K38, 5 Screw Questions

[bolo]

I just bought a K38 with 99% finish for $500. Thought it was a fair price. Didn't notice it was a 5 screww till I got it home. SN#399XX.
My friend thinks I stole it for that price. Would like to know approximate value and date of manafacture.

Steve

 

[diamonback68]

I s there a "K" in the serial number? What is the number off the butt of the gun include any letters?

 

[bolo]

It is stamped K 931XX on the butt. There appears to be two Vs stamped above the SN# inside the crane.

 

[DCWilson]

Bolo, welcome to the forum.

Yeah, that was a steal. Your gun first saw light of day in 1950. Congratulations on the score.

I just paid $600 for another 1950 K-38, K100091. It's a great gun except for the really bad finish damage (bluing gone, shallow pits) adjacent to one flute on the cylinder. Pictures of it on this thread:

http://smith-wessonforum.com/e...540103904/m/83210927

David Wilson

 

[JayCeeNC]

Yes! Good price on a great gun, congrats.

 

[VM]

This is probably my favorite and most accurate revolver - K38 from 1949

 

[diamonback68]

Originally posted by bolo:
It is stamped K 931XX on the butt. There appears to be two Vs stamped above the SN# inside the crane.

1950 is correct. I just picked up a 4" K945XX, very close to yours.
I paid $425, but it had the wrong grips, but forum member bimmer*tr sold me the right grips for it; diamond magnas.

Oh, I forgot a big WELCOME to the forum!

 

[mikepriwer]

The serial number is K931xx , not that other number. You should also find that number
under the barrel (on the flat area) and on the rear face of the cylinder.

Later, Mike Priwer

 

[bolo]

Mike thanks for the info. I found the numbers in both locations. Just getting started into collectibles. The gun looks to be in the same condition as VM's with the same grips.
Now I'll have to find out about the Colt 1911 I purchased with this gun. WW11 vintage and came with a Colt 22 conversion unit also. This one I got for a steal as the seller threw in the conversion unit for free!!!
Thank you all for the warm welcome.

Steve

 

[VM]

Colt 22 conversion unit also. This one I got for a steal as the seller threw in the conversion unit for free!!!

Sweet deal as those are atleast 4 bills.

How about some pics of both as WE LUV PICS!

 

[fyimo]

Mine was made a few years later in 1952 but I really like it.