A Completely Acceptable Impulse Buy (Caution: S&W Content)

[wanderinwalker]

I swear, I did not go to the gunshop looking to buy anything today. It was going to be a Saturday just like any other Saturday, until this little gem got put in my hands:





Yep, that's a 5-screw S&W Combat Masterpiece (pre-15) in .38 Special. Everything matches and everything looks good. Timing checks out beautifully and the action is nice and smooth. The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson puts the serial number in the 1953 range, making this the oldest firearm I now own. It has just enough honest wear that I know I won't impact the value throwing it in a holster for a walk around the woods or a trip to the range. Don't worry, I'm not going to take up shooting it in IDPA or hammering tons of +P jacketed hollow points through it.

Now to be 100% honest, I didn't need this revolver, as I have a 1980-vintage Model 15-4 already in the safe. But I "needed" a pre-model number K-frame, if you understand what I mean, you understand, and the 15 already has a new home lined up. I'd say "out with the old, in with the new", except it doesn't quite fit.

I apologize for taking up so much of your time, I just wanted to share my excitement.

 

[Boarhunter]

Very nice. You have good reason to be excited. Let us know how it shoots.

BOARHUNTER

 

[gotboostvr]

Recently got my own first 5-screw pre- model number. Congrats! I'd tell you they're great guns, but you already know that.

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

Very cool! Its got the "speed hammer" too.

 

[ontarget]

Very cool.

 

[Driftwood Johnson]

Howdy

Very nice. There's just something about the old Five Screw Smiths. I picked up this K-38 Combat Masterpiece a couple of years ago. It too left the factory in 1953.

You're gonna love yours.







P.S. Do you really have to sell the Model 15?

I like having new and old versions of the same basic model.

 

[Drail]

Oh....... that is sweet.

 

[AZAndy]

Oh, HECK yeah, that's really great. Those grips look original, too. Excellent find. I agree with Mr. Johnson-- keep the 15; there's no such thing as too many .38's.

 

[5-SHOTS]

Nice old school revolvers here.

 

[wanderinwalker]

Driftwood, your Combat Masterpiece looks like an identical twin to my new one. I didn't realize this was called the Speed Hammer, but I did recognize a fairly early short-action K-frame. I even guessed it's date range between '53 and '57 before checking the book.

As for keeping the "spare" 15, I absolutely could. But I know someone who has been talking about getting a 4" .38 Special for a while, so I offered him my 15-4. And there's a possibility it could come back some day. (Also, it'll put me in a good position should I stumble on a post-war M&P or a K-38 Masterpiece/early Model 14.)

Next up I need to decide if I want to throw a set of Ahrends retro targets on it for shooting, or try a T-grip. A T-grip seems more fitting for some reason. But I have a set of retro targets in walnut that would look good too.

 

[horsemen61]

Very cool op!

 

[CraigC]

I swear, I did not go to the gunshop looking to buy anything today.

Yeah, I use that excuse too!

I know for a fact that K-frames in general and .38Spl's in particular are very good medicine for blood pressure, cholesterol and overall well-being.

 

[Gordon]

T grip, E bay is your friend.

 

[bannockburn]

wanderinwalker

I apologize for taking up so much of your time, I just wanted to share my excitement.

No need to apologize: share away, share away!

But I "needed" a pre-model number K-frame, if you understand what I mean, you understand, and the 15 already has a new home lined up. I'd say "out with the old, in with the new", except it doesn't quite fit.

No need for further explanation; we understand completely!

 

[Zaydok Allen]

Very sweet.

 

[Sergei Mosin]

Can't go wrong with a nice K-frame.

 

[Walkalong]

Beautiful revolver.

Many here would have succumbed as well.

 

[shuvelrider]

My dads Pre-15 on the left with a trigger shoe (makes a big difference), and a Mod 15-2 I picked up locally a few years ago. Both shoot extremely well. Same as you, one showed up and I needed to make a set.

 

[mushu]

some nice looking k frames!

 

[Col. Harrumph]

That's a sweet find right there. Also, I hate you.

 

[Deanimator]

I want to get one, but around here it's probably going to cost me an arm and a leg.

 

[gotboostvr]

I want to get one, but around here it's probably going to cost me an arm and a leg.

I see you're also from Ohio. I scored my 5-screw K22 for under $500.

Got it off funbroker though...

 

[Deanimator]

I see you're also from Ohio. I scored my 5-screw K22 for under $500.

Got it off funbroker though...

Ten or fifteen years ago, I almost scored a Model 67, but other expenses intervened.

 

[gotboostvr]

Ten or fifteen years ago, I almost scored a Model 67, but other expenses intervened.

Been there... done that... missed out on some police trade in Sig 220s with night sights for $350 from GunEnvy a few years ago. Still miffed

 

[km101]

Great looking gun! I love Model 15’s! My second revolver was a 15 and I have owned at least one ever since. They just feel right and they are soooo much fun to shoot! Congrats on your find.