my father-in-law's S&W K'38

[plfrench]

I am trying to find out more about the stock or grips on my father-in-law's S&W K'38. I've just acquired it and don't know a lot about it. I started asking questions about it on The Firing Line forum and was directed here. The information that I have is that it might be a Model 14 KT-38 Special Masterpiece Revolver Ser.# K 51536 made in 1948

 

[Homie]

The stocks are'50-'56 vintage Targets (non-relieved), which appear to be correct for the K-38 shown, and very much sought after. Without the original box, only a factory letter will tell if they were shipped with the gun.

What is the serial number?

Good shooting.

 

[DCWilson]

Welcome to the forum. The actual model name of that gun is the K-38 Masterpiece. Some people call them "target" masterpieces, but that is a misnomer. After 1950 you could get them with wide target hammers, target triggers, and target stocks. Your gun probably shipped originally with what are called diamond magnas, the standard grip for these guns. The target stocks on it now are roughly era-appropriate, but did not yet exist at the time a 1948 gun would have shipped. They could have been purchased separately and placed on the gun two or three years later.

Those revolvers are excellent shooters. When I don't have original stocks for a Masterpiece revolver in any caliber (there were K-22 and K-32 Masterpiece models as well), I often add age-appropriate target stocks to them.

 

[larryofcc]

What did he use it for, a boat anchor? Big Larry

 

[linde]

What did he use it for, a boat anchor? Big Larry

To clean up that classic K-38 Masterpiece, here is a good discussion on methods that have proven effective.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-ha...old-revolvers-surface-rust-light-pitting.html

 

[Art Doc]

Let me guess... stored for years in a holster or "gun rug."

 

[slumpy]

Nice gun, and already has wear on it, my father in law only gives me lessons on how bad I'm sharpening my knife. Great gift.

 

[alaskavett]

Welcome to the forum and thanks for sharing a family piece with us. Unfortunately the collector value has been diminished due to it's appearance. do not despair as it is still a fine shooting iron that you can enjoy. Many of these guns have suffered a similar fate as they were once only thought of as tools. Kyle

 

[plfrench]

He was a Calif. Hiway Patrol Lt. and retired to the coast where is wife left it in the holster for ten years before I received it.
Thank you all for the help with info. as to what it is and how to take care of it. Can I shoot anything in it besides 38 special?

 

[Engine49guy]

Hello and welcome to the forum !

Although your K38 Masterpiece (aka "Pre" Model 14) is a bit rough around the edges ,
It should clean up nicely and do a great job of putting most brands of 38 special ammo on the target bullseye.

Any commercial .38 special non jacketed (lead) , jacketed or semi jacketed rounds of various bullet weights and designs should be fine to use but,
You should avoid using any +P ammo in a gun of this vintage.

On a side note besides the diamond target grips your Smith has two other interesting early features ,
One is the bent hammer spur known as the "S&W High Speed Hammer",
The other is the earlier tapered barrel with narrow rib .
Both of these features dissappeared a few years later in its evolution.

Enjoy shooting your new Smith handgun and thanks for sharing it with us!

 

[crsides]

What did he use it for, a boat anchor? Big Larry

Let me join the others who appropriately welcomed you to the forum. Some of us are challenged in that area.

I have a K22 from the same era that would make your K38 look like a gem. Mine shoots great, I don't have to worry about a scratch here or there, and I really enjoy carrying and shooting the gun. Plus yours is a family heirloom to be treasured beyond a NIB safe queen from GunBroker.

Charlie