Smith & Wesson S&W K-38 K38 Target Masterpiece “Pre-Model 14, Blue Pinned 6” SA/DA Double Action Revolver & Box, MFD 1950 C&R
Sold For: $ 1,353.00
LSB#: 170329LL02
Make: Smith and Wesson
Model: K-38 Target Masterpiece
Serial Number: K84821
Year of Manufacture: 1950 (“Standard Catalog of S&W, 3rd Edition”)
Caliber: .38 Special
Action Type: Single or Double Action with Swing-Out Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “Smith & Wesson”. The right sideplate has a “S&W” logo and the right side of the frame is marked with the 4 line “Marcus Registradas” address. The right side of the barrel is marked “38 S.&W. SPECIAL CTG. ”. The flat under the yoke is marked “3”, “4181” and “6” and the yoke is marked “4181”. The front face of the cylinder’s star is marked “84821”. The bottom of the grip, the flat on the underside of the barrel and the rear face of the cylinder are marked “K 84821“.
Barrel Length: The ribbed barrel is 6” in length and pinned to the frame. It has a full length solid rib.
Sights / Optics: The revolver is mounted with a square notched rear target sight adjustable for windage and elevation and screwed to the top strap. The front sight is a Patridge style blade on a short serrated ramp fixed to the barrel rib. The top of the barrel rib and frame are serrated and have a matte finish to reduce glare.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered walnut on a square butt grip frame. There are nickel plated S&W medallions inlet into the tops of the grips and smooth diamonds around the grip screw. There is a black painted aluminum “Sure Grip” grip adapter by Mershon Inc. mounted under the grips covering the front strap. The grips show several tiny light dings on their bottom surfaces and a very few light handling marks in the smooth sections of the grips. The checkering is sharp with spots of light wear in the left grip which is still sharp to the touch. The grips rate in about Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: The finish is blued except for the target hammer and target trigger which are case colored.
Finish Originality: All Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp and deep. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 99% of its metal finish. There is thinning on the front edge of the extractor lug on the barrel, the front edges of the frame, the outside edges of the cylinder latch and light thinning on the body of the extractor. The cylinder doesn’t have a drag line, but there are light marks in the grooves leading to the bolt stop cuts. The case coloring is still vivid. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The double action trigger pull is smooth, and the single action break is light with no discernible creep. The cylinder lockup is SOLID on all 6 chambers. The action functions correctly. We did not fire this revolver. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with a factory box which includes the original light brown oil impregnated paper wrapping for the revolver. The box has a gold finish with blue lettering and gold colored metal reinforcements at the corners of the lid and the bottom of the box. Both end panels are marked with the correct make, model and barrel length of this revolver. However, the bottom of the box is marked in pencil with “56173”. The inside of the top of the box is marked with instructions on the use of the revolver in both English and Spanish. The box shows drippings of varnish on the top of the box along with a large section of surface loss on the top, surface loss on the edges with a few spots of surface loss on the sides, and fraying on the corners. The box is in about Good condition.
Our Assessment: This is a S&W K-38 Target Masterpiece double action target revolver in .38 Special with an 6” barrel. The revolver was made in 1950 and this model was later to become the Model 14. This revolver has matching part numbers on the barrel, cylinder, frame and extractor. The revolver is in about Excellent condition with about 99% of its original finish remaining. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion and the cylinder lockup on this revolver is SOLID on all six chambers. It’s a sad commentary when revolvers made by Smith and Wesson and Colt that are 60-100 years old have better lockups than just about anything made today. This great looking revolver is perfect for anyone involved with bullseye shooting competitions. The excellent sights, smooth trigger and solid cylinder lockup will all contribute to outstanding accuracy. However, the fantastic condition of this vintage revolver are going to make it very attractive to the S&W collectors who are sure to price this out of reach of the shooters.
