K38 Masterpeice with Bullseye Target Grips

[zipty6]

I kind of stumbled into this one. The auction pictures were not very detailed, so I threw a lowball bid at it. It was listed as a K38, but I was guessing it was actually a model 14. When I got it home I discovered it to be a 4 screw K38 with target hammer and target trigger.

The bullseye target stocks are very nice. I don't know who made them. My guess is that they are Herrets. I am tempted to replace them with correct factory stocks or a set of Culinas.

I appreciate any information regarding the grips that are on it. Also, would the correct stocks be footballs or non-relieved?

I still need to clean it up, but here are some pictures.

 

[Tom K]

If you're a target shooter and the stocks fit you, those are the correct stocks.

 

[jimbo728]

I`bet that shoots great.
Jim

 

[zipty6]

If you're a target shooter and the stocks fit you, those are the correct stocks.

I'll have to get it to a range before making a decision. I'm far from a target shooter when using both hands.

 

[boatbum101]

Look like Herrett's . Should be marked on the inside unless some of his earlier work . If not your thing keep 'em for trade . If they fit your hand & you shoot one handed you might find they help .

 

[Old_Cop]

Leave it alone, it's a shooter from another era.

 

[mmande]

The screw at the top of the side plate went away approximately 1957 so by then the correct target grips would be walnut, diamond, with the football cutout. A factory letter will tell you if it was shipped with target or standard grips.
Your Herretts are closed around both the front and back frame strap so the person they were made for had large sized hands. The model 14-2 that I use in our revolver bullseye league is one of the most accurate guns I own.
Congrats;
Mike

 

[JP@AK]

It could have shipped with targets and, if so, they were probably of the type mentioned by mmande. However, non-relieved targets were still around in 1956-57, so there is a slim chance it had those.

It is far more likely this revolver left the factory with Magnas. A letter is the only way to be sure.

 

[GypsmJim]

If you're a target shooter and the stocks fit you, those are the correct stocks.

Eons ago I bought a set of those for bullseye matches. They fit my hand perfectly, but I could never get used to them. My scores were better with regular factory stocks.

Obviously, YMMV. They have resided in a junk drawer for 40 years now.

 

[boatbum101]

Harder to master a consistent grip one handed with a revolver . Having to cock hammer in timed / rapid fire takes training . Ortho grips help those who have problems or can't get a consistent grip . Military / Police shooters are taught to use issue / slab stocks & most are " hard holders" . Both methods work with training . Making the gun fit shooters hand , quality sights & excellent trigger work well for bullseye . Results are on the shooter .

 

[RKmesa]

The grips are similar to these "Fitz" grips that were on a Model 48 that I sold. That Masterpiece should be a delight to shoot.

Thanks for sharing,

 

[JohnRippert]

They look kinda like Sandersons to me. Last year I picked up a no dash 14 with a set of his on it. What do the inner sides of the grips look like?

 

[.357magger]

If those grips felt good to my hand, I wouldn't change a thing, but I would feel blessed to have a great new tool to practice one handed shooting. You just found the perfect tool for it perhaps.

Nice acquisition.

Thanks for sharing it.

 

[Keith Brown]

Zipty6 that's a beauty, the K-38 is my favorite post war S&W revolver, the six inch barrel on the K frame hangs just right. The grips are very appropriate for the finest Target revolver ever built !

 

[arjay]

I picked up a pair of Herretts with a 58 Ruger Mark I attached [emoji38]

I like the way they fill your hand

These would be correct for your 4 screw

 

[Waveski]

Give those stocks a good , open minded try. You may be pleasantly surprised.
They will seem awkward at first , but be patient. If your experience turns out anything like mine there is a whole new shooting experience ahead for you.

 

[Troystat]

Nice find, if the grips fit shooting a revolver off hand is fun. Try it with some 148 grain wadcutters.

 

[zipty6]

I didn't find any markings on the inside of the grips. There is an old piece of tape with what appears to be a name written on it.

 

[diecidecimi]

Any doubt, they are Herrett's target thumbrest stocks. I have several ...I collect vintage thumbrest grips 'cause I shoot always one-handed. I'm glad to say that I can see even the littlest differences between the models that came on the market.

 

[22hipower]

Agree that they are Herretts. Here's a set that came on a 14-3 I bought last year.

Jeff
SWCA #1457