September 6, 2012, 12:51 PM | #1 |
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What revolver is this?
I just read an open thread that identifies a K-frame revolver as a Combat Masterpiece shipped in 1956. The help given to the OT in that thread reminded me that I've never truly identified this K-frame that I bought used some ten years ago at a gun show. The grips are aftermarket of course. The serial number as it appears on the frame is an H topping 8***7 with an additional 7 under the five digit number. I would appreciate any ideas or insight you could share.
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September 6, 2012, 12:56 PM | #2 |
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If it's stainless steel,,,
If it's stainless steel,,,
It's a Model 67. If it's nickel plated,,, It's probably a Model 15. Or it could be a "pre" model 15,,, Aarond .
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September 6, 2012, 12:56 PM | #3 |
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Open the cylinder and on the crane should give you the model number.
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September 6, 2012, 01:06 PM | #4 |
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It's nickel plated so it's a model 15. Thanks.
The only numbers on the frame inside the crane are the ones I described in my original post: a letter H atop the five-digit serial number and below that a number 7. The swing out "arm"of the crane has the same five-digit number engraved on it.
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September 6, 2012, 01:21 PM | #5 | |
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Quote:
It is a Combat Masterpiece,,, Not a Model 15. S&W started using model numbers in 1957,,, Before that the gun was called the Combat Masterpiece,,, After that the gun was called the Model 15 Combat Masterpiece. Aarond .
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September 6, 2012, 02:05 PM | #6 |
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Ok. Thanks Aarond. So mine is a Combat Masterpiece pre-model era, and therefore was made prior to 1957.
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September 6, 2012, 02:18 PM | #7 |
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Three minor points...
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September 6, 2012, 02:24 PM | #8 |
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The numbers on the crane and the adjacent frame are assembly numbers and have no meaning once the gun is finished.
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September 6, 2012, 04:48 PM | #9 |
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They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Well, I don't have any of the model number on the crane of my revolvers but I found one. You'll see some numbers on the top row which don't really mean anything to us. The last line says "14-2" which is its model number. The Model 14 in the photo is the blue SW .38 special with adjustable sights. The "-2" indicates it is the second iteration of the revolver after SW started using model numbers. Before then it was known as the K-38 Target Masterpiece. SW continued to use model names like Combat Masterpiece (Model 15), Combat Magnum (Model 19), etc. with some guns for a number of years along with the model number. I usually refer to the model number if a gun has one and the model name if the gun doesn't.
http://picturearchive.gunauction.com...thumbnail0.jpg |
September 6, 2012, 05:47 PM | #10 |
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Thank you all again for your shared knowledge and expertise on these guns.
Due to my lack of knowledge I mistook the assembly numbers for the serial number, KyJim. Carguychris, the serial number is K 23***6. And it is a five-screw model, large screw next to hammer, fourth one in front of the trigger guard. So it's one of the earliest non-model-numbered. My photo is old, I no longer have the Hogue grips on it, as I later replaced the original walnut Magna stocks, which are just as you mentioned, down to the diamond pattern checkering. This is great; now when friends ask me about this gun I'll have an answer. You guys are great. Thanks again.
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September 6, 2012, 07:24 PM | #11 | |
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Quote:
K231,256 – K266,154...1955 The 5-screw frame was officially retired in 1955, but IIRC collectors have found that most K frames that letter to 1955 have it.
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September 6, 2012, 10:03 PM | #12 |
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1955... I didn't realize until this thread that my K-frame was quite that old. I thought it was made a few years later. But whoever had before me certainly took good care of it. It looks great, it's accurate, dependable and still a pleasure to shoot.
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