K-38 question

[Waveski]

I picked up a Smith & Wesson K-38 Combat Master piece a few months back. It makes a good shooter of me , such a smooth double action pull , points so easily.

My question : what is the function of the screw at the forward end of the trigger guard? And , does that feature date the revolver?

I must say , I have been open minded regarding manufacturers during the course of my relatively brief shooting life , 5 years or so ; I like my old Rossi (first hand gun ..) , I respect my SP101 , but the K-38 experience is causing me to trend towards Smith...

Anyway , answers will be appreciated.

 

[j1]

You just got a nice piece. Enjoy the heck out of it.

 

[Waveski]

Hopefully , the photo ---

 

[rcmodel]

That is called the Strain Screw.

It is used to unload the flat mainspring during disassembly, and to pre-load it again after assembly.

It should always be fully tightened.

It Is Not a trigger pull adjustment screw as many novices tend to think.

Mis-fires and unreliable action operation may, or will result if it is loosened to make the trigger pull lighter.

Rc

 

[rcmodel]

Oh, that one!

Your gun is an older 5-screw or 4-screw model.

That screw holds the cylinder locking bolt or stop spring in the gun.

It should be tight too!

The 5-screw was made from 1947 to 1955, when the upper side-plate screw was deleted.
They became the Model 14 in 1957.
The Model 14-2 no longer used the screw in the trigger guard to insert the cylinder stop spring starting in 1961.

Rc

 

[highpower]

I think he is talking about the trigger guard screw that was eliminated in 1961 (see it does date your revolver). A better way to date it is to tell us the serial number that is stamped on the butt of the gun and begins with a "K". You can also look inside the crane and see if it has a model number, something like "MOD 14) plus any dash's and whether a number follows the dash. It would more than likely not have any "dash numbers" as it still has the fourth screw.

Oh yeah, the screw count: First there were 5 screw w/four retaining the side plate. One of these is usually under the right grip panel. Four screw models come next. Produced for a short time between 1958-59 and 1961, the screw at the top of the side plate was eliminated. Then in '61 the screw in front of the triggerguard was discontinued and all models after that time are known as three screw models.

 

[CajunBass]

What is the function of that screw?

It tell me this is a gun I'm interested in. Lemme see that thing...

You got a nice one there. Enjoy it.

 

[Kernel]

Cylinder Stop Screw.

 

[Waveski]

Screw count , (ahem...) , Serial# on grip butt , inscription inside crane - all will be provided after work tonite. I like what I hear so far , thanks.

And Kernel - I hope that the SS of the Peoples Republic of Madison does not find out your identity. I am sure that the image you provided is banned!!!

 

[Waveski]

#'s inside crane & on grip frame , screws , and full shot.

 

[Waveski]

#'s inside crane & on grip frame , screws , and full shot.

EDIT - for the life of me , I do not know why the images did not attach...

 

[Waveski]

Try again ------

 

[rcmodel]

OK.
Its a Pre-Model 15 Combat Masterpeice made in 1956.

Last year before it would be stamped Model 15 inside the frame crane cut starting in 1957.

rc

 

[Jim K]

FWIW, the first M&P, the Model 1899, was a four screw. It didn't have the cylinder stop screw. The screw in the front of the trigger guard dates from 1905.

Jim

 

[Kernel]

I hope that the SS of the Peoples Republic of Madison does not find out your identity

To late. I got a nice letter from the IRS a few weeks ago. My 2011 tax return is being audited. No joke. They'll be coming for all of us.

 

[Waveski]

I Knew I was getting a fine old shooter ; I did not know that it was that old. it is a distinctive piece , and I will enjoy it all the more because of the info you folks provided - I love the trigger guard screw and the fact that it is pre-number designation! Thanks to all.

Kernel - sorry to hear that news. Unfortunately , you are in good company - 10% of members of the You-know-what party are being or have been audited. All kidding aside - where did our country go?

 

[RainDodger]

I have a pristine K38 made in 1955. It's a GREAT shooter. Nice soft wadcutters pretty much go through the same hole. You're going to love shooting it.

To give you an idea of what these things cost back in the day... I have the ORIGINAL receipt for mine, when my father bought it in 1955. It was $50.00 exactly.

 

[Waveski]

" I have the ORIGINAL receipt for mine, when my father bought it in 1955. "

You , sir , have a real treasure. Two actually - the receipt itself would warrant framing.