Informal Pictorial Essay - K-38 Masterpiece (and Model 14) variations

[SmithNut]

Thanks again, all....
Appreciate all the comments and would like to add that this info is just what I've learned from my long term interest in the K-38 Masterpiece (M14). It's certainly not, by any stretch of the imagination, a definitive piece of info, there's lots more to learn about this long-ignore (for the most part ) model.
I've learned and benefited from others on this forum and within the collector community - notably Mike Priwer - who has shared his knowledge with me and others over the past few years. I've also benefited from being able to add to my collection from his generosity.
As relates this thread, I'd request that any and all who have pics or information on this fine example of S&W craftmanship, please add to and share what you know.
This is truly what this forum is about, learning and sharing. There are many new folks that join here looking for info to guide them, whether for a one-time request or long term enthusiast reasons. Let's help them where we can.

Regards, and Thanks again!

 

[YeshuaIsa53]

Glad to see your only Model 14 with the 8 3/8" barrel was from 1959, as I think that may have been when they were first offered. I never even thought of finding one from every year. That is quite a feat and I wish you well in your search. I have never seen a full lug version in 8 3/8" and it would be interesting to know if any were made.

I only wish there was a way to have your posts and pics together in a brochure.

Thank you for sharing. That was uplifting today.

 

[wayneb]

k-38

Smithnut
Well done!I hope the moderators save this somewhere.This is the kind of
presentation that is fundamental to the hobby.Great pictures,advertising
materials ,etc..Thanks
Wayne Byram

 

[HAWKEYE10]

Simply unbelievable!!! What a great show. Thanks Don

 

[SmithNut]

I only wish there was a way to have your posts and pics together in a brochure.

MeAmMe,
You are welcome to copy any and all the pics in this thread for your reference.
Thanks for the nice comments.
Knowing you were a K-38 Masterpiece/M14 guy I thought you'd enjoy the info.

Regards

 

[wheelgun28]

Nice thread, impressive collection!!

I have one 14-2 close in Sn to the OPs 1964 gun. My SN is K5513XX. Its also marked Mod 14-2 with the SN in the crane area. No markings on cylinder or barrel. Has target trigger and hammer, its wearing non marked diamond targets. I have no box for it or prior history. Mine is a shooter grade gun and a darn good shooter at that. Makes me look like I can shoot and I'm a bad shot

 

[handejector]

NICE thread, SmithNut.

 

[kwill1911]

SmithNut,

It would be an easy matter to use your text and pictures to turn this into an article for the S&WCA Journal. Why not? My only wish would be to add some info/pics about the U.S. Military purchases of Model 14's.

Regards,
Kevin Williams

 

[TheHobbyist]

Excellent Post.

The Model 14 / K38 masterpiece is a target-shooters best friend.

Thumbs up!

 

[Andy W]

Thanks for posting that! Very informative.

 

[SmithNut]

SmithNut,

It would be an easy matter to use your text and pictures to turn this into an article for the S&WCA Journal. Why not? My only wish would be to add some info/pics about the U.S. Military purchases of Model 14's.

Regards,
Kevin Williams

Thanks for the comments Kevin, appreciate the suggestion. Obviously this is a work in progress with more to do. I'll definately keep that in mind as I fill in the holes in this collection. As for the Military purchases, I'm not totally familiar with all the aspects there, although I've followed some of the discussions of the AFPG marked guns....
When the time comes, it's likely that I'd have to connect with someone that has focused on the Military aspect of the K-38 Masterpiece and possibly do a joint article.

Thanks again, appreciate the suggestion

 

[Allen-frame]

Hello Rob.
I still have my model 14-2 Dayton gun. With numbered p.c. magnas.
Love to shoot this one.

picture of the model 10 barrel with ramp base installed.

And a "very special gun" 5" K-38 Masterpiece ,Illinois state police. K302808. Showing wear as one that was carried would.

And my model 14-3 P.P.C. gun ,with thousands of 38s' downrange.

Regards , Allen Nut

 

[Speedo2]

Mr.Smithnut, I too would like to thank you for posting; a lot of great information, as usual. I've got four of them and echo your high regard for this model. Here are some photos, followed by a couple of questions:
K1784xx; 1953, 5-screw pre-14; I always thought that the target hammer was after market, but after reading your post, maybe not:

K3024xx; 1957, 4-screw pre-14; same sn range as the Ill.S.P., but not so lucky as to be one; notice the "fish hook" hammer:

K6695xx; 1966, 3-screw M14-2; nothing great about it except the way that it shoots:

1K742xx; 1971, 3-screw M14-3; 8-3/8" bbl w/cheezey-looking Siles grips (...gotta get some of those Spegals) :

So...a couple of questions:
1. Is the "fish-hook" hammer likely correct for the above 1957 4-screw?
2. Did the K38 Masterpieces from the early 50's have plastic grip medallions like we sometimes see in the K22's and K38 Combat Masterpieces from the Korean War period?

Thanks again for taking the time to post this thread. -S2

 

[SmithNut]

So...a couple of questions:
1. Is the "fish-hook" hammer likely correct for the above 1957 4-screw?
2. Did the K38 Masterpieces from the early 50's have plastic grip medallions like we sometimes see in the K22's and K38 Combat Masterpieces from the Korean War period?

Thanks again for taking the time to post this thread. -S2

Great pics Speedo2, thanks for posting.
To your questions...

1- I believe your gun is likely original, I have one 4 screw Model 14 (model marked) from 1958 that has the fish hook hammer and believe it's original. The factory didn't throw anything away and I've seen many guns into the late 50's using that hammer, so it's likely original, IMO.

2- I've not really paid any attention to the plastic medallion thing, but I have this nagging "remembrence" that they were later - into the 60's timeframe for some reason. Can't help here, but will inspect my collection to see if any are plastic and post an update.

 

[H P Bushrod]

Thanks for sharing the pics of your Masterpieces! I especially love the 5" ISP gun. What I'd give to run across one of those. I own a 1954 K-38 (K2177XX). It's in like new condition (I've never fired it..I've got a K-38 made in 1971 that I shoot). I've love the old 5 screw smiths. Once again, thanks for the history lesson of the K-38.

 

[BoydB]

Fantastic educational post. I am in awe of your knowledge & collection. Thank you

 

[OIF2]

Nice photo essay, "SmithNut". I regret not buying several K38s before I retired from the LAPD. There were LOTS of them around, including 4" cut-down ones that had been re-issued. The old-time coppers that had them would have sold them upon retirement for $75.00 or so cash (LAPD would sell the issued revolver as "surplus" to the retiring officer for around $50.00). I knew of a couple that were literally almost NIB after issue in the Academy to the officer. Nobody (including me) wanted an old 6" .38 then.
Bob

 

[semperfi71]

Very educational and well done, thank you Mr. Smithnut.

I have thought for a while now that I might want a K-38. I am thinking now I "have" to have one some day.

 

[handejector]

So...a couple of questions:
1. Is the "fish-hook" hammer likely correct for the above 1957 4-screw?
2. Did the K38 Masterpieces from the early 50's have plastic grip medallions like we sometimes see in the K22's and K38 Combat Masterpieces from the Korean War period?

I have only seen the plastic medallions in a very short window in the very early 50's.
In other words, 5 screw guns from around 51, as I recall. I do not believe they were specific to particular models, but that is just a guess. Hard to tell, cause they are so rarely seen. I have seen them on two different K frame models, and one small frame, but I don't remember what it was.
I have yet to find them on an N frame.
I think they abandoned the idea very quickly.

 

[model48mag]

thank you for sharing.... these are really nice. I started bullseye with a model 14 and have several, not as early as yours. they all shoot very well.