S&w .38

Huskerz85 · May 26, 2006, 11:18 PM

I'm looking into buying a S&W K-38 "Pre Model 15" for $279. It's got checkered wood grips, a 4" barrel and nickel finish in pretty good condition.

I don't know the serial number, but for that price, I want to know if I'm either getting a good deal or not.

Anyone have any ideas?

hivel37 · May 26, 2006, 11:43 PM

I'd say buy it. Seems like a good price on any smith that hasn't been abused.

Archie · May 28, 2006, 02:01 PM

The 'pre-model 15' should be a Combat Masterpiece. They were available in either 4" or 2" with adjustable sights. The front sight was the 'Baughman [quick draw] ramp sight'. (I think the oddest looking revolver in the world is a 2" Combat Masterpiece with target hammer, target trigger and full target grips.)

The K-38 was a 'pre-model 14'; and was only available in 6" barrel. The front sight was a square backed verticle patridge type sight. (It was a target revolver.)

Still if the revolver in question is a pinned barrel gun in good condition, $279 is a decent price. Whatever the seller calls it. Don't bother correcting him.

Huskerz85 · June 2, 2006, 03:02 PM

Thanks Archie for the info............*(through some haggling, managed to snag the revolver for $250!

)

I've checked the serial number (K 235107) with Supica/Nahas' "Std. Catalog of Smith & Wesson" and I got a date of 1955 (for serials K 231256 through K 266164).....I looked earlier in the book and found that my gun is actually an earlier model K-38 Combat Masterpiece--"Pre Model 15"

What distinguishes it from the Pre Model 14 you mentioned is the barrel length (mine is 4"......14's is 6") and the sights (mine has the adjustable rear sights).

Will put some pics up later for ya

Huskerz85 · June 2, 2006, 09:57 PM

Sorry if some of the pics turned out bad, I'm pretty new to digital cameras there ....but as you can see, that's my gun. The other revolver (the blued one in those last two shots) is my Taurus M17C.

May 26, 2006, 11:18 PM	#1
Huskerz85 Member Join Date: May 7, 2006 Location: Omaha, NE Posts: 54	S&w .38 I'm looking into buying a S&W K-38 "Pre Model 15" for $279. It's got checkered wood grips, a 4" barrel and nickel finish in pretty good condition. I don't know the serial number, but for that price, I want to know if I'm either getting a good deal or not. Anyone have any ideas? __________________ "You forgot your fortune cookie, it says.......you're outta luck!"

May 28, 2006, 02:01 PM	#3
Archie Senior Member Join Date: May 26, 2000 Location: Hastings, Nebrasksa - the Hear Posts: 2,209	Just being picky... The 'pre-model 15' should be a Combat Masterpiece. They were available in either 4" or 2" with adjustable sights. The front sight was the 'Baughman [quick draw] ramp sight'. (I think the oddest looking revolver in the world is a 2" Combat Masterpiece with target hammer, target trigger and full target grips.) The K-38 was a 'pre-model 14'; and was only available in 6" barrel. The front sight was a square backed verticle patridge type sight. (It was a target revolver.) Still if the revolver in question is a pinned barrel gun in good condition, $279 is a decent price. Whatever the seller calls it. Don't bother correcting him. __________________ There ain't no free lunch, except Jesus. Archie Check out updated journal at http://oldmanmontgomery.wordpress.com/

June 2, 2006, 03:02 PM	#4
Huskerz85 Member Join Date: May 7, 2006 Location: Omaha, NE Posts: 54	Thanks Archie for the info............(through some haggling, managed to snag the revolver for $250! ) I've checked the serial number (K 235107) with Supica/Nahas' "Std. Catalog of Smith & Wesson" and I got a date of 1955 (for serials K 231256* through K 266164).....I looked earlier in the book and found that my gun is actually an earlier model K-38 Combat Masterpiece--"Pre Model 15" What distinguishes it from the Pre Model 14 you mentioned is the barrel length (mine is 4"......14's is 6") and the sights (mine has the adjustable rear sights). Will put some pics up later for ya __________________ "You forgot your fortune cookie, it says.......you're outta luck!"

June 2, 2006, 09:57 PM	#5
Huskerz85 Member Join Date: May 7, 2006 Location: Omaha, NE Posts: 54	Sorry if some of the pics turned out bad, I'm pretty new to digital cameras there ....but as you can see, that's my gun. The other revolver (the blued one in those last two shots) is my Taurus M17C. __________________ "You forgot your fortune cookie, it says.......you're outta luck!"

May 26, 2006, 11:43 PM	#2
hivel37 Senior Member Join Date: August 24, 2004 Location: Hill Country Posts: 522	I'd say buy it. Seems like a good price on any smith that hasn't been abused.