Help on a K-38. Year made and 4 or 5 screw
- Thread starter Mg2wall
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The 5th screw that is counted is the one in front of the trigger guard. Thats a 5 screw and refered to as a Combat Masterpiece or pre model 15 if a 4" barrel or Masterpiece or pre 14 if a 6" barrel. Made after 1947 to early 1950s. I suspect yours is from the late 40s with only 5 digits after the K. Looks like it is very nice shape for something older than I am.
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thank you, is there a way to get an exact date it was made? I just purchased it and I like to note the month and year . I figured it was early 50"s and since it was in nice shape I got it. I have a model 15 but no K38
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I got those dates from the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson. Some people have set up databases and might be along to narrow it down closer. The only way to know for sure is to get a letter from the Smith & Wesson Historian Roy Jinks.
Yup - there is a published listing of the manufacturing dates for this model. The serial number range for K frames made in 1950 ranges from K84150 to K104047.
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Since the barrel is not tapered, I am going to assume that the revolver is a K-38 with a 6 inch barrel.
It sure looks like a four screw frame to me, although admittedly I do not have a direct picture of the area in front of the trigger guard.
The fifth screw, if there is one, would be in the front of the trigger guard where it meets the frame.
It sure looks like a four screw frame to me, although admittedly I do not have a direct picture of the area in front of the trigger guard.
The fifth screw, if there is one, would be in the front of the trigger guard where it meets the frame.
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I can not see a screw in front of trigger guard either, but, I thought the top side plate screw was deleted first then the trigger guard screw deleted in 1960.
Can't see much of the barrel to judge length myself.
Can't see much of the barrel to judge length myself.
Absolutely correct. If the top sideplate screw is there, it is a five screw frame. That only applies to K and N frames, however. Don't apply that logic to I and J frames.
Sure. But Shawn's observation on the barrel profile is correct and reveals that it must be a K-38 Masterpiece. In addition, the flat top front of the frame (where the barrel threads in) is incorrect for a Combat Masterpiece of that period.
jsfricks
Member
As Jack stated, when it comes to K frames, if the fifth screw is visible at the top of the side plate there's no need to look for the one in front of the trigger guard, it's there. The top side plate screw went away first, and then the screw in front of the trigger guard next.
Engine49guy
Member
Your pictured gun is a 5 screw K-38 "Heavy" Masterpiece in factory satin blue , Its wide barrel rib barrel distinguishes it from a standard K-38 Masterpiece revolver which was available as well in 1950,
By the serial your gun likely shipped in 1950 as others have noted and was the first year the Heavy Masterpiece was available although it supplanted the older narrow rib design by around the end of 1955.
The Fifth screw is the upper sideplate screw as it was the first one deleted around 1955-56, The fourth screw is in the front of the trigger guard and was deleted around 1963 beginning the "Three screw era" that continues today but for a few "Heritage" series which have an upper sideplate screw but no trigger guard screw.
BTW the S&W I/J frames have a different evolution so do not use the above dates and info on them.
By the serial your gun likely shipped in 1950 as others have noted and was the first year the Heavy Masterpiece was available although it supplanted the older narrow rib design by around the end of 1955.
The Fifth screw is the upper sideplate screw as it was the first one deleted around 1955-56, The fourth screw is in the front of the trigger guard and was deleted around 1963 beginning the "Three screw era" that continues today but for a few "Heritage" series which have an upper sideplate screw but no trigger guard screw.
BTW the S&W I/J frames have a different evolution so do not use the above dates and info on them.
Here's a series of shipping dates you can use as an extrapolation base. You will almost certainly miss it by a mile, but it beats watching re-runs.
K55489-December 7, 1948
K58970-March 24, 1949
K76068-May 16, 1949
K78822-November 18, 1949
Happy number crunching!!
Ralph Tremaine
K55489-December 7, 1948
K58970-March 24, 1949
K76068-May 16, 1949
K78822-November 18, 1949
Happy number crunching!!
Ralph Tremaine
If you've GOT it, it was at a good price. You will be rewarded with a lifetime of pride (and accuracy) that only comes from one of these Masterpieces! Keep asking questions and LEARN how to maintain and care for your new friend. In the end, all of your joy and pride will cost you nothing. If that's not a bargain, there is no such thing.
Dennis
