need some ID help

[toddskill]

My dad picked up an old revolver and I am trying to help him get some info on it so far what I have found points to 1948 and a k38. It has a 4 in barrel and metal grips any help is appreciated
S/n is k41xxx
Pictures-
Thanks, Todd

 

[Muley Gil]

Welcome to the Forum.

Sounds like a K-38 Combat Masterpiece. I can't open your pictures; it goes to a Log-In page.

In 1957 this became the Model 15.

 

[DCWilson]

A 1948 K-38 with a four inch barrel has either been modified (original barrel cut or replaced) or was a special order. We really need to see photos of this one to know what is going on.

If you copy the Imageshack links to the specific photos you have and paste them into a post to this thread, they should show up here as images. Make sure you surround each photo link with the

tags, like this:

 

[toddskill]

Yea I can't get any pictures or links to post right. If someone wants to post them ill send em to ya

 

[toddskill]

Still goes to log in page when I use the IMG bracket things

 

[DCWilson]

Send them to me at dcw1000(AT)live(DOT)com. I'll try to get them up.

 

[toddskill]

PICTURES are sent coming from toddskill(at)Yahoo
Thanks

 

[remo]

Here is a list of S&W S/N hope it helps.

K Series K Frames (Adjustable Sight Models)
K101 – K614……………......1946
K615 – K18,731…………....1947
K18,732 – K73,121……..…1948

 

[DCWilson]

Here is the best photo of Todd's gun:

The barrel is a replacement from a Combat Magnum, or Model 19. The K-38 barrels of any length did not have an ejector rod shroud. The Pre-19s and 19s did have the shroud.

Can you see a serial number stamped inside the shroud under the barrel? If this barrel came from an early Combat Magnum, you might see a serial number above K260000 or so. If there is no serial number, it is probably from a later Model 19 produced at the time when the factory no longer put the S/N on separate parts and assemblies.

Does the barrel have a cartridge designation stamped on it? I would expect to see 357 S&W MAGNUM CTG.

Can you just confirm for us that the serial number on the butt, and maybe on the rear face of the cylinder, is K plus five digits rather than K plus six?

 

[DCWilson]

To build on my previous post, because I don't want to seem mysterious:

If there is a missing x to represent the last digit of the reported serial number, then this could easily be a correct Model 19 from about 1960-61. If you swing out the cylinder, you would see MOD 19 stamped on the frame where you can't see it when the yoke is closed.

In Todd's other photos that I didn't put up because the gun is in a holster that conceals almost everything but the grip, you can't tell if the revolver has a top sideplate screw or not. If this is a 1948 gun, that screw would be there. If it is from 1961 or thereabouts, it would not.

The grips are Mexican, by the way: eagle/snake motif and Mayan calendar give it away. The best such grips are handmade silver efforts, but others are mass produced.

 

[Alk8944]

This is simply a Model 19. Look at the contour of the front of the frame! If it was any other model there would be a notch between the curved front of the frame and the extractor rod shroud, there is not! Likewise check the gap between the back of the cylinder and the standing breech. Also, the distance from the face of the cylinder and the front of the frame window. It isn't a Model 19 barrel in anything but a Model 19! OP simply left a digit off the serial number.

 

[DCWilson]

This is simply a Model 19. Look at the contour of the front of the frame! If it was any other model there would be a notch between the curved front of the frame and the extractor rod shroud, there is not! Likewise check the gap between the back of the cylinder and the standing breech. Also, the distance from the face of the cylinder and the front of the frame window. It isn't a Model 19 barrel in anything but a Model 19! OP simply left a digit off the serial number.

Thanks. I have never actually looked closely at a 19 and didn't know easy ways to distinguish one from other K-frames apart from the barrel shroud.

 

[toddskill]

Sorry sn is k541xxx. Thanks for the input everyone

 

[DCWilson]

That makes more sense. It is a .357 Combat Magnum (Model 19-2) from 1963-64.

 

[toddskill]

Like I said I was posting for my dad, didn't have the gun with me just had a number lost in the shuffle somewher any idea on a value?
Thanks

 

[DCWilson]

Model 19s are much sought by those who love compact .357 Magnums. The demand holds the price up, but I don't routinely follow values for this model. I suspect it would be at least a $400 gun, and maybe somewhat more. The grips are a wild card. Some people would discount for them because they would have preferred the original checked wood stocks. Others might like the ornate metal design.

 

[Combat]

That gun would handle better with target style grips on it. That being said, I like aftermarket grips and want me a pair of them mexican ones. You /he should handle a few different types before making up your mind on the ones you want to use.