Please help identify this S&W .38 special

[matta1]

Hello , S&W lovers
Please identify. What model and year of production , . 38 special , 6-inch barrel , number K 297112 on the Butt of the gun. Revolver shoots well but there were sporadic problems with firing, especially in DA ... weak spring?

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass! You have a K-38 Masterpiece from 1957. Take off the grips and make sure the mainspring strain screw at the bottom inside of the grip frame is fully seated. Sometimes owners loosen this screw to lighten trigger pull and it can affect the hammer strike force.

 

[murphydog]

Welcome! This is a K-38 Masterpiece, which not too long after this one was made (1957) was also called a model 14.

If the internals are clean and the mainspring strain screw on the front of the grip strap is fully tight...that is about all I know about light hammer strikes.

 

[JP@AK]

1957 is probably correct for production and probably shipping too.

For reference, K314496 is the lowest number K-38 marked as a Model 14 that I have been able to locate. It shipped in July, 1958, and was a special order unit.

 

[H Richard]

I have a K285xxx (4 screw) that shipped 7/3/57. From the looks of your target, it is sighted for a 6 O'clock hold. Group isn't that bad, check your hand position on the stocks.

 

[JP@AK]

I have a K285xxx (4 screw) that shipped 7/3/57.

An interesting example of shipping order. I have one in the K2859xx range that shipped in January, 1957, six months earlier.

 

[Jim Watson]

Right, the strain screw (near the bottom of the front strap, now under the target stocks) is probably backed out or shortened. Some chance that the mainspring has been narrowed or thinned.

Target hammer and narrow trigger are the combination on my Outdoorsman, I like it.

 

[reccpd101]

If the mainspring has been narrowed, let me know. I may have a spare or two.

 

[Gregmk]

Pre model 14

Keeping with samples for reference, here's my K38 Masterpiece (pre model 14) ser.# K2712XX 4 screw model that shipped June, 1956.

 

[matta1]

Thx Guys, thank you for the quick reply 63 years old ;-) WOW. I turned the spring screw. I'm going to cast wadcutter bullets for it, I already have Lyman Bullet Mold # 358091 38 Special, it should be even better on the target.