
696317 - Aug 1940 Target
696366 - Aug 1940 Target
696375 - Sep 1940 Target

Could you share the full serial number? I doubt that anyone is going to knock on your door and take your revolver away, plus I could add it to the data I keep.

 

[Gunhohulk]

Gary, I'll remove my tinfoil hat and divulge the full number. It's 696252. And when I get it lettered I'll update with any further info that comes of it.

 

[SS336]

Oh my that is a stunner! You should thank your lucky stars you have that.
It hits all the hot buttons for most of the guys on the forum.
I will dream about it tonight.

 

[glowe]

Just ran across a note in Roy Jinks Smith & Wesson book that states the 38 Hand Ejector, 4th Change made a: "target version of this model became known as the K-38 Masterpiece in 1940. This was at the same time the K-32 Masterpiece was introduced to the company's line of target revolvers. With this change of name, they now had a K-22, K-32, and K-38 Masterpiece."

Do not know why I had missed that statement with as many times I have used the book.

 

[fleabus101]

I just found this thread and wanted to ask, also,
on the approx production date of my 1905 4th model target model Smith. I recently concluded a 2 gun 5-screw trade deal where I aquired this pre-war 38 spc Target shown below from a very nice member (Thanks Nick) !!
I added some period stocks and a later era Target
Stock Set to its pkg along w the era correct helpful hints brochure. The hammer had been modified (shortened) so I changed it out for a fitted NOS nice case-colored pre-war hammer to finish it off.
If anyone knows, what other paperwork may have been included in its paperwork pkg ?
I still need to find some cleaning tools for it..
The Smith is in exc shape and has the 2 screw
rear sight. Its ser # is 673319.. I included a picture of it here below.to show its looks and condition.
Thanks in advance on the poss production date on it
Best Randy..
Edited to include full ser #..Thanks Don for your info
and guidance..