No Wonder They Call Them "Masterpiece."

[CajunBass]

I went to the range today. I took the "new" to me, 1951 38, and 1953 22, "Combat Masterpiece"'s. I'd had the 22 out plinking once, but had never fired the 38.

First up was the 38. I loaded five rounds of my reloads (158 gr lead). Standing, using both hands, single action, at seven yards, those five shots were touching, just a little high of the bull. Reloading, and adjusting my POA, I proceeded to shoot the white center out of the target, completly. Just one big ragged hole. I am NOT a good pistol shot by the way, but that gun was making me look good.

The 22 CMP was next, with about the same results. I did run more ammo through it. About 100 rounds of Federal America Eagle, 40gr lead bullets, but the results were about the same. I was pretty well tearing up the right of the bull. Again, adjusting my POA, brought the POI into the center of the target. I didn't shoot the center out, smaller hole and all, but I did put a hurting on it.

Any gun that makes me look good, is a good one. They weren't cheap, but I'm quite happy with them.

To top it off, another party at the range gave me all their once fired 38 brass (almost 200 rounds). They said they didn't want it.

 

[DCWilson]

A good day. Congratulations.

 

[Iggy]

I agree with you masterpiece assessment. They make the shooter look good.

 

[Smith357]

Yup, there is a reason they are called "Masterpiece". My Model 14 Masterpiece makes me look good at the range. While everyone else is shooting patterns on full sized silhouette targets, I'm eating the bullseyes out of my targets. Invariably some young whippersnapper will comment on the groups, I assure them that with just a little practice and a Masterpiece they too can shoot one ragged hole in the paper. I will always offer them a test drive, and those who try it say they want one.

 

[Art Doc]

I know most folks tap the M&P as the classic S&W but my vote goes for the Combat Masterpiece as the definitive S&W revolver.

 

[Iggy]

SP, cain't argue much with that position. They are true classics.

 

[Maximumbob54]

So how hard will I get slapped around for favoring the big N frame guns better than the slim K's??? I much prefer the all business of a Highway Patrolman or the gussied up milling on the .357 Magnums much more so than the Combat Masterpiece or even the Combat Magnums. But I suppose beauty is in the eye of the beholder.


I love my 28.

 

[Art Doc]

My personal favorite is the 27 (and variants) but I think because of style and performance the CoMpc is the quintessential S&W.

 

[fyimo]

I think for beauty it's hard to not choose the model 27. That said the k38 and K22's are excellebt shooters and still a classic looking revover. So after that was said I really like the model 15 and model 18's, Heck I like all of them that's the problem.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

So how hard will I get slapped around for favoring the big N frame guns better than the slim K's??? I much prefer the all business of a Highway Patrolman or the gussied up milling on the .357 Magnums much more so than the Combat Masterpiece or even the Combat Magnums.

But I suppose beauty is in the eye of the beholder.




Yes it is.............I love I's/J's/K's/L's/M's/N's etc............Haven't fired an X yet so the jurys still out on that one.

 

[Kavinsky]

So how hard will I get slapped around for favoring the big N frame guns better than the slim K's??? I much prefer the all business of a Highway Patrolman or the gussied up milling on the .357 Magnums much more so than the Combat Masterpiece or even the Combat Magnums. But I suppose beauty is in the eye of the beholder.


I love my 28.

well what you also have to remember is that it also comes down to cost as well, its a hell of alot cheaper to shoot a .22 than anything else, probably even when it comes to reloads

and for that very reason 9 times out of 10 if I'm going to the range I'm packing the M17 K22, even if it takes abit longer to clean as I hate to get ruger thumb from the 22/45

and its going to be that way till I get the walther back.

 

[ky wonder]

i like pistols, i like any that where built with quality and long service in mind,

i love Smiths, but my favorite now, then and always will be the little shiney 5 screw, k22 masterpiece from 1948, it has spit out a boat load of ammo and is still my go to gun for most things fun

 

[JSR III]

I have to agree with Mike, SC Hunter. I like them all and I do have an X. The 460 is a little tough to shoot and has a very large bark. I much prefer the lower end of the alphabet.

 

[armsmaster270]

I love my Smith's too 15, 19, 586's, 340PD and 6906