S&W .38 special ctg info please

[halestrm]

Hi, I just got a 4" barrel (per hubby) with .38 S&W special ctg on it. It is blue(?) with an adjustable site. One person said it is a combat special but I thought those were .357. I am very ignorant when it comes to this stuff, so please, be patient. S/N is K319668. I tried to search S&W's site to see if I can figure out the year and model number, but haven't had much luck. Based on what my research brings up, I think it '56/'57 but ...

Anywho, I want this info so I can keep it in the case with a picture, plus I need to add guns specifically to my insurance policy for the house & life insurance or they are not covered. I also want to find a manual.

Hope this is clear enough. I tried to read prev. posts to see what you guys were asking.

THX in advance.

 

[SDC]

The serial number follows S&W's pattern for numbering, but I don't have a copy of the Standard catalog to give you a date of manufacture. The description you give sounds right for either a Combat Masterpiece (which should be in 38 Special) or it's post-1957 version, the Model 15; you can tell if you have a pre-1957 or post-1957 version by opening up the cylinder and looking at the front of the frame, below the end of the barrel. If it's a post-1957 model, it will be marked "Mod. 15" (or "Mod. 15-1", "Mod. 15-2", etc.) in that spot.

 

[Old Fuff]

You have a Smith & Wesson K-38 Combat Masterpiece, that became the Model 15 in 1957. Your revolver was apparently made in 1958 (serial number range: K 317,823 to K 350,547). It should be marked "Mod. 15" as SDC described.

The Model 15 was marketed by S&W as a duluxe holster-grade revolver intended for law enforcement officers, that had target features that included adjustable sights, a semi-wide hammer spur, ribbed barrel, and serrated backstrap and forestrap. It came about when some FBI agents ask S&W to convert their regular target model by shortning the barrel from 6 to 4 inches and replace the front sight with one designed for quick-draw use. It soon became so popular that the company discontinued it as a custom job and cataloged it as a regular production item.

I believe S&W has a Model 15 manual available as a .pdf download from their website at www.smith-wesson.com

 

[halestrm]

Thank you so much you guys. I really appreciate the super fast response. I will take the info you gave me and type it up to put in the case. One other q, the combat magnum is the .357 right?

I can't wait to get out to the range with it.

Thanks again, you are GREAT!

 

[Old Fuff]

The Combat Magnum (Model 19) is a K-frame / .357 Magnum similar in many respects to your Model 15. It, like your gun, was made of high-carbon steel, and was either blued or nickel plated.

 

[perpster]

If it says .38 on it, it will not load or fire .357's. The .357 cartridge is purposely about 1/10 of an inch longer than the .38 so that it cannot be loaded into a .38.

The .38 is a fine cartridge and very versatile. For self-defense consider +P ammo. Others here may know for sure, or contact S&W, but I think your gun can safely handle +P ammo.

You have a very trusting spouse.