Smith & Wesson S&W K-38 Combat Masterpiece Pre-Model 15 38 Spl Revolver C&R
SOLD FOR: $1275.01
LSB#: 210923SS41
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: The K-38 Combat Masterpiece, Pre-Model 15
Serial Number: K326389
Year of Manufacture: 1955
Caliber: .38 S&W Special
Action Type: 6-Shot Double / Single Action, Swing-Out Fluted Cylinder Revolver
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON”. The right of the barrel is marked “38 S.&W. SPECIAL CTG.”. The underside of the barrel, butt of the grip, yoke face (no letter prefix), rear face of the cylinder, and ejector (no letter prefix) are marked with the serial number. The sideplate has the monogram logo and the right of the frame has the four-line marcas registradas. The yoke, yoke cut, and sides of the grip frame are marked with inspection marks. The interior of the right grip panel is matched and stamped “236 / 389”.
Barrel Length: 4”, Pinned
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramped blade on a serrated ramped base pinned to the top of the serrated tapered rib. The rear sight is a square notch fitting in a base that is click adjustable for windage and elevation and screw secured in a slot in the top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered walnut magna stocks with diamonds around the grip screws and silver-colored medallions. There are some dings on the bottom edges. There are a few scattered compressions and light handling marks. There is some light wear on the peak of the right panel. There are a few light scuffs. The checkering is mostly strong but there are a few minor compressions. There are no chips or cracks. The grips rate in about Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 95% of its metal finish. There are a few light marks on the barrel. The frame has some finish loss on the rear edge. There are a few little marks through the finish on the frame. There are some light scuffs that have thinned the finish and a few little marks through the finish on the side plate. The cylinder has a few little scuffs that has thinned the finish and a few little spots of finish loss. The cylinder has a complete turn line. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder locks up with hardly any side-to-side play on all chambers. The double-action trigger is smooth and the single action is crisp. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Accessories: Included is a gold two-piece Smith & Wesson box but it is to a 6″ revolver.
Our Assessment: For anyone looking for a quality revolver, this gun just about sells itself. When it comes to revolvers Smith & Wessons of this era have never disappointed and this is certainly no exception. Smith & Wesson weren’t just bragging when they called this model the “Masterpiece”, the 4″ barrel, adjustable sights, and smooth action all promise to make this a tackdriver. This revolver only has some minor cosmetic wear, plus it has a stellar bore and action. It is still ready to stack dimes over 67 years since it was made and it would make a fine revolver to pass down through the generations. Please see our photos and good luck!