Model K38 info needed please

[bossduce]

I ran accross K38 (Pre 14?) 6" with serial number K312xxx (I think this dates to 1957). It was only a four screw, but was in very good condition. I could get it for $440 out the door. Is this a good deal or not. I am not too familiar with the older Smiths. Thanks in advance for your comments.

 

[DCWilson]

That strikes me as a very good price. Here in California the asking price on a gun like that would be $500-600.

 

[bossduce]

Thanks Dc.

From what I can remember it had Coke grips but did not have diamonds. Would this be accurate for that period? I thought all of the older smiths had the diamond grips, especially in the 1950's?

 

[hsguy]

Hello, the Coke grips were only made for the "N" frame, perhaps it has later targey stocks. $440 is not bad if it is nice shape, you can't buy a new gun of that quality for that price.

 

[wheelgun610]

True 'Coke bottle' grips were only made with diamonds, and were only for N frames. Diamonds were used on all checkered factory grips until around 1968.

If the gun you're looking at has later vintage grips, you might try using that as a bargaining wedge.... Correct vintage target stocks could cost as much as maybe $150 in the higher condition range....

Mark

 

[bossduce]

Thanks so far for the feedback.

Does anyone have a picture of what the grips should look like for this gun? The man at the store said they were original, but I guess anyone trying to sell it would say that.

 

[YeshuaIsa53]

Maybe like this....

Of course, this is just in the ballpark....

 

[bossduce]

They look similar to the one on top minus the diamonds. I am thinking that they are from a later model post 1968. After a little more searching, they may be regular target grips for a "K" frame.

Its disappointing there are not the originals, but they are in excellent shape, as is the gun. Thanks for sharing you pic.

 

[YeshuaIsa53]

I would just have to ask them how much without those grips....the grips should be diamonds.
wheelgun is correct about the $150 for targets, which the gun is wearing, but the six inch most likely had magnas on it. My guess is someone liked the feel of the target grips better than the magnas. Don't be disheartened, as there are plenty of kind folk here that can help you find correct, though maybe not original, diamond grips for that gun. The four screw is a nice K-38. Good luck.

 

[fyimo]

If the gun is in really good shape the price you mentioned is very good and I'd buy it with the grips it has on it in a minute. If it has diamond target grips that just sweetens the deal. If the are non diamond target grips it's still a very good deal.

 

[bossduce]

Thanks to all for your responses.
One more question, I noticed the cylinder did not have a serial number on it. Is this correct for a 1957 model? I have a pre 15 (5 screw) from the early 1950's that does have it on the cylinder.

Just checking since the grips were not original. I did not know if the cylinder had been possibly replaced or not.

 

[wheelgun610]

I don't know exactly when they stopped putting S/N's on cylinders, but my 4 screw Combat Masterpiece in the 280,000's doesn't have it either....

Mark

 

[bossduce]

Thanks Mark for your input. So do you like yours? How does it shot?

 

[srsmyth]

K-38 Info

Bossduce, Did that K-38 have the correct box with it? I am currently looking at a similar 5-screw (1955 I think); but it was in a 2 piece blue box with no serial number markings on it. I am curious to know what the correct box should look like.
Thanks
Steve

 

[bossduce]

No box on the the K-38 I am looking at. But I am sure someone out there can educate us on what it should look like.

 

[YeshuaIsa53]

Don't know if I can find the time to find the box I bought here many months back, but will post a pic if I run across it.

 

[srsmyth]

Thanks MeAmMe, I bought the K-38 anyway. It appears to be a 1952 5-screw, I am going to pick it up after work.
I'd love to see the box if you find it.
Steve