Would you rather have a K38 pre-15 or a model 15?

[Sub sailor]

A pre-15 is a .38 Combat Masterpiece.
A pre-14 is a K-38 Masterpiece.

Hmmmmm?

Page 170 of the SCSW 4th edition calls the pre-15 a K-38 Combat Masterpiece, not a .38 Combat Masterpiece.

I wish I could get both, but they don’t have a model 15. It sounds like the consensus is to snag the older pre-15 anyway.

 

[jeffrefrig]

I’m a little prejudiced because I have this 15-3. It’s a nice shooter. The only pre-model anything I have would be the M&P 38, I think it is, which some would say the predecessor to the M10. Nice guns, whichever!

 

[DWalt]

Hmmmmm?

Page 170 of the SCSW 4th edition calls the pre-15 a K-38 Combat Masterpiece, not a .38 Combat Masterpiece.

I wish I could get both, but they don’t have a model 15. It sounds like the consensus is to snag the older pre-15 anyway.

S&W did not advertise or catalog the Combat Masterpiece as a K-38, nor were boxes so-labeled. Always shown as a .38 Combat Masterpiece. The Masterpiece (6”) was cataloged as a K-38. That has been discussed numerous times here. I think there was one instance involving an instruction manual in which a .38 Combat Masterpiece was referred to as a K-38. Probably a copy editor’s mistake that got through.

 

[Sub sailor]

S&W did not advertise or catalog the Combat Masterpiece as a K-38, nor were boxes so-labeled. Always shown as a .38 Combat Masterpiece. The Masterpiece (6”) was cataloged as a K-38. That has been discussed numerous times here. I think there was one instance involving an instruction manual in which a .38 Combat Masterpiece was referred to as a K-38. Probably a copy editor’s mistake that got through.

I don’t doubt you in the least bit. I was just going by the reference material that I have. I appreciate the clarification.

 

[YouveHadYour6]

I haven't had a true pre-15 Combat Masterpiece come along yet but I have had a 15-no dash and a 15-2.

The -2 was almost new in finish except for wear at the muzzle - it was the only spot, not the cylinder edges or a turn line, so no idea how they did it, but a very lightly fired gun. Numbered service grips with one chip, but a very pretty gun. I took it in part trade for a series 80 1911 I had, and so on. A year or two later I traded that -2 along for a LNIB West German PPK w/o import marks, but then later that same show came across a table with an elderly gent and a very familiar looking revolver - this turned out to be the 15 no dash. It was a no brainer for the price despite having more wear to the finish, timing was excellent. Traded towards a very clean 586 later, but kinda wish I kept that one.

 

[Roofuss]

I own both, shoot both,like both, and keeping both, lol !

 

[Lobster Picnic]

10 years ago at a small town gun show a guy had the 4" and 6" Masterpiece, take your pick, $450 each. They were used but not abused. Only real flaw was somebody had driven a nail with the 6" and the grips were dinged.

The 4" passed the revolver checkout with no issues and it went home with me. Serial # K21xxxx, 1954, 5 screws. It was my first K-frame target. Later I got a 17-3 and a long-barrel 14-3. The bluing on the -3 guns was outstanding, and that might be something to consider. Also if you like the TT and TH, you are more likely to find them on the later guns. But the 5-screw shoots as well as any of them, including the 8-3/8" Model 14.

 

[YeshuaIsa53]

Bought a Pre Model 15 many years ago. Didn't really know why, but the price was low and it looked like a good shooter. It was cleaned and made ready for storage. Was handling it years later and found it was my birthyear gun. I am well pleased with it.

 

[Jim Watson]

Serial # K21xxxx, 1954, 5 screws.

Hey, my .22 C.M. is in the K210000 range.

Anecdote alert:

There me and Dad were, about 1960 or 61, scanning the gun cases at the old Aeromarine Supply in Birmingham. I saw this .22 revolver on a shelf behind the showcase and asked about it. The dealer said:
"We took that one in on trade and when we cleaned it we found the barrel was bulged. It is going back to Smith and Wesson for a new barrel."
I looked at Dad, he nodded and I said "Will you let us know when it comes back?"
So he did and Dad signed for it, and it was mine. It is one of the flat finish postwar guns but now it has a shiny barrel. The ringed barrel is in a parts box somewhere. I thought about having it relined and getting back to original appearance, but it shoots too well to mess with.

I later went several years that a .22 wasn't "with it" but I learned better and it is now a favorite and a regular "batting practice pitcher" to warm up for any DA shooting.

 

[austintexas]

K 38 masterpieces

I own one of each, Of the three I would keep the 5 screw combat Masterpiece, but I like them all. My favorites are the Pre-War .38 M&P Targets. I just like the slim barrel and the just a little lighter revolver. The actions seem just a little smoother.
SWCA 892

 

[TJm15.38]

My 1980 15-4 with red stag grips from Rogers Custom. My favorite S&W revolver.