Looking for help with k38 identification

[Wfarrell]

I'm looking for help with squaring a few things away with this pistol I just bought.

So first off it was listed as a 4" pre mod 14 k38 target masterpiece, with target hammer, sight and trigger. Serial # k 225xxx and the yoke does not have a model # listed. I'll attach pictures.

So looking over it, it appears to have a target hammer and sight, however I don't believe the trigger is target as it's not wide as I've found listed as an identifier. However it has a very nice crisp break(not sure if that's normal vs target). The biggest red flag is the 4" barrel, I assume that makes this a combat, which I would then assume makes this a pre mod 15? Any help or added information would be great. I've also been told this takes a k&l square butt stock, is this correct?

 

[Hawg Rider]

Welcome to the Forum! I'll try to help, but I'm sure some knowledgeable Forum members will be along shortly to correct me. Your s/n (K255xxx) dates the revolver to 1954. As you surmised, you bought a K-38 Combat Masterpiece (aka pre-Model 15), with the 4" barrel with Baughman Quick Draw front sight. These revolvers became the Model 15 a few years later in 1957-58 when S&W changed from names to Model numbers. It would have shipped with diamond center walnut magna stocks. It probably did not ship with square butt target stocks, but that may have been an option. It's probably a 5-screw revolver since S&W didn't delete the upper right sideplate screw until 1955. You acquired a fairly desirable revolver that should be a great shooter. Enjoy!

 

[kscharlie]

Yes, that is a .38 Combat Masterpiece, from 1953/1954. It is a square butt K frame, and would most likely have shipped with walnut diamond center magna stocks, as in the attached pic. Yours has a target hammer and standard trigger. It could have shipped that way or had the hammer changed out later. This model became the Model 15 in 1958. You can call it a "pre-15" but S&W never did.

(Looks like Hawg beat me to it.)

 

[rct269]

As noted, you have a Combat Masterpiece. I haven't checked to date it's creation, but given it came to be in the mid 1950's, it would have a 6", comparatively FAT barrel---to add weight--if it was a K-38. That in turn came to be as a result of fussing and fuming on the part of very picky target shooters---which pretty much describes all of them. The "very picky" description arises from the fact the weight discrepancy among the several models (22/32/38) amounted to a whopping 2.5 ounces. The matched weight models were available early on in 1950, and for a few years following you could "pays your money and takes your pick" between barrel/rib configurations (skinny or not so skinny). I reckon not so skinny won out, and it wasn't long before fat was the order of the day.

A somewhat amusing chapter in the history of S&W.

Ralph Tremaine

By the by, it's my recollection the matched weight business was when fully loaded. I reckon the weight discrepancy after the first shot was fired was deemed to be acceptable---by most folks anyway.

The best part of all this is the early mis-matched weight models were finished in "Satin Blue"---the funky finish. I had one each of all of them in my collection, and they were undeniably UGLY!!

 

[Wfarrell]

Thank you for the help, only other revolver I've owned was a heritage .22lr. I ran across some videos on these and have been wanting to get a 6" target. I saw this one cheap on gb and figured what the hell I'll throw a bid on it. Fully expected to get out bid, but never did.only bad thing is the stock has a Crack. However already working on replacing them.

 

[JP@AK]

Welcome to the S&W Forum, Wfarrell

As others have noted, you have a .38 Combat Masterpiece, which later (c. 1958) would become the Model 15 .38 Combat Masterpiece. Model numbers were added to the names, they did not replace the names.

According to my tracking list, your revolver, with a serial number in the K225000 range, likely shipped from the factory in 1955, possibly 1954. K220943, a K-38 Masterpiece (6" barrel), shipped in March, 1954. K225815, a .38 Combat Masterpiece, shipped in February, 1955. Both models were serialized in the same sequence. S&W did not ship guns in serial order.

 

[Green Frog]

Welcome to the S&W Forum, and congratulations. If you placed what you consider a minimal bid on that revolver and got it, you did well. Once upon a time I did the same on a K-22 near the end of a live auction… it’s still one of my favorite revolvers!.
As you have read already, you have an early to mid ‘50s Combat Masterpiece, made at least 4-5 years prior to the introduction of Model numbers. It would appear that someone changed out the stocks (grips) for a set of the plastic ones that were popular at the time, and replacing them would make sense. The proper vintage stocks would be referred to “square butt” K frame stocks. Probably they were in the Magna style, perhaps with rounded edges at the bottom referred to as “PC” style. As mentioned, stocks of that vintage will have a larger diamond than the checkering to outline the screw. They were numbered (inside) to the gun, but you can ignore that as the numbers are hidden inside the stock when installed.
Regards,
Froggie

 

[Gun Relics]

Here's a page from my Gun Relics website - 1957 catalog showing both the .38 Masterpiece and Combat Masterpiece models.

 

[raljr1]

My k38 #223612 shipped De6cember 1954,

My k22 #244832 shipped in August 1955