[ir3e971]

Can any Smith experts lend a hand?:confused:

I just purchased an older S&W K frame 38 special with a six inch barrel. Problem is, I am not sure exactly what type it is. I was really pleased with the price, $225.

It has adjustable sights, a rib that runs the full length of the barrel, three screws on the side hatch, and the barrel is pinned.

I am also not sure when it was manufactured, though I suspect it is older.

So I guess I have two questions:

Can anyone tell me more specifically what type 38 this is?

How do you figure out date of manufacture?

Thanks a bunch.

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[ArchAngelCD]

The Serial # at the bottom of the butt will help with the ID. Since it has Diamond Grips it was manufactured before 1969. Since there's no model # in the 3rd picture it's probably a pre-1957 revolver because that's when S&W started assigning numbers to their revolvers. It's not a Pre-Model 10 because of the adjustable rear sight. It could be a K-38 Target Masterpiece (Pre-M14) or a K-38 Combat Masterpiece. (Pre-M15) If I had to guess from the pictures I would think it's a Pre-Model 15, not a Pre-M14 because it looks like your revolver has the wider target hammer although it does have a Patridge front sight like the Pre-M14. Again, the Serial Number will help with the ID. In any case, it's a nice old revolver...

[Radagast]

I think it is a K38 Target Masterpiece, which would mean it dates from prior to 1957. Post the serial number (on the bottom of the grip frame) and one of us will be able to look it up the year of manufacture any other relevant information the Standard Catalog of S&W may have on it. The number inside the frame under the cylinder yoke is probably an assembly or parts number, not the serial number.

[wanderinwalker]

Some of the more experienced fellows will be along shortly, but I can tell you that you have a 5-screw frame, pre-Model 14. It would be something like a K-38 Target Masterpiece. It's pre-1957, but I can get no closer than that.

For $225, as long as the bore is sharp, you have a nice shooter on your hands, and I may have tripped over myself coming up with the cash for it. ;)

[ir3e971]

Thanks for the help.

The Serial # is 92591.

I just took the grips off and it has 4 screws on the sideplate, not 3.

I am officially excited! Would love to know the age of this revolver!

[ArchAngelCD]

The 4 screws in the sideplate and one in the front of the trigger guard makes 5.

[Radagast]

Now that is weird. K38 has the K prefix to the serial number, so it isn't a K38. The fifth screw is in the front of the trigger guard.

The serial number you give means it's either a .38 Military & police Model of 1905 1st Change or 2nd Change, both were manufactured in the serial number range 73251 to 146899, between 1906 & 1909.
If this is correct, and the gun is original, then it may be worth $450-$600 due to it's rarity. I think the grips would not be original to the gun.

[ArchAngelCD]

I see another marking on the bottom of the grip frame where the serial number is. What is the marking? Is it a letter?

I didn't think that revolver was that old. If it is then you have a VERY nice revolver in deed, especially for the price!

[SaxonPig]

Letters in serials.

18. If there is a letter(s) before or after the numbers it/they are a part of the serial. For some unknown reason a large number of people ignore the letters when reporting the serial numbers on their guns.

Note the N prefix. The K38 Masterpiece (what you have) will have a K prefix. Find the serial here:

http://www.fototime.com/CB3B9AE53F24EDA/standard.jpg

Your gun was made in 1950 if the numbers you gave had a K in front of them. The shape of the hammer indicates it was made before 1956 for sure. This became the Model 14 in 1957.

Good deal for $225. A classic revolver.

[ir3e971]

You are correct. The K was about half an inch in front of the serial # so I missed it.

So is this a K38 target masterpiece made in 1950!

Thanks for all the information!

I will be cleaning it up tonight.

[ArchAngelCD]

OK then, you have either a Pre-M14 or Pre-M15, I'm not sure which. Either or, you found a beauty.

[ir3e971]

I appreciate all the help!

[Radagast]

It's a Pre-Model 14, the K38 Target Masterpiece. These came with a six inch barrel and partridge front sight. The Pre-Model 15, the Combat Masterpiece came with a 4 inch barrel and ramped front sight.

In 2006 the Standard catalog of S&W gave a value of $275.00 in good condition, so I think you did rather well. :)

[ir3e971]

Got the k38 all cleaned up. The bore is in excellent shape.

I found some minor rust around screw holes, and in the sight.

There are a few areas of pitting on the exterior, though it just looks worn and all cosmetic.

The trigger is excellent.

The interior was gunked up, so I spent the last several hours cleaning it out.

Damn, the inside is like a watch. There are about a million pieces. It took me a long while to get back together correctly.

Thanks again for all the help.

[ArchAngelCD]

ir3e971,
How about some follow up pictures of the K38 all cleaned up...

BTW, if you want to remove that rust without doing any damage to the finish use some 0000 steel wool SOAKED with a good gun like like Rem. oil. Rub it lightly until the rust is gone. (very lightly)

[ir3e971]

How about tomorrow. The rear sight is soaking in hoppes right now to get any residual rust out. This is one part that I don't think I can disassemble so I will blow it out with air tomorrow after it soaks all night.

[SaxonPig]

Be aware that the term "Target Masterpiece" is incorrect. S&W called this model the K38 Masterpiece with no Target in the title. I don't really care but some seriously snobbish S&W Aficionados get uptight at this gaff and I want you to be forewarned.

[ArchAngelCD]

I used those names because that's what was printed in the SCSW 3rd Edition. Who am I to argue with Jim Supica & Richard Nahas? lol

[pmeisel]

Nice revolver.

[Ky Larry]

Don't forget to post a range report and let us know how she shoots.

[ir3e971]

SaxonPig, thanks for the clarification, its always good to know the correct terminology.

ArchAngelCD asked for a couple post cleanup pics, so here they are. I used your tip about the steel wool and oil, and it worked very well.

I took a picture of the innards after I cleaned it. Should have taken a picture before, because it was truly grubby inside.

I will take it to the range after church. The wife has decided this revolver is cute and wants to shoot it also!

Will follow up with a range report after shooting.:)

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[The Lone Haranguer]

Be aware that the term "Target Masterpiece" is incorrect. S&W called this model the K38 Masterpiece with no Target in the title. I don't really care but some seriously snobbish S&W Aficionados get uptight at this gaff and I want you to be forewarned.
http://www.supraforums.com/forum/images/smilies/furious.gif

[Radagast]

Is that a lone harangue I see posted above? :P

[jaholder1971]

$225 dollars?!?!?

Highway robbery, Highway Robbery I say...

Tell you what, just becasue you're a nice kid, I'll send you $20 bucks and you send that over my way. Get yerself a bottle of nice bourbon to ease the pain of getting fleeced by that wicked, wicked gunshop.:)

[ArchAngelCD]

Thanks for posting the updated photos. You have a very nice revolver there. It's nice to see someone who will appreciate having that revolver got to own it. Enjoy shooting it...