Info Req. on S&W Combat Masterpiece

[nickler]

I just put down a deposit on a K 38 Combat Masterpice. It's blued, has a 4" bbl, and adjustable sights. (serial number K107xxx) I'd rate it at good+ with some light surface rust on the backstrap, some holster wear, and some very minor cylinder pitting. Using Jim March's revolver checkout, the gun appears to be mechanically sound, but not tight. (some cylinder play side to side at lockup, and very little endshake) I won't be shooting anything besides target wadcutters through this gun.

Based on the year and the gun's condition, would you think having the gun reblued or having the action worked on would be a good idea, or should it just be kept as is?

 

[Old Fuff]

Well first of all you need to know that I’m biased. …

Next, what you have is a K-38 Combat Masterpiece that was made in 1951, and that make’s it a no-compromise, 5-screw, pinned barrel, pre-model 15. They don’t make them that way any more.

If the bore and chambers are clean, bright and not pitted having the cylinder looseness, and other mechanical issues taken care of shouldn’t be difficult or expensive. But refinishing it would be up to you – a new blue job won’t make it shoot any better.

Considering that it’s a classic made during one of S&W’s golden ages I’d seriously consider refinishing, but only by someone who knows how to polish it out and not ruin it. If all of the work is done right, you will end up with an exceptional revolver, the likes of which we aren’t likely to see again.

 

[HSMITH]

I agree with Fuff, I have one two years older than the one you are buying and it is the finest handgun I have ever shot.

 

[Majic]

A old 5 screw should be restored, not just refinished IMO. Now the price has just tripled, but when it's done it will look like the day it came off the assembly line.
If it's still with in specs I would just shoot it if I didn't want to sink the time and money in it to restore it. With the surface rust and pits it would get buffed out for a reblue job and lose a lot of it's detail.
Before any action work take it down and give it a good cleaning. It probably has a smooth action already if cleaned and lubed.

 

[nickler]

Thanks for the input everyone. I'm just going to shoot the gun for now, but when it gets worked on, I'll definitely have it restored and not just refinished.