hkcavalier
US Veteran
Picked up an early postwar K-38 earlier this month. S/N in the K49xxx range so 1948. Tapered barrel/narrow rib makes it a nice companion to my "Heavy" K-38 I've had for 10 years. Owner says it's an old school Bullseye gun and given the stocks and modifications, I'd say that checks out.
I've already confirmed the stocks are Sandersons which makes this $650 purchase even better. The charge holes have been lightly chamfered and it's been converted to SAO. I posted a pic of the front side of the hammer. The factory SAO hammers I've seen are solid and smooth faced. Unless an expert tells me differently, S&W wasn't making SAO hammers at this time. 4th Ed. makes no mention of SAOs on the pre-model number guns. But...if they were special order, I'll break down and get a letter.
What's the period of time that S&W polished over the left side (cylinder release side) pins? On my prewar guns, they are rounded and slightly proud. My '53 K-38 has the polished smooth hammer pin. Just curious since I don't want to confuse a refinished gun for a factory original. I know that soon after, these weren't visible from the outside, making it a non issue.
Pic of the side plus the hammer:
Range day with some safe buddies:
I've already confirmed the stocks are Sandersons which makes this $650 purchase even better. The charge holes have been lightly chamfered and it's been converted to SAO. I posted a pic of the front side of the hammer. The factory SAO hammers I've seen are solid and smooth faced. Unless an expert tells me differently, S&W wasn't making SAO hammers at this time. 4th Ed. makes no mention of SAOs on the pre-model number guns. But...if they were special order, I'll break down and get a letter.
What's the period of time that S&W polished over the left side (cylinder release side) pins? On my prewar guns, they are rounded and slightly proud. My '53 K-38 has the polished smooth hammer pin. Just curious since I don't want to confuse a refinished gun for a factory original. I know that soon after, these weren't visible from the outside, making it a non issue.
Pic of the side plus the hammer:
Range day with some safe buddies:
