Need Some Help with "Puzzle"

[cdrtom]

Not sure if this is the correct sub-forum for this, but I believe it "fits" the age, so here goes. I could use some help in solving this "puzzle" I have this salvaged S&W revolver that I cannot identify due to its condition; and, I'm hoping someone(s) in this forum can help. It is a target model and .38 Spl, but beyond that, I can't tell. I have salvaged quite a few parts that are likely to be reusable (for someone), but without knowing the model, knowing which model would work with these parts is a WAG. Back story: Elderly deceased man + multiple guns wrapped in towels under bed + rats' nests in towels + urine soaking for years = unmitigated mess. Any suggestions? And, yes - I understand issues working with rat urine-soaked items. P.S.: upper strap cut to remove cylinder; not due to failure.

 

[toddimusnimski]

Maybe a pre '68 Model 14 K38 Masterpiece? A 20% premium if a 5 screw model but I think that ship may have sailed...
If you post the SN from the butt it would help narrow the age down.

Todd

 

[Alk8944]

The gun was a K-38 Masterpiece. Can't be more specific without the serial number. WHY would the frame have been cut to remove the cylinder? there is no reason that should have been necessary! In that condition you will be best off throwing it in the junk drawer and forgetting about it!

 

[cdrtom]

Maybe a pre '68 Model 14 K38 Masterpiece? A 20% premium if a 5 screw model but I think that ship may have sailed...
If you post the SN from the butt it would help narrow the age down.

Todd

The serial number stamped on the butt and cylinder is 256308

 

[cdrtom]

The gun was a K-38 Masterpiece. Can't be more specific without the serial number. WHY would the frame have been cut to remove the cylinder? there is no reason that should have been necessary! In that condition you will be best off throwing it in the junk drawer and forgetting about it!

256308. Even after days soaking in Evapo-Rust and Phosphoric acid, it was not possible to get the cylinder to open - the corrosion has permanently fused the crane and ejector rod into a solid part of the frame. And, trying myself to find a "hen's teeth" cylinder for another rebuild, I felt someone might need a cylinder for this model if I could salvage it, as with the other parts I salvaged.

 

[toddimusnimski]

K256308? That makes it a 1955 K38 Masterpiece "Pre-Model 14" as called in the Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson, 5th edition. The Model 14 designation was added in 1957.
A sad ending to a once fine firearm. You're good to save what you can.

Todd

 

[JP@AK]

At K256308, it almost certainly shipped in 1956. It was a five-screw revolver. That serial number puts it very close to the documented change to the four-screw configuration. I have K278720, which has a four-screw frame. The change was ordered in 1955, but some five-screw units were produced in early 1956.

 

[cdrtom]

K256308? That makes it a 1955 K38 Masterpiece "Pre-Model 14" as called in the Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson, 5th edition. The Model 14 designation was added in 1957.
A sad ending to a once fine firearm. You're good to save what you can.

Todd

There is no "K" in front of the SN, neither on the butt nor on the cylinder, if that makes a difference. Thanks for the support - I have five such firearms from that one rat-infested group that I'm trying to salvage - only one has turned out to be suitable for reuse, and it works really well - 3/4" group at 50 yards (.22LR semi-auto rifle), with just a new barrel - the rest are similar to the revolver - total corrosion, but many parts salvageable. This K38 is the only handgun I was able to obtain.

 

[cdrtom]

At K256308, it almost certainly shipped in 1956. It was a five-screw revolver. That serial number puts it very close to the documented change to the four-screw configuration. I have K278720, which has a four-screw frame. The change was ordered in 1955, but some five-screw units were produced in early 1956.

It does have the four screws in the side plate as well as one in front of the trigger guard (hard to see due to corrosion).

 

[Jim Watson]

The stocks are in good condition and would likely be worth a bit of money.

 

[cdrtom]

The stocks are in good condition and would likely be worth a bit of money.

Possibly - being retired and a care giver, I have to do something to keep my mind and "free time" occupied. I have been frustrated with the lack of replacement parts for a few firearms that I have tried to repair (as a hobby; not a licensed gunsmith) for my own use. If I can save some parts that could be difficult to find, and offer them at a very fair price (or even free if not in very good condition, but usable), then I have met my goal. I don't expect top collectors to be interested.

 

[cdrtom]

Just for "sh_ts & grins", I decided to post photos of two rifles from that rat-infested group of firearms. These will never shoot again (and all but one rifle had a loaded .22LR round in the chamber), but I am salvaging as many parts as I can that can be reused. Will give a good indication of what rat urine can do to poorly stored guns. The worst of the lot was the revolver, unfortunately.

 

[Onomea]

Man, those pix are enough to make a grown man cry...