S&W K-38 combat master piece

[okiebuckout]

Hey you smart revolver guys I need some help for my Aunt. Does any of you know what a S&W K-38 Combat Masterpiece Model 15-3 goes for??? It is a 2in blued barrel with colorcase hardened trigger and hammer. I really don't think it has even been shot. If it has it was maybe one cylinder worth. She still has the box and paperwork on it. Just trying to get an idea as to its value. Thanks for any that help me out here. I might try to pry it away from her. She bought it back in the late 70s or early 80s, she doesn't even remember buying the thing.

 

[Gator]

I've seen two sell recently for $350; maybe a bit more with the box.

 

[XavierBreath]

Supica & Nahas' Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson 3rd Edition lists the S&W Model 15-3 at $400 in excellent condition, $450 ANIB. The one in question sounds like a $450 gun, because it is a 2 incher, having the original box and papers. This is, of course, assuming there is no finish damage.

If she took it into a dealer to sell she would likely be offered $150-$200.

So, the real question is how much of a gentleman are you?

 

[Brian Williams]

Unfired 2" Combat masterpiece.
Unfired +10%
2" +10%

Base price $300 to $450, running around $400 for a 4" around here.

 

[Dobe]

They are nice Smiths, but the demand goes up for the .357's, i.e. Mod 19 and 66 of the same frame size as the Mod 15.

 

[okiebuckout]

So, the real question is how much of a gentleman are you?

Hmm...its my Aunt, maybe she would just want to give a family discount

I know, I should give her fair market value...Maybe I can wait her out and she will just want to give it to her one and only favorite nephew..... Otherwise that thing is just gonna set in a box for another 10yrs.

 

[XavierBreath]

Otherwise that thing is just gonna set in a box for another 10yrs.

And probably increase in value by 100%

Family discounts are always good...........

 

[treebeard]

I have a 2" 15-4 and I paid $325 for it. I would rate it a 95 out of 100 and I would have to say it has the sweetest trigger out of all my revolvers.

 

[skeeter1]

The K-38 Combat Masterpiece was manufactured from 1950 until 1987. The vast majority had 4" barrels, and in this case the shorter barrel may increase its value. Having the original box is another plus. In excellent condition, my best guess is that it would be in the $400 range. Don't let it get away. Good old K-frames are wonderful to shoot, and they're not going down in value.

 

[okiebuckout]

Thanks again guys, don't know what a lost gunman would do without this site Might make it a truck gun if i can get my aunt to part ways.

 

[BADUNAME13]

If you let a mint 15 get beat around the truck when there are so many well used but still good Model 10's around, you deserve to be shot with it.

 

[Sundles]

I'll second Nomad and I'll add that if you go to your aunt "straight up" and tell her you want to buy it, but it is probably worth more than you can afford. Then ask her if she will sell it to you at a price you can afford. This is a truthfull approach that you wont have any guilt problems with afterward. Most family members are happy to help out some one where they can.

 

[johnny blaze]

Don't use it for a truck gun. Those are really nice revolvers. A really good short barrel one is too good to beat up. Get that one and find a well used one for a truck gun.

 

[okiebuckout]

Alright I guess i somewhat deserved the flame for the truck comment, but one the other hand, why keep it a safe queen. It was built for a purpose. by the way, I have been using my glock 30 for my truck gun....Go ahead I know someone has something bad to say to me for that one.

It might sound like I was trying to be deviant and take advantage of my aunt. That is not the case. I would be straight up with her on the value of the pistol, but like one of you said I would tell her what I could pay for it and leave that up to her. She has been to good to me to try and deceive her.

I do appreciate the info and help with what this gun is worth. I guess I could keep it as a safe queen and only shoot it on occasion.