Why Masterpiece

[Engine49guy]

A few observations, first the actual in house factory designation for the Combat Magnum was "KT 357" and initially only offered in four inch lengths, In my OCD brain I have always thought they should have named the six inch barrel version that appeared around 10 years later the KT357 Magnum Masterpiece.
Also I might argue that since all early Combat Magnums were either nickel or bright blue (no satin smooth rib / rear site variants like the Model 28) I'm not so sure I'd call it a working gun like the no frills Highway patrolman , off the top of my head while I cant recall the Pre 19 price vs Pre 27 I do know they cost more than the Pre 28 and were not cheap.

Another conundrum, if the Model 15 is a Combat Masterpiece, What do you call the factory four inch 14-2 and 14-3 versions that were made ? The 14-2 was advertised as the Dayton HQ "Hanen Special" but I would argue the four inch 14-3 should have been called a
"Heavy Combat Masterpiece".

Lastly, it is interesting that there was no
K-22 M&P target model,
the first K22's that appear in 1931 were named the K22 Outdoorsmans revolver,
Also interesting that the .38 version could not be called the "K38 Outdoorsman" because in 1931 they had assigned the Outdoorsman name to the target version of the N frame .38-44 .

 

[Engine49guy]

Heres a bit of OCD extra credit, while the first K-22 Outdoorsman revolvers had 6 groove tangs and non rib barrels , S&W did actually produce a small number of smooth tang non rib barrel K-22's equipped with target sites and factory diamond service stocks with SW medallions.
Can you name that gun ?

 

[saemetric]

If this 15-2 isn't a Masterpiece, nothing is.

 

[JP@AK]

S&W did actually produce a small number of smooth tang non rib barrel K-22's equipped with target sites and factory diamond service stocks with SW medallions.
Can you name that gun ?

The Coast Guard K-22 Outdoorsman's Model? Since it was made in 1935, it seems it could have shipped with prewar Magna stocks, although I don't know if it did.

 

[JP@AK]

the actual in house factory designation for the Combat Magnum was "KT 357"

Yes, because KT was the in-factory designation for the K frame with target sights.

 

[bdGreen]

The Coast Guard K-22 Outdoorsman's Model? Since it was made in 1935, it seems it could have shipped with prewar Magna stocks, although I don't know if it did.

The Coast Guard guns were fixed sights.



bdGreen

 

[NavySCPO]

What makes a k frame a masterpiece?

I never miss an opportunity to show mine off, so here they are.

To answer your question, you have an open invitation to swing by the house someday and I'll let you shoot them all...then you'll understand.

Or if nothing else we'll have fun burning up some hard to find ammo.

 

[JP@AK]

The Coast Guard guns were fixed sights.

Yep. I read Supica & Nahas incorrectly. Just re-read it. Thanks.

 

[Engine49guy]

The first K-22 Outdoorsman revolvers had 6 groove tangs and non rib barrels , S&W did actually produce a small number of smooth tang six inch K22's with a non rib barrel, factory target sites and factory diamond service stocks with SW medallions.

Can you identify this model ?

Heres a hint, they had round butt grip frames

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

You guys need to go outside and accomplish something.

 

[StrawHat]

Heres a hint, they had round butt grip frames

There have been enough models mentioned, I got lost. What has a round grip frame?

Kevin

 

[LostintheOzone]

You guys need to go outside and accomplish something.

Yeah, I think they're just trying to cause trouble now.

 

[st regis]

Masterpiece

It's the only word to describe this...

 

[Keith Brown]

Couldn't call it anything else really, it's without doubt a Masterpiece ! I have a few others but this is the favorite to take to the range.
First centerfire gun I ever shot was my uncles SAO model 14 in 1974, was hooked then and there.

 

[Onty]

My experience with S&W revolvers is limited (617, 29, 27, one of each), knowledge also, so I would appreciate if somebody could explain me few things about K-models.

I am considering one 38 Special, but before jumping, I would like to know bit more.

First, when K-38 leaves the factory, does S&W guarantee a group? I know that 29 or 629 Classis DX does not receive that marking unless revolver can make 1.5" on 50 yds.

Also, from old dogs in my former club I've heard that (they are shooting mostly 19, 66, 586 and 686) revolvers with dash number -3 and up are made on CNC machines, so much less hand fitting is required, and parts are made from stronger steel. In their opinion, newer revolvers are much more durable, and for shooting, better in all aspects. Does the same apply to K-38? Is any particular dash number, or serial number range, considered as preferred?

Thanks.

 

[S&W Kid]

dbell54, I think you meant


"Found On Road Dead" and not "Found Dead On Road"


But either way, pretty much describes half of them...

 

[S&W Kid]

Mike, SC Hunter it's too dang cold outside !

 

[67ray]

FORD

dbell54, I think you meant

"Found On Road Dead" and not "Found Dead On Road"

But either way, pretty much describes half of them...

Really it means First On Race Day

 

[stansdds]

FORD Fix Or Repair Daily
FORD Found Dead On Road

That's First On Race Day.

Better than a Cheap Heap Every Valve Rattles Oil Leaks Every Time.
Or a Mostly Old Parts And Rust.

 

[rct269]

Heres a bit of OCD extra credit, while the first K-22 Outdoorsman revolvers had 6 groove tangs and non rib barrels , S&W did actually produce a small number of smooth tang non rib barrel K-22's equipped with target sites and factory diamond service stocks with SW medallions.
Can you name that gun ?

Not unless it was one of the 20 (??) Pre-Outdoorsman Outdoorsman made up in 1911 (thereabouts) for a group of Army folks which Roper treats in his May 1944 article in The American Rifleman (The Old And The New)-----those S&W cared so much about they sent them out with incorrect rifling. They were short lived----having all been returned, and all but one destroyed.

If that's it, then do I get a cookie?

Ralph Tremaine

AND------they had ROUND BUTT grip frames!!

 

[22hipower]

I don't know if that's what Engine49guy had in mind but you certainly deserve a cookie for knowing that story from 1911.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[smithman]

That's First On Race Day.

Better than a Cheap Heap Every Valve Rattles Oil Leaks Every Time.
Or a Mostly Old Parts And Rust.

F'n Old Rebuilt Dodge.

 

[Trooper224]

What makes a k frame a masterpiece?

Marketing.

 

[BLACKHAWKNJ]

Before 1957 when S&W introduced model numbers they had model names, usually fairly catchy ones -Military and Police, e.g. Also known by several other names during its production run. Produce a 357 in a plain finish-you have the Highway Patrolman.