K38 Masterpiece

[mchom]

Picked this up off GB recently
A 4" pre 14
I just requested a letter. From reading the SCSW I am hoping it is one of the 375 send to KC, MO Police Department
There are no LE marking on the gun
Barrel serial matches frame
The stocks are not original. I am not certain if the original would be pc style or just regular magna?
If anyone here on the forum can share any info I would appreciate it very much

 

[mchom]

Right side pic

Here is right side pic

 

[Hawg Rider]

mchom: A little more info is required. You say that the barrel serial number matches the frame, but you didn't share the s/n with us so it's difficult to date or provide some feedback.

 

[mchom]

k 231695

 

[glowe]

It is said that the Kansas City 4" Masterpiece revolvers were sent out in 1957. The serial number range for 1957 Masterpiece revolvers was around K289,000 to K318,000. As noted above, you serial number is missing and most important for answering your questions.

Just saw your number. You have a K38 Combat Masterpiece which later became a Model 15. Manufacture year would have been 1955.

 

[22hipower]

What makes you think it is a pre-14 instead of a pre-15? Sure looks like my 4 inch pre-15s but maybe I'm missing something. The stocks on my pre-15, the one with stocks matching the gun's SN, are standard magnas.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[mchom]

It is said that the Kansas City 4" Masterpiece revolvers were sent out in 1957. The serial number range for 1957 Masterpiece revolvers was around K289,000 to K318,000. As noted above, you serial number is missing and most important for answering your questions.

Just saw your number. You have a K38 Combat Masterpiece which later became a Model 15. Manufacture year would have been 1955.

Thank you
What I find interesting is that mine has the heavy profile barrel like the model 14 would have...as opposed to the tapered barrel the combat masterpiece/model 15 would have?

 

[mchom]

Barrel profile

What makes you think it is a pre-14 instead of a pre-15? Sure looks like my 4 inch pre-15s but maybe I'm missing something. The stocks on my pre-15, the one with stocks matching the gun's SN, are standard magnas.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

The heavy barrel profile is like 14 vs 15
the revolver in question is top
A pre 15 is on bottom. Note barrel profile
Ill try to get a close in pic

 

[mchom]

Here is a close up

Of both barrel profiles

The pic on the left is the barrel of the orignal revolver posted. The pic on the right is a combat masterpiece/pre 15

To my eyes the barrel profile is like the later Hanen Special 14-2

 

[22hipower]

Maybe, but what makes you think it's not a cut barrel pre-14? The S&W barrel stamp does appear centered as with the pre-15. I don't think many pre-14s or pre-15s left the factory with red ramp sights. I'm sure others will weigh in with opinions although the letter will be the only opinion that matters. Good luck, hope it works out for you.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[mchom]

Barrel marking

Maybe, but what makes you think it's not a cut barrel pre-14? The S&W barrel stamp does appear centered as with the pre-15. I don't think many pre-14s or pre-15s left the factory with red ramp sights. I'm sure others will weigh in with opinions although the letter will be the only opinion that matters. Good luck, hope it works out for you.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

You may be right. I checked my 6" pre 14 and the marking are in the same location as this revolver so the barrel could have been cut. Well...I'll know shortly. Thanks

 

[Hawg Rider]

The K38 Masterpieces and K38 Combat Masterpieces confuse the heck out of me. The SCSW 4th Ed. states "Note: The major distinction between the K-38 Target Masterpiece and the K-38 Combat Masterpiece is the barrel length and front sight". The Combat Masterpiece was supposedly only manufactured with a 4" bbl., except for some special orders with 5" bbl. The Masterpiece (Target Masterpiece) was supposedly only manufactured with a 6" bbl. except for special orders with 4" and 5" barrels. The Masterpiece had a Patridge front sight from 1947 until 1952, then it got a Baughman ramp and sight, like the Combat Masterpiece. It does appear that mchom's revolver has a 4" heavy barrel (K-38 Masterpiece got a heavy barrel in 1949) with Baughman sight. Soooo, what Model revolver does mchom have? I'm so confused!

 

[mchom]

Added 4" hanen

Here is a pic of 3
L to R
Revolver in question (Questionable original 4" pre 14), 14-2 Nickel Hanen, Pre 15

Sorry for crooked pic

 

[glowe]

The name is not Target Masterpiece according to all company literature of the era and "collector speak", but rather just Masterpiece. It is my understanding that the K38 Masterpiece was standard with a 6" barrel, but variations were sold in 4" and 5" barrel lengths by cutting the 6" Heavy barrels to 4" and 5" as orders came in. The K38 Combat Masterpiece only used tapered barrels with narrow ribs throughout their production. I guess that the heavy barrel use indicated Masterpiece guns and not the length of the barrel.

 

[wheelgun610]

Here is right side pic

Is it my imagination, or is there some distortion in the rib under the front sight? I'm not seeing it in the left side image. I'd also be interested in seeing a photo of the muzzle. Both photos make it appear that the barrel was cut at an angle. I suppose it could just be the camera angle making it look that way...

Mark

 

[mchom]

Distortion

I think its just lighting. I cant feel anything and up close under light Im not seeing anything. I can see what your referring to in the picture tho.

 

[mchom]

Muzzle pic

Here is a shot of the 4" muzzle

 

[mchom]

Muzzle

For comparison
Here is the muzzle on my 6" masterpiece of similar vintage

 

[mchom]

Close up 4"

OK here is a better close up on 4"

 

[mchom]

Close up of 6 inch

For comparison here is the 6"