1961 S&W .38 Combat Masterpiece

[Bridog68]

I bought her last week. 1961 Smith & Wesson .38 Combat Masterpiece 4" K-frame four screw, adjustable rear sight. There is no ware on the bluing at all, she is perfect.
Has original diamond grips plus some after market ones. I love how it looks with the diamond grips but don't want to damage them, so shoot with the after market grips.
Should I just put the original grips on and enjoy the gun the way I like it or is it best to try and preserve them. I don't plan on selling this gun I will give it to my son one day. That said I would still like to keep it in good condition. I looked at buying another set of diamond grips but they go for about $100 on ebay. Ouch.
I don't know enough about guns to know if this gun is rare or collectable, any info or advice would be much appreciated.

 

[Gordon]

My second revolver 44 years ago , which I still have. I bought another 5 screw one in the shape you describe to go with a matching pre model 18 .22.
I would use it with the original grips with a Tyler T grip adapter- you'll never go back. BTW keep it maintained and your grandson will enjoy it!

 

[XavierBreath]

Yes, your K-38 Combat Masterpiece is collectible.

The original diamond grips are pretty durable. If you tend to beat things up, or if you use harsh cleaners to clean your guns, you may want to swap them out though. Oil will also soak into the reverse of the grips, eventually discoloring them. Whether you change them out is dependent on how you use and maintain the revolver.

I agree with Gordon on the Tyler T.

Here's my old K-38 Combat Masterpiece.

 

[Seiko]

38's are great old guns.
You should put the after markets on it for shooting and storage. Oh and send me the Diamond grips

But seriously, enjoy it. Like Xavier said, keep the wood diamonds away from oil they will discolor.

Heres a shot of mine.

 

[Iggy]

Notice how everyone has one to bring out and show off?

View attachment 334110

I wonder why is that??

 

[Bridog68]

Thanks for all the advice. Here she is.

 

[XavierBreath]

Gosh darn that's a purty one!

 

[Iggy]

It doesn't get much better than that. Well done, very well done!!

 

[Blue Brick]

Does a Model 15 have a “Heavy” barrel? Mine was my Grandfathers service revolver. He purchased it around the early 60’s.

 

[.41Dave]

Congrats! The model 15 is THE classic revolver. I love the model 15. Here is one of mine, a 1957 vintage model 15 (no dash)

 

[Colt46]

Nicest example of a combat revolver ever made

It's the one thing I don't have in my collection yet.

 

[slick6]

Here are some pictures of the NIB 4 screw 1961 vintage Model 15-1 that I had recently found:

 

[Bridog68]

Beautiful guns everyone. I noticed there seems to be two different grip styles for the M15. Mine are two piece and just cover the frame, slick6's are one piece that seems to be a bigger grip. Are these both original? Is there an advantage to either one. Just curious.
Thanks.

 

[XavierBreath]

The larger target grips were an option.

 

[Iggy]

Blue Brick

I'm not as up to "snuff" on the precise nomenclature of the S&W as most, but in answer to your question..
I think the model 15 came with a standard barrel as opposed to the model 10 and some others, which could be had with the Heavy Barrel and the earlier and thinner barrel that some refer to as the "pencil barrel"

I don't think the 15 came with those barrel options.

I am sure XB can chime in here and clarify this for certain.

 

[Brian Williams]

the Model 15s shown have a tapered barrel but it is not a fine as the standard or so called pencil barrel of the model 10s.

I think that there were a few that were made with a straight or bull barrel for some distributor, but it might have been the model 67 in SS.

 

[SaxonPig]

Now you need to start looking for a matching CM in .22 LR as they make a great pair.

 

[Brian Williams]

I just want to find a 4" K38 that shipped in 56, preferably June...

 

[Phil DeGraves]

The target grips are also two piece, not one piece. The barrels on the M15 were tapered with a solid rib on top as opposed to the tapered barrel without the rib on the old M&P (M10). Had a Pre model 14 and a Pre model 15 but traded them both (and a couple of Ruger Blackhawks) for a Colt SAA.

 

[Iggy]

SaxonPig

I had to settle for a 17 and a 14

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