38 Smith & Wesson 38 Special CTG

[cmagowan]

I am trying to find out the specific details of a pistol I am going to by from an individual, and I am hoping you can shed some light. I will try to be as specific below as I can.

It is a nickel finish 38 Smith & Wesson 38 Special CTG on right side of barrel

Also on right side, it says Made in USA Marcas Registradas Smith & Wesson Springfield, Mass

Also on right side between grip and cylinder appears the S&W logo.

Left side with cylinder open is serial number 6K84776 and MOD. 15-3

Cylinder has N stamped on it where you load ammo

With cylinder open below serial number is stamped 64492 and a bigger stamp of 010

I hope this enough info to gain some history before I make this purchase.

 

[rcmodel]

It is a Model 15-3 K-38 Combat Masterpiece made in about 1974.

The 15-3 change consisted of a different rear sight screw location, and lasted from 1967-1977, when the 15-4 changes took place.
Should have a 4" barrel an Adjustable rear sight with a Baughman Quick Draw front ramp sight.

6K84776 on the butt & inside the frame is the actual serial number.
All the other stuff is assembly numbers and fitters & finishers stamps.

CTG is the abbreviation for Cartridge.
As in the .38 Special Cartridge it fires.

rc

 

[DickM]

6K84776 would be 1975 according to SCSW - rc, if you came up with "about 1974" from memory that's pretty impressive!

 

[rcmodel]

Naw!
See, I know for a fact they made that gun in 1974, but didn't get around to stamping the serial # on it until 1975!

Actually, I took a quick gander at the SCoSW and read the wrong line!!

rc

 

[cmagowan]

Thanks for the great response guys. And yes, it is a 4 inch barrel.

 

[Sniper X]

I would love to have one... I have the next best thing, a model 10-8.

 

[rainbowbob]

As the proud owner of a blue 15-3, I can tell you it is a well-made, accurate shooter. If you haven't fired it yet, I think you'll be amazed at what a sweetheart it is.