What Is A k38 worth

[Mr.Revolverguy]

I was approached by a friend who knows I have a soft spot for older smiths. His father in law passed away about 4 years ago and his mother in law is finally bringing herself to get rid of some of his stuff.

K38 made 1970's Looks barely shot if any. She says he has never shot this revolver. The box and papers look new as well and the serial matches on both, after all these years I am surprised the box is in such great shape. 8 3/8 in barrel. Screws have not been tampered with.

Bad news is while examining I see a little rust on the end of the barrel. It is about the width of a ball point pin tip. What's strange is none of the blueing is missing there in that spot. It has the original grips plus some additional fancy after markets.

It will be a shooter to me not a safe queen.

Thanks for your help.

 

[Brian Williams]

A K38 made inthe 70s wold have a model number, anywhere from $250 to $600.

 

[Mr.Revolverguy]

Yeah with so little time tonight I forgot to write down the serial number and my cell phone does not have a camera or I would have taken a picture. I called a friend on the phone and read him the serial and he looked it up for me while I was there holding it. He thinks it is worth 350 to 400.

 

[bluetopper]

Sounds like a long barreled Model 14 in near mint condition with all accessories. It will bring $400 (from me) so fast it will make your head spin.

 

[Mr.Revolverguy]

Parisite,

You are correct it even has all the tools still sealed in plastic in the box.

You would shoot it to right?

 

[bluetopper]

Yes, and relish every moment.

 

[krs]

I'd shoot it, and do shoot both of mine. I have a pre-14 1948 K38 6" and a fairly new to me M14-3 in mint condition, also 6".

If ever there was a revolver that was made to be used, the K38 is the one. They're beautifully accurate, have triggers that put any other out of the box handgun to shame, and they look way cool.

I used the older one for centerfire bullseye shoting between 1976 and 1983, prefering it to the model 52 I bought and sold after one match.

The tools, such as they were, were generally loose in the box with a new pistol. The little alloy fluted handle screwdriver and one of those loop handle alloy cleaning rods with a bronze brush and a white mop.

 

[Mr.Revolverguy]

Thank you Krs. It has all those tools but they are in like a plastic see thru baggy. It looks factory to me as the bag just fits the tools and box to perfectly. But not a big deal for me.

 

[easyrider604]

If a friend asked me, I'd tell him I really think it is worth $600, but would appreciate it very much if he would let me have it for $500.

I gave away my M14 with the same 8 3/8 inch barrel 15 years ago. Still think about that one. It chrono'd 158 grain LSWCs over 3.2 grns Bullseye (IIRC) at over 1,000 fps. Consistently hit a 6 inch gong at 50 meters, standing SA.

 

[woad_yurt]

Snap it up! I have one (almost; it's a 14-4) with the same barrel length and it's magnificently accurate. Do it, do it, do it!

 

[Mr.Revolverguy]

Here is a picture. The Smith Book says this was made in 1967. Notice hardly no turn line at all. I truly do not believe this thing was shot at all. I have the matching box as I said before along with the original grips.

I am happy

 

[Iggy]

I reckon you should be happy.

Beautiful gun.

 

[madcratebuilder]

That is nice, you got a great shooter and what did you end uppaying?

 

[bflobill_69]

Worth every penny...

Bflobill69