Old .38 Special with no model number (edit: pre-model 14)

[SandSpider]

Found this .38 Special in a pawn shop. Serial number K22xxxx seems to date it to 1948, but there is no model number anywhere on this gun.

Finish looks original, but it is a matte blue like a Highway Patrolman, not gloss. Is that correct?

So, what model is this, and is it worth $400 bucks? Thinking about going back to get it.

Sorry about the poor quality pictures...

 

[arjay]

It's a K-38 Masterpiece

 

[cgt4570]

I'd probably buy it for $400, even with the wear and aftermarket grips. I have a weakness for 5-screw target K frames. As mentioned above, it's a K38 Masterpiece. That model became the Model 14 around 1957 when the factory started using model numbers.

 

[lamarw]

I would say that is probably a good price. Maybe you could get them down a tad. Also take a look at the Chief's Special I think below it in the shelf. Kind of hard to see it in the picture. What is the price on it? The stocks on the K-38 are not original but look interesting at least in the picture.

I would definately buy the revolver you are interested in unless there are mechanical or other issues not seen in the picture.

 

[SandSpider]

It's a K-38 Masterpiece

Is that what became the Model 15?

 

[SandSpider]

I would say that is probably a good price. Maybe you could get them down a tad. Also take a look at the Chief's Special I think below it in the shelf. Kind of hard to see it in the picture. What is the price on it?

$299 on the Chief's Special.

 

[JP@AK]

Found this .38 Special in a pawn shop. Serial number K22xxxx seems to date it to 1948

Not 1948. First, serial number K22 plus four more digits would put the date at 1954. Also, the barrel has no taper at the frame, so it is a K-38 Heavy Masterpiece. That fits 1954, not 1948.

I don't know for sure what the stocks are, but they weren't made by S&W.

Still, I don't think $400 is out of line for this gun, at all.

 

[arjay]

That as the Combat Masterpiece

Is that what became the Model 15?

That would be the Combat Masterpiece
I can't remember whether the early K-38s were offered with the lesser polish,but if it doesn't show any signs of a refinish,I'd buy it.They are great shooters.

 

[JP@AK]

Is that what became the Model 15?

No. Model 14.

 

[murphydog]

Yes, a good buy as pictured at $400. This would have had a more highly polished blue starting in the mid-late 1950s.

K22xxx (5 digits) would be from 1948, and K22xxxx (6 digits, as you posted) would be from 195x .

 

[lamarw]

If the Chefs Special is in good condition, it would be a good buy too.

The stocks on the K-38 do look interesting and maybe very nice from the picture.

Try buying both revolvers and get $100 to $150 off.

 

[merl67]

Buy both if you can, see if they will make you a deal, if you buy both of them.

 

[SandSpider]

Thanks everybody for coming through with advice so quickly.

This worked out well, I went back and got the gun for $300.

It cleaned up really well, looks like it has hardly been shot. has a bit of wear from storage, but almost no turn ring, no carbon around the forcing cone or in the chambers.

The grips are much more beat up then the gun, I don't believe those have aged together.

I'm excited about this thing, I have a K-22 Masterpiece .22 from right around the same time. These two will make a nice pair. Can't wait to shoot it.

I'm going to find some correct stocks for it. Would those have been the same as on the .22lr model?

 

[LedFowl]

This worked out well, I went back and got the gun for $300.

Very nice revolver at a great price. Good work.

 

[Bakebfr480]

I think I used to own this gun.........are you in Texas?

 

[murphydog]

Even nicer price! Yes, both the K-22 and K-38 of this era would have had the same stocks. Enjoy!

 

[SandSpider]

I think I used to own this gun.........are you in Texas?

Interesting. What are you basing that on? The grips?

I'm in Louisiana.