Smith & Wesson K38

[tacman027]

I am trying to obtain some information by a gun that was given to me by a co-worker. It is a Smith & Wesson K38 with a 6-inch barrel. I have attached some photos. I am trying to detremine the age and possible value of the gun. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

 

[DCWilson]

Welcome to the forum. The numbers on the concealed frame surface are temporary assembly numbers and don't mean anything after the gun gets the final serial numbers applied. The absence of a Model designation on that surface indicates production before 1958. These guns were introduced in 1948, so that establishes a 10-year window. To date the gun further we need the serial number from the butt. It will have a K prefix.

Your gun has been tricked out as a target model, with a wide target hammer and what appears to be a King rib sight. The hammer could be a factory option; the ventilated rib sight is not something the factory put on the gun. The stirrup attached to the frame permits mounting a Hogue rubber grip in place of the original diamond magnas or diamond target stocks that probably came on the gun when it shipped.

Value is probably in the $500-550 range. I am knocking off dollars for the lack of original stocks and adding a bit for the upgraded rib. Not everyone one will be in the market for a modified revolver, but some of us like those guns that have been upgraded from the company configuration.

 

[Smith357]

Looks like a K-38 Masterpiece or Pre Model 14 with an aftermarket ribbed sight. Looks like it has aftermarket grips and hard telling if any extra holes were drilled to mount the rib. Without a box, original grips, and depending on how many extra holes it has it's only real value is as a shooter. $300-$400 tops would be my guess.

 

[RKmesa]

Tacman:

As has been said above, the gun looks to be a K-38 Masterpiece that has had a King Super Target rib added to the gun. I for one, really like the King modified guns and I own several of them.

The photos are pretty grainy and it makes the condition tough to evaluate and condition more than anything would impact the value of the gun. If you could shoot and post some clearer photos, it would help in evaluating the potential value.

 

[RKmesa]

King SuperTarget

Tacman:

For Reference, here is a couple of photos of my pre-war K22 Outdoorsman that has had the whole King Super Target package, including the cockeyed hammer. I added a grip adapter that I had lying around...

 

[mikepriwer]

I doubt that is a King rib. It doesn't look at all like one.

Mike Priwer

 

[Fkimble]

I'm with Mike, the rib appears to be pinned to the factory front site. Looks like rear site is also the factory site. I think this was one of the cheaper attempts to make a K38 look like a Python/Diamond back.

 

[JSR III]

Clearer photos and the complete serial number would help to identify the gun. Any writing on the rib would also help.

Welcome to the forum.

 

[RKmesa]

I doubt that is a King rib. It doesn't look at all like one.

Mike Priwer

Mike:

After a closer comparison with my King Super Target rib, I would have to agree (looks like an extra "pillar" under the rib and I also agree with FK that the rear sight appears to be a standard post war micrometer sight). However, I would love to see some better pics to take a look at how it is put together...

 

[tacman027]

Welcome to the forum. The numbers on the concealed frame surface are temporary assembly numbers and don't mean anything after the gun gets the final serial numbers applied. The absence of a Model designation on that surface indicates production before 1958. These guns were introduced in 1948, so that establishes a 10-year window. To date the gun further we need the serial number from the butt. It will have a K prefix.

Your gun has been tricked out as a target model, with a wide target hammer and what appears to be a King rib sight. The hammer could be a factory option; the ventilated rib sight is not something the factory put on the gun. The stirrup attached to the frame permits mounting a Hogue rubber grip in place of the original diamond magnas or diamond target stocks that probably came on the gun when it shipped.

Value is probably in the $500-550 range. I am knocking off dollars for the lack of original stocks and adding a bit for the upgraded rib. Not everyone one will be in the market for a modified revolver, but some of us like those guns that have been upgraded from the company configuration.

The serial number is K182XXX and is stamped both on the butt and the underside of the barrel.

 

[tacman027]

The rib is pinned to the factory front site. It is also held in place by a screw on the top rail that it tapped into the frame, just above the cylinder. I've attached some photos of the details.