OT(?): S&W K-38 Masterpiece ?s

[Bruce Scott]

Seller's description: "Smith & Wesson K38 Masterpiece, M14-3 in cal .38Spec, single action only variation, 6 inch barrel, serial #3K47482, 85% original blue, blue worn ½ way down barrel; adjustable sights, wide trigger and hammerspur, exc bore, exc grips. Model introduced 1947, circa 1958. This is an excellent condition revolver. AU$525"
1. Good buy?
2. Opinions on the model in general?
3. What to look for before buying?
4. Any other advice - I know absolutely zilch about revolvers - !!
I would only be using it as a target gun.

[Bullet Bob]

You couldn't ask for a better target revolver, and I don't care what the Colt guys say

I'm guessing the wear is from a holster?

Here in the U.S., that's a $300.00 gun, max. I don't know how that translates to Australian currency.

I have a Colt Match Target in .38 (and OMM in .22), and like it, but have 3 K-38's, including a single-action only model - it does make a slight difference.

[Tycer]

I'll call Yance.

[TedH]

Not sure of the value, but it would be a dandy one to have.

[buckeyeshooter]

Not is single action only and that old-(1958)-- try a $500 to $600 at an Ohio Gun Collector show if original. However, this one's been Bubba-fied. Notice the lack of the color case on the hammer and the bubba trigger stop. This condition--- $300.00 is about right.

[Bruce Scott]

The bodgey trigger stop did get my attention.

AU$525 is worth US$500 at today's exchange rate.

[Charles]

The K-38 is a fine sixgun, I would not be without one. I am down to two right now. The pistol in the photo has been "monkeyed" with. That might not be a deal breaker, but it is something to consider. The hammer and trigger on the K-38 were color case hardened and the pistol in the photo has had the hammer and trigger (and perhaps other internal parts) polished bright and a trigger stop added.

The problem is, when you cut or plolish through the case hardening, you get to softer steel and that will signicantly reduce the service life of the bearing surfaces. Plenty of folks, and some misguided gunsmith polish internal parts to get a smoother action, but the result is a reduced service life of the parts.

I can only speak for myself, but I would not buy the pistol unless it could be had for a reduced price.

PS..I just went back and too a long hard look at the photo and the hammer and trigger might not have been polished, it just may be the light in the photo. This is something to check with the eyeball.

[lever-4-life]

I have a 5-screw that I just love. It is my favorite handgun and gets alot of range time. These are very accurate guns and if you dont see them often down there it might be a very good price.

[Tumbleweeds]

Those were excellent pistols. This one, on the other hand, is 50 years old and has actually been used as a target pistol I would guess from looking at the trigger stop. It may well have had enough lead put down it to sink the Bismarck, be loose as a goose, and need a lot of work to put it right again. I wouldn't touch it unless I could have it inspected by someone who knows a lot about revolvers.

[Rusty]

I'd say the value as a collector is gone. It could be put back into original condition but you'd be looking at $75-100 US for that. Depending on how tight the rest of it is it might be a good shooter at this point. I'd say someone did all they could do to it to make it a more accurate shooter. For myself I'd go $225 US for it, if the cylinder was tight enough to be able to use it for a shooter.

Happy Trails and God Bless,

[Old Savage]

Fine gun I would say it is worth it.

[blackhawk44]

A much closer inspection seems in order. Odd that the bluing is good both ahead and behind the S&W name, but not over it. That would not be holster wear. the muzzle is. With the somewhat "speckled" appearance in the photo, it gives the impression that at some point it developed a case of light surface rust in that area and someone has buffed it off with steel wool. It also seems from the photo that someone has taken a file to the top rear corner of the front sight or replaced it. The standard partridge was square (and eats holsters).

[Malamute]

Can you lays hands on it in person, or would it be a long distance transaction?


Here's some study material. It got a bit long, but it will give you some more background, perhaps help you ask better questions, or know more of what to look for if you can see it in person.


http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.p ... 755&t=1430


I agree, it has been modified. It looks like the hammer and trigger have been polished, which may or may not be an issue, depending on how deep the polish went. The hammer, is it's the wide target hammer, has been shortened (ground down) from the rear. The trigger stop is a bit unorthodox, and odd, since these guns had a built in trigger stop from the factory. The blue wear is an unusual pattern, I think it may have had some rust at some time, but it's hard to say without seeing it in person.

All handguns are more rare down under, what may be a pick and choose issue for us, may not be an issue for you guys. It would be about a $250 gun around here with the wear and changes. Supply and demand. If it's mechanically sound, it may well be worth the asking price down your way.