Looking to ID this S&W revolver

[CouchPotato]

I dont know wheel guns very well but I'm interested in knowing which model number this is and what year it was produced.

The serial number starts with 3K543xx

I believe it's from the early 80's, that it came from California to Wisconsin through LEO circles, and it currently remains with the retired officer who last carried it.

Any help would be appreciated

Thanks!

 

[Jimmyjones]

Looks to be a model 15 (K-38 Combat Masterpiece) , possibly a -3. 3K would probably put it in the early 70's. By the early 80's they were into xxK.

If you open the cylinder, the model number should be stamped on the frame in the cutout.

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

1972

If it is Double Action Only its a LAPD revolver. They were neutered to fire DAO.

Most CA Agencies had Model 15s then. Yours is a 15-3.

 

[CouchPotato]

Looks to be a model 15 (K-38 Combat Masterpiece) , possibly a -3. 3K would probably put it in the early 70's. By the early 80's they were into xxK.

If you open the cylinder, the model number should be stamped on the frame in the cutout.

Interesting. It's older than we thought. His wife is likely to create an issue if he brings it out again today. I'll look at it again on Thanksgiving.

Looking at pictures of other examples of the K-38 Combat Masterpiece, it definitely looks like one.

 

[CouchPotato]

1972

If it is Double Action Only its a LAPD revolver. They were neutered to fire DAO.

Most CA Agencies had Model 15s then. Yours is a 15-3.

Great info. The gun originated in CA, but it's not DAO

 

[Targets Guy]

I'll guess it shipped Dec 72 or Jan 73.


3K530xx, a Model 15-3, shipped 12/1972
3K746xx, a Model 15-3, shipped 1/1973 to the LAPD.


I own 3K47325, a Model 14-3, that shipped Jan 1973.