K-38 question

[donadler]

I have what was described to me as a S&W K-38 -- Combat Masterpiece Pre-Model 15 .38 Spl. It has a 6 inch barrel, and from what I see in the "bible" it seems to me that the 6 inchers were the Targets and the 4 incher is the Combat.

Am I correct? And if so, is it a Pre-14 instead?

Serial # puts it from 1954.

Thanks.

 

[arjay]

Yep,it's a k-38 masterpiece.

 

[donadler]

Thanks for the answer.

 

[diamonback68]

It can't be "Combat" and have a 6" barrel, that designation was reserved for 4" guns. If it's 6" it's a K-38 Masterpiece.

 

[Springfield Bob]

Hi doner, what arjay said is correct.My 1977 S&W catalog shows a model 14 as a K-38 masterpiece with either a 6" or 8 3/8" barrels.I don't know what year S&W started using model #'s. P.S. your American flag is displayed incorrectly. The field of blue should be in the upper left corner. Regards, Bob

 

[JP@AK]

I don't know what year S&W started using model #'s.

Well, this raises an interesting point!
The standard answer is, "sometime in 1957." We know there was an order issued on June 12, 1957, that ordered the model stamping of K service frame revolvers, so production of model-stamped frames would have begun shortly thereafter.
However, in Roy Jink's book, History of Smith & Wesson, he says the order to model-stamp K Target frame revolvers wasn't issued until December 22, 1959 (page 178).
I wonder if this is not a misprint?
The model stamping of N frame revolvers was also ordered in June of 1957, although I think there were no shipments of the Model 29 until January, 1958.
Any comments on this, folks?
Jack

 

[donadler]

Hi doner, what arjay said is correct.My 1977 S&W catalog shows a model 14 as a K-38 masterpiece with either a 6" or 8 3/8" barrels.I don't know what year S&W started using model #'s. P.S. your American flag is displayed incorrectly. The field of blue should be in the upper left corner. Regards, Bob

You are correct of course on the flag. It wasn't me who hung it and I did not notice it until after I saw the photo. And if I flip the photo, the part in my hair will be on the wrong side!!

 

[Engine49guy]

A picture would help ,
If its a 6" K frame .38 special with target sites it is a pre 14 K38 Masterpiece sometimes refered to as a "Target" Masterpiece,
Does it have a tapered barrel , If it is the wide rib version it is the "Heavy" Masterpiece.

Im guessing its a 5 screw by the date but 4 screw pre model marked guns exist as well.

 

[donadler]

I will post a photo soon. Assuming I can figure out the conversion from Webshots to Smiles......grrrrrrrr.

So far, I ain't smiling over it.

1500+ photos on webshots, all arranged by folders, had to be switched to a new site and so far, I am not happy, nor have I figured out how to link to Smiles.

Added photo to webshots, as I have done 1500+ times before, and probably due to the conversion they were not accepted.

OK- tried it a different way- here are the photos.

Looking for correct grips for it- may have some in the gun safe, will check when I get this in my hands.

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

So do you have a mis-marked pre-14, or will it actually letter as a (very rare) 6" pre-15?

 

[KEN L]

That's a beauty! Any story behind it? How's our Model 28-2 doing??

 

[donadler]

So do you have a mis-marked pre-14, or will it actually letter as a (very rare) 6" pre-15?

I have no clue- the seller said it was a Combat Masterpiece, Pre-15. I think that it was just an error on his part and that it is a pre-14, but thought I would get opinions here.

 

[donadler]

That's a beauty! Any story behind it? How's our Model 28-2 doing??

It's safe and snug, just waiting to get out and shot sometime. Will let you know how it does!!

No story, just another purchase. May have paid too much, or paid the right amount but too soon, but I think it will go well with the other Smiths that seem to keep popping up in my safe.

 

[Engine49guy]

A very nice 5 screw pre Model 14 "Heavy" Masterpiece,
The Heavy Masterpiece first appeared in the 1950 all models circular alongside the tapered barrel version although most of the ones that I see seem to serial to about 1955.
Interestingly the 6" tapered barrel version faded out but was the style they chose for the 4" "Combat" Masterpiece ,
S&W did make a small amount of .38 special 4" "Heavy" masterpieces beginning in 1965 as the four inch "Hanen or Dayton" 14-2 ,
Probably easier to call it a "Heavy" Combat Masterpiece .
BTW the grips could be correct style if they have the black washers inside.

 

[donadler]

Thanks for the input. Will check the washers when I get it in hand.

 

[GJHIII]

Congratulations, she's a beauty. I can't help with your inquiry. But I sure appreciate your posting of such a "Masterpiece". Even without the original grips, I'd be proud to own such a fine shooter.

 

[donadler]

Congratulations, she's a beauty. I can't help with your inquiry. But I sure appreciate your posting of such a "Masterpiece". Even without the original grips, I'd be proud to own such a fine shooter.

Thanks. Think it will fit in with my other 2 of that era.

 

[JP@AK]

You know, donadler, you didn't have to post the photo of that engraved K-22. I was doing all right. Now I'm going to spend the rest of the evening wrestling with the 10th Commandment.
Nice looking revolver!
JP