S&W Revolver, ID help needed

[Woosie]

I recently aquired a S&W revolver. I beleive it is a model 10, but can not find it stamped anywhere. It is a 38 special. Serial number K 37371. Any help on what year this revolver is or how much it might be worth would be a great help. The gun is in perfect condition, may be unshot.

Thanks

 

[FPrice]

Serial number K 37371.

This would place it most likely in 1948. It's not a (pre)Model 10 since it's in the "K" serial number range. There are a few possibilities. But we need more information.

What is the barrel length? Can you post or email a picture?

 

[GUNKWAZY]

What are the barrel markings on this gun ?
Is there any along the top ? Patent dates ?
Give us all the info and all the markings.
That will help identify the gun.
Also, what sights & barrel length.

Thanks, Jeff (GUNKWAZY)

 

[Brian Williams]

Does it have adjustable sights because a K serial number normally does
K37371 would be 1948

 

[FPrice]

More info...

I think there are only two possibilities:

1. 6" barrel - pre-Model 14 K38 Target Masterpiece.

2. 4" barrel - pre-Model 15 K38 Combat Masterpiece. However manufacture of this model started in 1949.

I have one of the early "conversions". I bought what was supposed to be a 4" Model 15 but a letter to Roy Jinks revealed that it was manufactured as a 6" pre-Model 14 K38 Target Masterpiece in Jan 49 and was returned to the factory in May 50 to have the barrel cut back to 4".

 

[Brian Williams]

oops double

 

[thatguy]

Does it look sorta kinda like this?

 

[FPrice]

Or does it look like this?

 

[Trebor]

Open the cylinder and check the yoke. Sometimes (not always) they'll be a model number stamped there.

 

[FPrice]

Open the cylinder and check the yoke. Sometimes (not always) they'll be a model number stamped there.

From the serial number, this revolver appears to pre-date model numbers by about eight years.

My theory is that it was called a Model 10 by a dealer who was not familiar with the finer points of identifying S&W models. I've run into a few dealers who could not properly identify some pistols.

 

[Woosie]

The barrel is 6 inches. It looks like the second picture, but the grip looks like the top picture without the silver insert. I do not have a camera right now. There are additional stampings. The barrel has a rib on top that runs the length. Barrel stampings Smith & Wesson on one side, 38 S&W special ctg on the other. Stamped k 37371 under the barrel. Inside the cylinder is stamped c 9, and 19306. I purchased this gun as well as a remington 11-48 for $500. Both seem to be in excellent condition. Thank you for all of the help guys.

 

[BluesBear]

Sounds like a K-38 Target Masterpiece to me.

 

[FPrice]

I purchased this gun as well as a remington 11-48 for $500. Both seem to be in excellent condition.

I think you got a good deal there, pardner. Emjoy both of them!