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

[Old cop]

Thanks so much for posting. I picked up a Model 14-4 yesterday in like new condition and am anxiously waiting to get it to the range.

 

[pastor fred]

K-38 Essay

Awesome presentation of beautiful revolvers for a new guy to view. I loved it - and hopefully I learned a couple things. I only have one Model 14 at present, but after seeing these works of art, am desiring to add to my SMALLl collection. Mine a full-lug 6" barrel 14 with the round butt. Love the feel and looks of it. Probably about 98%. The only challenge right now is finding a set of nice grips for that model of round butt.

Again thanks so much,
Fred

 

[Green Frog]

OK, I can't get pix on here right now, but I'm curious. Do you think serial number K499xx left Springfield in 1948 or '49? I arrived in the world in June of 1949, so it was probably already here waiting for me regardless.

I got this gun in a trade when I was collecting High Standards. The fellow who traded it to me had a set of Goodyears on it when he traded it to me, but said he thought he had the original grips at home and took my address. Sure enough, the original, numbered grips showed up about a week later. Sometimes folks come through for us!

Froggie

 

[nocigar]

Bill Davis Custom

Back in the day Davis Custom produced a lot of PPC guns for the Practical Pistol Competition, and he was noted for making a very fine revolver. Your barrel is what is known as a slab sided barrel. Search for Bill Davis custom PPC revolvers and you will get plenty of info.

I learned more in the last 24 hours than the last 11 years. Thank you Bill

 

[DCWilson]

OK, I can't get pix on here right now, but I'm curious. Do you think serial number K499xx left Springfield in 1948 or '49? I arrived in the world in June of 1949, so it was probably already here waiting for me regardless.

I got this gun in a trade when I was collecting High Standards. The fellow who traded it to me had a set of Goodyears on it when he traded it to me, but said he thought he had the original grips at home and took my address. Sure enough, the original, numbered grips showed up about a week later. Sometimes folks come through for us!

Froggie

Can't be sure with a single specimen, but I'd guess guns with nearby numbers were shipping in late '48. In Jan and Feb of '49 guns were going out with serial numbers in the K56xxx to K66xxx range.

 

[Big E3]

I had always believed that my K38 serial # K817xx was a 1950 but not sure now. I found this one with Pachmayr's on it at a LGS, no chance of finding the original grips. I have targets on it for now with hope for finding period correct diamond magnas. The info here on this site is nothing short of amazing.

 

[DCWilson]

I had always believed that my K38 serial # K817xx was a 1950 but not sure now. I found this one with Pachmayr's on it at a LGS, no chance of finding the original grips. I have targets on it for now with hope for finding period correct diamond magnas. The info here on this site is nothing short of amazing.

You are very likely to be correct in your estimate of a 1950 ship date. K78197 shipped in February of that year, and one numbered just slightly higher shipped in January. I suppose it is possible a few guns in the K81xxx range made it out of the factory in December 1949, but that doesn't feel quite right to me. I'll be happy to be corrected if someone has a K81xxx K-38 that letters to late 1949.

 

[dieselpower1973]

ISP 5" Heavy Masterpiece

Just received this revolver today...on loan from my father who was an Illinois State Trooper during the 1950's & early 1960's.

Serial K30426X
4 - Screw
Pre Model #
Diamond target grips w/ no serial

When he handed it to me this morning, Dad commented that all the other ISP officers in his district carried 6" revolvers. He had his holster cut-down at a cobbler's shop to fit the 5" Smith.

It looked rough when it came in the door this morning...I've since given it a little gun oil and a wipedown. Came with some vintage Western Super-X Metal Piercing rounds (only 6).

Holster wear is obvious. Front sight blade is well-worn, and may even be a hair crooked. Still, I feel fortunate to have the gun and my Dad still around to answer questions. The gun would be from 1955-early 1957, correct?

 

[Engine49guy]

Here is a pic comparing the thicker grooved rib of the four inch 14-3 (L) to the thin smooth rib of the four inch HB Dayton 14-2 (R) .

 

[dieselpower1973]

After looking at some other posts concerning the 5" ISP Masterpieces, my father's gun must have been in the October 1957 shipment (based on serial number).

 

[Nframecollector]

I acquired a pre model 14 about two weeks ago and have since traded it for something else. It had an 8 3/8 bbl. and a target trigger and it had been refinished several years ago. I didn't feel good about the gun and I'm glad to be rid of it! There is a reason it was at the LGS for about two years. Also, according to the serial # on the frame it dated to 1949.

 

[Green Frog]

I acquired a pre model 14 about two weeks ago and have since traded it for something else. It had an 8 3/8 bbl. and a target trigger and it had been refinished several years ago. I didn't feel good about the gun and I'm glad to be rid of it! There is a reason it was at the LGS for about two years. Also, according to the serial # on the frame it dated to 1949.

Harsh expletive! That's the exact gun I'm looking for to use in one of my projects. Wish I'd known about it.

Froggie
b: 6/16/49

 

[Maximumbob54]

Everyone should have a chance to see post #91.

 

[Lobster Picnic]

Range report for the 14-3 - WOW! Even with stocks that don't fit my hand, I was well pleased with the results. The trigger isn't great as far as K-frame triggers go, but it hasn't really been broken in yet.

A Model 17 with the 8-3/8" barrel is high on my list now.

 

[siyeh]

What a wonderful thread! Just spent an hour learning. I came here after a Google search on a Smith Model 14. I just bought it and have a few questions.

I found the serial # in three locations: 352xxx. A quick search tells me it was born in 1959? Would these be the original grips?

It is a little rough around the edges. Someone with the wrong size screwdriver tried to open it up.

I paid $300 for it. Why does the hammer have this little hook? Is that common for S&W?

Was this trigger shoe a factory option? Or aftermarket?

I have only shot it a dozen or so times. What a sweet gun. It sure is a delight to play with it.

 

[arjay]

The original grips would have a diamond around the escutchion
The trigger shoe was added
The flat head screw with the buggered slot belongs under the grip so maybe that one looks better
Nice gun!

 

[LOBO]

Any info on the military purchased guns? Serial number range, type of markings if any?

 

[HoosierHaller]

I purchased a Smith & Wesson K-38 Masterpiece today after reading this excellent thread. Thank you.

 

[Green Frog]

HH, welcome aboard, that's a fine first post and a really fine K-38. Looks like you paid very close attention to what you read! Congratulations.

Froggie

 

[howiema]

14-2

Well this is my 14-2 I bought it from another forum member this year. I would say it is the finest shooting revolver I own. I am amazed at the accuracy of this gun.Serial k6105xx 1963 0r 4 I think. Not sure where the red sight attachment came frrm, it looks to be professionally done.

Some day I will get this picture thing down

Enjoy Pete