• You are using the old High Contrast theme. We have installed a new dark theme for you, called UI.X. This will work better with the new upgrade of our software. You can select it at the bottom of any page.

Finally Picked Up a Classic S&W .38

Status
Not open for further replies.
Rinspeed

Rinspeed

Member
Joined
Dec 25, 2002
Messages
1,320
Location
NY
This one has been on my list for quite a long time and anyone who has been watching the market knows these older S&Ws just keep going up in price, especially over the last couple of years. What was once a $300 revolver they are now getting crazy money for. I don't have a lot of decent LGS that get trade ins so buying on-line was my only option. After losing several on Gunbroker, even after bidding way more than I should have :upeyes:, I finally snagged this four screw K-38 Combat Masterpiece made in 1956.

The K-38 is the predecessor to the Model 15 and this one, being a four screw, is slightly rarer than some of the other models made in the 50's. It is not quite in excellent condition, and didn't come with the box or papers, but I doubt it has more than a couple hundred rounds through it. Not only is it my first .38 it's my first K frame, I do have several L and N frame classic S&Ws. I've never been one to worry about a little handling wear so this one will fit right in for my collection.













IMG_2214_zpsy83kvhqz.jpg
 
Nice looking K frame you have there...

I carried a M-15 during the first half of my USAF career and currently have a model 19-5 which fills my K frame fix.

I think the K frames have the potential for some of the smoothest triggers in the S&W line.

Congrats on your find!

Edmo
 
Nice revolver. There is something special about shooting 38 Special in a revolver chambered for 38 Special.

Now, you need to find a K-38 Masterpiece with a 6" barrel, the predecessor to the Model 14, to keep your K-38 Combat Masterpiece company.
 
Now, you need to find a K-38 Masterpiece with a 6" barrel, the predecessor to the Model 14, to keep your K-38 Combat Masterpiece company.
Click to expand...




I know, I know, the sickness grows. I prefer a 4" but on the other hand I certainly know the advantages of a 6". :banghead:
 
I don't think there were many M14's produced with a 4" barrel, that was the M10's job.

Great looking revolver. All the early K frames were great revolvers. I want them all lol. Right now I have a 4" M&P from 1948. I would love a 3" M13 for carry.
 
Congratulations. I think the "Combat Masterpiece" is my favorite Smith & Wesson. I've got three of them myself, a 15, a 67, and an 18 (22LR).

That's a sharp looking four screw yo have OP. Love those diamond Magna stocks.
 
Model 15 was my first centerfire handgun in 1960 and I've loved them ever since. Yours is an especially nice example of the genre.
 
Rinspeed

Another timeless classic S&W K frame. Very nice looking too for 60 years old! Congrats on the great find.
 
I was made in 1956 too, and I don't look nearly that good.
Click to expand...

Same here! I have a soft spot for ANYTHING made in 1956. My first Harley was a '56 Panhead (no longer have it), and I'm restoring a '56 Willys CJ5. Any 1956 firearms are more than welcome to join the family. A '56 Chevy would be nice too.

Nice looking S&W, I'm jealous. Congrats!
 
I've got the whole blues .38 line up. The 10,14,15, and 36 and shoot them the most of any handgun in my collection (and the 18 when I don't want to pick up brass) ;)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Thanks a lot guys, sadly I haven't shot it yet but that will change this weekend, come hell or high water. I will post a couple more pictures when I figure out this stupid new camera of mine. I'm already thinking a 6" might be next on the list. What are the differences between model 14 and the 15 besides the sights.
 
I am sorry... the new disease you have acquired will likely spread... it seems to be an likely incurable lifetime infliction....
 
You are more likely to find the target hammer (TH) and target trigger (TT) on the Model 14 since it was intended more for target shooting than carry.

I happen to like the TH and TT since they provide a lot of control. Some think they are too rough.

Also, the Model 14 was available with an 8 3/8" barrel. Those are pretty scarce.
 
The Model 15 as far as I know was only available with a 2" or a 4" barrel. Longer barrels were reserved for the Model 14. The 14 had different sights as you've noted.

Either could be had with target hammer and trigger. My 15-3 has both as well as a trigger stop.

So my uneducated answer would be the sights and barrel length are the biggest differences.

The Model 14 was simply the "Masterpiece" although a lot of people add the word "target" to the title. The 15 and 18 were the "Combat Masterpiece" preceded by either 38 or 22 respectively.

They were well named.
 
Rinspeed said:
This one has been on my list for quite a long time and anyone who has been watching the market knows these older S&Ws just keep going up in price, especially over the last couple of years. What was once a $300 revolver they are now getting crazy money for. I don't have a lot of decent LGS that get trade ins so buying on-line was my only option. After losing several on Gunbroker, even after bidding way more than I should have :upeyes:, I finally snagged this four screw K-38 Combat Masterpiece made in 1956.

The K-38 is the predecessor to the Model 15 and this one, being a four screw, is slightly rarer than some of the other models made in the 50's. It is not quite in excellent condition, and didn't come with the box or papers, but I doubt it has more than a couple hundred rounds through it. Not only is it my first .38 it's my first K frame, I do have several L and N frame classic S&Ws. I've never been one to worry about a little handling wear so this one will fit right in for my collection.
Click to expand...


Somwhere in the middle of all this, you forgot to tell us how much this sweetie actually cost !! :D
One of the reasons I (and presumably others here) check threads like this, is to get a feel for where the market actually is on various guns.
Anyway, that's a real fine specimen. I got a nearly mint M15 from Summit a few years ago for $380 delievered, IIRC, but it's manufacture date is only '79-'80.
I'm very pleased with it, but I'd much prefer a late '50's like this one, so, nice score !!
 
Somwhere in the middle of all this, you forgot to tell us how much this sweetie actually cost !!
Click to expand...



OK you got me. :rolleyes: The last one I missed on GB went for $827, one bid over my max. I was pissed as I sat there watching it thinking there is no way in hell I'm bidding another dime. :confused: It was mint and had the box and papers but still way too much.

I paid $540 shipped for this one which is not bad at all seeing the beat up ones bring close to $400. Even though it has some slight holster wear at the muzzle, it is as close to new, for the money, as you will find for a 60 year old pistol. I bought it to shoot and we put a couple hundred rounds through it this morning. The boys had a good time and I was very pleased with how tight the groups were.
 
Rinspeed said:
....I paid $540 shipped for this one......
Click to expand...

So I assume another $25 transfer, making it a total of $565 ? For the condition, and era it was manufactured, I'm thinking that's around the upper edge of fair market value, so no complaints. And 10 years from now, you'll probably be able to look back and laugh at how cheaply you snagged it !! ;)

BTW, here's a recent pic of my 1980 M-15......
IMG_3963_zps724h5prd.gif
 
Last edited:
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

F
  • Locked
Is the K-frame S&W .357 weak?
2
Replies
26
Views
3K
goon
G
Jim NE
  • Locked
Tech questions for K-38 Masterpiece experts
Replies
4
Views
437
SaxonPig
S
A
  • Locked
Should my 1953 K-38 have a recessed chamber?
Replies
2
Views
760
albanian
A
J
  • Locked
Year of Manufacture on S&W K frames
Replies
6
Views
714
Will5A1
W
Jonesy814
  • Locked
38 Caliber K frames
2 3 4
Replies
83
Views
7K
ThomasT
ThomasT
Back
Top