I recently picked up a 4 inch square butt K-38. From what I can gather the gun was made in 1952. The serial number is K 1589XX The frame has 5 screws,The gun has a target hammer and trigger. The front sight on the gun has two pins at its base and the sight insert is yellow The gun is in excellent shape but does not have its original wood grips I would like to get the proper wood grips for the gun as well as any information on the gun. Any help would be appreciated
K 38 questions
- Thread starter Stinxx
- Start date
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DWalt
Member
Yours probably shipped in late 1952. Your K-38 CM probably was originally shipped with the standard (for that time) sharp shoulder Magna grips. Target grips were available at that time, and those were of the unrelieved style (no "football" at the top of the left grip panel). An original pair of those in good condition will be expensive. Your target trigger is unlikely to be original as they did not appear as factory items until the mid-1950s.
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Agreed that it probably shipped with diamond Magna style stocks with the sharp shoulder. I also don't think the trigger is original and I likewise think the yellow sight insert has been added after the fact.
Nice looking revolver, however!
Nice looking revolver, however!
Targets Guy
US Veteran
That's a beauty and a keeper. Great work.
cgt4570
Member
Correct 'magna' grips can often be found for around $100. Non-'football cut' targets typically top $200. Good luck!
True, but a bit of an understatement. I'd buy every one of them that you can find in nice condition for $200 each.
DWalt
Member
Yes, finding a good pair of unrelieved targets for $200 would be noteworthy.
Green Frog
Member
Stinxx, your Combat Masterpiece was born near the beginning of a "Golden Age" for S&W revolvers. Through the '50s and '60s just about every cop had some sort of Smith or C@!+ revolver on his hip, and as one would expect, professionals would personalize them for what they believed would be improved performance. The target trigger, unusual YELLOW front sight insert, and the Pachmayr rubber grips were all relatively common alterations for a real shooter. I personally detest the rubber grips as they just don't work well for me, but other than that, I would be showing some serious love for that old workhorse. I'd say you've got a real winner there.
Froggie
Froggie
DWalt
Member
There are those who for various reasons despise the rubber Hogue and Pachmayr grips, and then there is me. I think they are perfect for any revolver, far superior to any wood grips. Very economical and very ergonomic with no slippage in your hand. And they help to moderate recoil. And I think they don't look that bad. You never have to worry about damaging them. I have one or the other on every revolver I shoot much, both Colts and S&Ws, with the factory grips stored safely away.
Maybe I havent had enough coffee yet this morning but that gun looks like it has a high polish blue.
Was the K38 offered in a high polished blue in the early 50's?
The side plate seam looks original so maybe it was a factory refinish or a custom order?
Was the K38 offered in a high polished blue in the early 50's?
The side plate seam looks original so maybe it was a factory refinish or a custom order?
OLDSTER
Member
K38
Pretty darned nice K38 you've got there. As posted already, it would have come from the factory with "sharp shouldered" magnas like these
Pretty darned nice K38 you've got there. As posted already, it would have come from the factory with "sharp shouldered" magnas like these
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