Info on a K .38 Cal Revolver

[Endurokids]

I have a new to me, S&W .38 cal pistol that I would like to identify correctly.
It is a 5 screw revolver with a K in front of the serial # 1942XX.
It has the strain screw on the grip area, 446 stamped on the yoke and cylinder area, square butt, wide hammer, adjustable rear sight, plain black front sight, the letter K on the wood grips with a serial number that does not match the pistol.
Solid lock up, and some holster wear is the only flaw that I can see. My LGS is disassembling it now and says that all of the interior parts are in good condition.
Any info will be appreciated as I intend to keep it.
Value would be appreciated as well.
Thanks in advance.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass! If it has a 6 inch barrel , it's the k38 masterpiece. If it has a 4 inch barrel, it's the k38 combat masterpiece.

Guy

 

[JP@AK]

You have a K-38 Masterpiece revolver that left the factory in 1953. That is assuming it has a 6" barrel, which you did not specify. The stocks may or may not be period correct.

I'm not willing to speculate on an appropriate price without seeing pictures.

 

[DWalt]

Closest I show listed to K1942xx is K1964xx which shipped in 12/53. With a 4" barrel it would be a K-38 Combat Masterpiece (later the Model 15). With a 6" barrel, a K-38 Masterpiece (later the Model 14). You did not indicate whether it has target grips or plain Magna grips. Target grips would enhance value, as would the original box, implements, and paperwork. Pictures would help estimate value.

 

[Endurokids]

Thank you all for the replies, it has the 4" barrel and all I have is the pistol, nothing else came with it.
I'll post pics after my GS friend is done going through it. 2 sets of plain Magna Grips.

 

[Muley Gil]

Thank you all for the replies, it has the 4" barrel and all I have is the pistol, nothing else came with it.
I'll post pics after my GS friend is done going through it. 2 sets of plain Magna Grips.

Is there a diamond around the screw head?

 

[JP@AK]

As pointed out earlier, the 4" barrel indicates it is a .38 Combat Masterpiece. It would have the Baughman ramp front sight, instead of the target type Patridge sight that was on the 6" K-38 Masterpiece.

At the time your revolver was produced, this model was only about 3 years old (introduced in 1949). The original Magna stocks would have a smooth diamond pattern around the screw hole on the left and the escutcheon on the right. They would also probably have the sloping shoulder, instead of the sharp shoulder of the early postwar Magna stocks. Show us photos of the stocks when you get a chance.

Congratulations on acquiring a fine revolver. CMs are among the favorite revolvers for many of us.

 

[DWalt]

The K-38 Combat Masterpiece (later the Model 15) was intended primarily for law enforcement use, and it was fairly popular in that role. Additionally, it was the standard issue handgun of the USAF from the Vietnam era until the adoption of the 9mm Beretta M9 in the late 1980s. The USAF even had its own version of the .38 Special cartridge.

 

[Endurokids]

Thanks again, this is very helpful.
I'll post pics as soon as I get her back.

 

[Endurokids]

Is there a diamond around the screw head?

Yes, the better set has the diamond and the other set does not.

 

[Jackcpat]

combat Masterpiece

Here's a 4 screw Combat Masterpiece with correct numbered grips, and target hammer. I believe 1956,