It followed me home...

[meanmrmustard]

Many moons ago, I bought a S&W 15-2 off an old gentleman in my town who'd had it since before dinosaurs roamed the earth. I shot it, loved it, but it went down the sale trail, as I needed to purchase a new vehicle. Times were tough, and I nearly cried to see it go.

I promised myself I'd buy another should the opportunity arise, but older Smiths are like hens teeth in my neck of the woods: They get pounced on by anyone in the know, usually collectors or retired PD who used them for work decades past.

I happened to visit the LGS with my son last Friday with the intent of killing time and quite possibly my wallet. Hiding in a case near the back was a pristine K38 Target, and my heart skipped a beat. So, with some soul searching, I let it come home with me!

 

[fireman 9731]

Looks great!

 

[horsemen61]

Very nice

 

[.455_Hunter]

Great looking gun!

Just curious- How is that a 15-5 and not an early 50's K-38?

 

[Coyote3855]

The 15-5 dates to 1982 and did not have a pinned barrel. The stocks with the diamond around the screw escutcheon were discontinued in 1967. The 6" barrel on the model 15 was not introduced until 1986. I think .455 is correct, the OP's revolver is not a model 15, but more likely a K-38. The hammer shape is 1950s, I think. A serial number would reveal the shipping date.

 

[meanmrmustard]

The 15-5 dates to 1982 and did not have a pinned barrel. The stocks with the diamond around the screw escutcheon were discontinued in 1967. The 6" barrel on the model 15 was not introduced until 1986. I think .455 is correct, the OP's revolver is not a model 15, but more likely a K-38. The hammer shape is 1950s, I think. A serial number would reveal the shipping date.

You are correct, and ill amend the OP.

Serial is #K97xxx

Shows what I know. Bought it anyway!

 

[meanmrmustard]

Great looking gun!

Just curious- How is that a 15-5 and not an early 50's K-38?

After looking, I'm an idiot.

It IS a K38.

I apologize for the misinformation, as I'm not a wheel gun aficionado. Only fourth revolver ever. Most of my forte rests in bottom feeders.

 

[tightgroup tiger]

Hey, you still got a heck of a good old vintage revolver. Be happy about that.

Your not an idiot, not for buying that.

 

[meanmrmustard]

I went over to S&W forum.

They had a thread with serial numbers by model and year. According to the list, it puts this revolver in the 1950 date.

You guys are super smart.

 

[horsemen61]

That's awesome I bet some 38 waddcutters will be awesome in it!!!!

 

[AZAndy]

That's a really handsome piece of history. Shoot the heck out of it for me, won't ya?

 

[fausto]

fantastic piece! wished it had followed me home!

 

[meanmrmustard]

Thank you all

 

[stoky]

sweet!

 

[meanmrmustard]

That's awesome I bet some 38 waddcutters will be awesome in it!!!!

Recommended load?

 

[ThomasT]

Recommended load? The standard 3grs of Bullseye and a swaged lead hollow base wadcutter. And since you didn't really replace a beloved model 15 you get to keep shopping for one. But you got one heck of a revolver.

A model 15 has been my home defense handgun for at least 20 years. It sits waiting in the top of my closet for the day I hope never comes. But its ready never the less.

Here is a link to a good site that has a couple of write ups on target and SD WC loads.

http://www.hensleygibbs.com/edharris/backcreekdiary.htm

 

[meanmrmustard]

Thank you for the info. While I feel quite foolish in not having replaced the much beloved 15-2, I'm still quite excited.

I assume this is a 14?

 

[bannockburn]

meanmrmustard

If I had seen that K38 in a display case my wallet would have been out so quick it would have broken the speed of light! Truly great acquisition there! Enjoy!

 

[Officers'Wife]

This is what happens when you walk in the wrong woods, you never know what is going to follow you!

Very nice example of primitive engineering. Will digest anything without worries about feeding problems or stovepiping and (at least to me) feels more like what a handgun should be!

Trouble is... since it just followed you home you will have to put a swivel on the butt so you can put it on a leash!

 

[Coyote3855]

Thank you for the info. While I feel quite foolish in not having replaced the much beloved 15-2, I'm still quite excited.

I assume this is a 14?

Smith and Wesson did not start using model numbers instead of names until 1957, so your fine revolver is correctly called a K-38 Target Masterpiece and is often referred to as a "Pre Model 14."

 

[jimbo555]

Beautiful, congratulations!

 

[meanmrmustard]

Smith and Wesson did not start using model numbers instead of names until 1957, so your fine revolver is correctly called a K-38 Target Masterpiece and is often referred to as a "Pre Model 14."

Cool, thank you for that information.

As is obvious, after owning only four revolvers EVER, these types of firearms are not my forte'.

 

[meanmrmustard]

Beautiful, congratulations!

Thank you!

 

[gbran]

I may have missed it, but if not, may I ask what it set you back? That model is on my my bucket list.

 

[meanmrmustard]

i may have missed it, but if not, may i ask what it set you back? That model is on my my bucket list.

PM Sent