Model number for my K38

[johnyakima]

I am trying to find out the model number of my S&W K38 .38 Special with serial number K76453x. I can just read "Mod" but the numbers below are so dim that I am not sure what they are. I would guess they say 17-2, but that is a guess. Can anyone solve my problem?

John

 

[wojeepster]

Try using a lighted magnifier. Describe the gun (fixed or adjustable sights, pinned or non pinned barrel, blue nickel or stainless a picture would help. stocks diamond pattern in center of checkering or plain etc.

 

[DCWilson]

With that serial number, and in .38 Special, it is probably a Model 14-2. That would require it to have a six inch barrel. If it has a four inch barrel, it would have been properly labeled as a Model 15-2.

A Model 17-2 would be a .22 revolver with a six inch barrel.

Your gun has target (adjustable) sights, right? That's one of the implications of the K prefix on the serial number.

 

[fyimo]

If it's a K38 then it will be a Model 14 as a Model 17 is a 22LR caliber revolver. Both the K38 and the K22 are the exact same recolver except for the caliber and S&W built them to even weigh the same. The serial number puts being made in 1967.

 

[johnyakima]

Thanks for the information. The K38 is blued, has a six inch barrel, no diamond on the grips and adjustable sights. Not sure about whether or not the barrel is pinned. Regular hammer and trigger. So it's probably a 14-2 model.
It sure is great to have experts from the Forum fill in the holes in my knowledge.