K-38 Combat Masterpiece (pre-Model 15)

[1srelluc]

I picked it up today and it is in decent shape with a bit of holster wear at the muzzle. All matching. Came with the Hunter Holster pictured. It looks to have been shot very little.

Are the stocks original to the revolver? No serial on the inside of them but they do have the blued spacers on the inside so they have some age on them.

Could someone please let me know when this K-38 was made?

K157419 is the serial.

 

[brick]

It would appear to be mid to late 1952.

 

[H Richard]

Your great looking Combat Masterpiece would have shipped in 1952. The stocks aren't numbered as they are Target stocks, and did not require as precise fitting. The stocks are the Non-Relieved target stocks and have value by themselves as a somewhat scarce variety, and do date to the same time period so they could very possibly be original to the gun as a special order.

 

[gmborkovic]

My goodness that is a handsome looking revolver. Just looks right.
The perfect combination of form and function.

 

[1srelluc]

Your great looking Combat Masterpiece would have shipped in 1952. The stocks aren't numbered as they are Target stocks, and did not require as precise fitting. The stocks are the Non-Relieved target stocks and have value by themselves as a somewhat scarce variety, and do date to the same time period so they could very possibly be original to the gun as a special order.

Thanks to you and brick.

When you say "non-relieved" what does that mean? Something to do with speed-loader use?

Would you happen to know what finish was used on the stocks back then? Looks like a linseed oil finish.

They are in need of a light refinish or perhaps I should just remove them and set them aside as I will be using this revolver.

I have a great source for vintage K-frame stocks so I suspect I could find something that works for me and not risk further wear on the stocks.

 

[arjay]

The relieved type came along a few years later

 

[Art Doc]

Those stocks are period correct and may have come on the revolver but it's highly unlikely. The Magna stocks were standard and very, very few people special ordered targets. May have been dealer installed or added later.

The one below has the relieved style targets. Yes, it facilitates reloading.

 

[beagleye]

Tell you what- those are some fine looking revolvers. The combat masterpiece has got to one of the most thrifty, well balance and handy looking weapons ever conceived. Almost like an archetypal hand gun.

I think when I was a kid and I drew or imagined revolvers, it was the combat masterpiece that I saw in my minds eye, though of course I had no idea. Also, they must have shown up in a good few TV shows back in the day.

 

[tlay]

If I were you I wouldn't refinish your stocks. They are too valuable. Just use some wax on them and put them aside if you won't use them.

 

[BigBill]

To some that think it looks good you should try the action. These were built by the old world s&w craftsman. The cm k38 was my second s&w revolver after my k22. The k38 masterpiece target was my third s&w.
The rest is history. Sweet smooth actions.

Congrats on a fine purchase.

 

[1srelluc]

What are the two pins for just low and aft of the front sight ramp?

 

[Engine49guy]

The front site ramp is fixed to the barrel by those two pins, occasionally we seem the pins sticking up like yours instead of polished flush , that method is referred to as "Proud" front site pins.

Your style hammer spur also has a name its called a "High Speed" or "Fish hook" hammer.
Your 1952 Combat Masterpiece most likely shipped with diamond Magna grips as that was the norm, as others have stated the "Non relieved" targets on it while period correct were more likely were swapped at some point but only a $50 factory ketter could say for sure either way.

Another interesting tidbit is that guns in your serial range are usually found with a unique grip feature of having bare steel grip medallions instead of the usual nickel plated brass.
It is believed this was due to the shortage of brass in that time period probably from the Korean conflict going on.

 

[gtoppcop]

1srelluc,

Congrats on a GREAT find. The two pins are for the front sight. The older front Baughman ramps were a one-piece affair that was pinned into the machined recess cut into the topstrap of the barrel. Rock solid.

As far as bringing the grips back, you're in luck! Go to Lowes, Ace or Home Depot and ask for Howard's Feed-N-Wax. It's inexpensive, but one of the BEST wood products to be had.

When you get it home, remove the stocks and be VERY generous with the solution and soak the stocks (on both sides) in it for 3-4 days. Use a stiff toothbrush with the Feed-N-Wax to remove the 50+ years of DNA and grime from the recesses of the grips.

Now comes the other part. After the 3-4 days' soaking, wipe them down with a microfiber cloth and gently remove the excess product from the checkering and recesses of the grips. Go to Auto Zone or Ace and get a bottle of FLITZ liquid (the green liquid in the black bottle).

After shaking the bottle to mix the FLITZ, put some on the head of a Q-Tip and work the emblems over with 2-3 Q-Tips. You'll be amazed at the difference it'll make on bringing back your grips.

The bluing on your Combat Masterpiece is Rust Blue. Meaning that the bluing is IN the metal, not ON it, like the new finishes. It's tough stuff. Gently hand massage the FLITZ liquid into the bluing. Use your hands (it's environmentally safe and won't hurt you) to apply the FLITZ liquid, as using a cloth may be a bit too aggressive. You'll be surprised at the amount of grime and corrosion that will come off of the metal. A word of caution: DON'T USE IT ON THE TRIGGER AND HAMMER. The FLITZ will take off the Color Case finish.

I recently "preserved" a 90% 1934-vintage Outdoorsman with the same formula of Howard's and FLITZ. It works well.

When complete, PLEASE send us pictures of your work. You have a wonderful gun that will give years of pleasure.

 

[CajunBass]

Man that is nice. I'm a big fan of the Combat Masterpiece. I don't have anything as old, or as nice as those, but do have a nice 15-2 with diamond targets that I really like.

I like that old school holster in the OP's pictures too.

 

[OLDSTER]

K-38

Yes, 1952. Great Combat Masterpiece This is my 1951 with the correct "numbered grips". Notice lack of pins on front sight

 

[1srelluc]

1srelluc,

As far as bringing the grips back, you're in luck! Go to Lowes, Ace or Home Depot and ask for Howard's Feed-N-Wax. It's inexpensive, but one of the BEST wood products to be had.

......

I've used Howards for years on Mil-Surp stocks. Howards is the go-to product when you are not quite sure what finish was used. It does a fair job at cleaning too....Plus it smells good.

Another good one for oil finished walnut (or darker woods) is Old English Red Oil but I only use that if the wood is very dry.