Were any K-38's Target Masterpieces (not mdl. 14) made with 8-3/8" bbl?

[CTSigLover]

Folks,

I am looking at a K-38 that serial numbers to 1947. My concern is that it has an 8-3/8" bbl.

I was under the impression that K-38 TM were only made in 6" until 1959 when the 8-3/8 bbl was introduced... of course by 1959, the TM was a Mdl. 14.

Without having the revolver in front of me, I can't check the serial number on the bottom of the bbl.

Since it is impossible to prove a negative, does anyone here have a K-38 made before 1957 with an 8-3/8" bbl?

Thanks for any help!

 

[Speedo2]

According to SCSW3, the 8-3/8" bbl was introduced in 1959 with the 14-1. Their description of the pre-14 variations does not a include 8-3/8" bbl. Not proof, but those are the published facts. If the seller is insistent, then he should letter it. -S2

 

[cgt4570]

That early, and the serial number will be stamped on the barrel flat. If it's original, or factory installed, it should have the serial, complete with the leading K. My pre-17, pre-14, and pre-15 five-screws are all stamped, but my pre-14 4-screw isn't. If it's a later barrel that someone else installed, it won't have a serial number.

Chris

 

[mikepriwer]

If it's a later barrel that someone else installed, it won't have a serial number.

Chris

Don't know where you got this information, but that is not necessarily true. In fact, more often than not,
it is not true.

Lots of gunsmiths have number punches, and use them ! For example :

Regards, Mike Priwer

 

[YeshuaIsa53]

The earliest K-38 I have with an 8 3/8" barrel
letters as a Model 14 no dash. I have never seen nor heard of an early narrow rib Pre Model 14 K-38 with an original 8 3/8" barrel, but that does not make it as etched in stone. Hope that helps.

 

[handejector]

I believe it is rebarreled.
Like MeAmMe said- never seen or heard of one. I do not believe a forging die existed for that barrel at that time.

The only other option is to have done a lot of machining on a 357 barrel.
I really doubt that happened.