Over at smith-wessonforum.com, user SmithNut’s uploaded some hi-res photos of his collection of K-38 Masterpiece and Model 14 revolvers. As for the former, SmithNut would like to keep the model’s appeal on the down-low, to keep prices down low. Yeah, well, that’s not gonna happen. “The truth has – unfortunately – started to get out, the K-38 Masterpiece is truly that – a world class Masterpiece. This model is an outstanding shooter, a great piece of S&W history, a finely crafted work of art….. For the longest time, they languished on dealers shelves while shooters and enthusiasts rushed to acquire the more popular (and powerful) .357 Magnum models. I’m concerned about the reputation getting out, the remaining guns out there are only going to be harder to find and higher in $$ as the word gets spread…. bummer as there are a few more I need to fill out the collection.”
Don’t mean a thing, if it don’t have that “ping”.
Proud owner myself. Korean era, from CMP, but in true Kowalski fashion don’t ya know. A truly elegant rifle. It still brings the hot shot, red dot, quad rail, guys over to check it out at the range. In full disclosure, I have those whiz bang red dotty quaddy railed “carbines” also.
Garands simply have a timeless style, class, and elegance. And they “thump” the targets really well.
Our military is unarmed. Let the absurdity of that statement sink in for a second. Our MILITARY is unarmed. Unbelievable, isn’t it?
Awesome! I wish I could have made it, but SA is so very far from DFW and my chores were so many. That’s what I get for going hunting the last two weekends in a row.
I will have to bookmark this for future reference. More ammunition in the fight against ignorance.
I’ve got mine.. its my absolute favorite gun. Period.
$600 – $700 at my LGS, and worth every penny.
Key word: “Bloomberg”. Yes, he paid big $$$ to get his name on the side of a building to honor his Napoleonic self. The message gets lost clearly.
Never going to happen, but if you banned the sale and production of guns that don’t meet a certain mark for safety (ie, drop safe) that might do….nothing but piss off 1911 owners. No, TBH the safety thing is BS if you consider how low accidental deaths (or deaths from guns in general) have been dropping like a rock for decades. But no, the antis don’t like fact, they like theories that only fit with their own illogical perception of how bad the world is.
Plus isn’t there a saying about how the more parts something has the more likely it will break? Adding a digital lock is the most idiotic thing I have ever heard.
I wonder if the value on the Colt Python pretty much doubling since 2010 has anything to do with the Walking Dead. Probably not, but interesting to consider…
I had the opportunity to acquire one in a trade for a Colt AR and a kinda beat up Sig p228 back in 2008, I declined because I didn’t want to drive 3 hours to meet the dude. I’ve been kicking myself ever since.
“In the same way that you can’t convince an arachnophobe that spiders are shy creatures whose existence is key to our species’ survival…”
Stop right there! They are not. They are evil, malicious, satanic monsters who wish to kill all of humanity, and take over the world. Best to crush them all without mercy!
I, like all good, God-Fearing, rational human beings who wish to live long and happy lives, HATE &^%$*ing spiders!!
Other than that one minor mistake, that was a great write-up!
It is interesting that the hoplophobes don’t seem to react when a cop comes near them. Shows that the fear response depends on context, not just the firearm itself. Of course, they have a long history of encountering cops with guns, with nothing bad happening during the encounter. This is an excellent argument for open carry. The problem, of course, is that if people call in “man with a gun” reports and the cops come to detain the person carrying, that response reinforces the association between an average person with a gun and a threat.
Here in NC when your DL is run by a LEO they automatically know if you have a carry permit or if you have had one in the past. Even though this is a fairly firearms friendly (unintentional alliteration) state, in my view this amounts to a de-facto gun registration. What’s worse it the question about whether or not your own guns and how you store them that is asked on my City’s home alarm system monitoring permit application form. I’m a little uncomfortable with that one too.
Interesting how long this trail has been going, and all comments have positive things to say about the K frames. My K38 Target Masterpiece was my first pistol purchase ever. I bought it not long after I joined the Navy in the early 80’s. At that time S&W had quit making the gun and the salesman told me it was considered an operational collectors piece, which was the truth. Since then, as I understand it, it has gone back into and out of production twice. Still, the $320 I paid for it back then, which seemed like a lot to a young sailor, is a tad cheaper then they go for today. It is a great gun with outstanding accuracy. My step son, who is used to shooting his semi-autos and kind of hitting all over the target, is amazed at how much more accurate he is with this gun. Mine has the 8 3/8″ barrel, which helps a lot. The only issue I have ever had is a couple of miss fires I attribute to bad reloads I had purchased. Other than that the gun has performed flawlessly all these years. I am going to a gun show this weekend specifically to look for a S&W model 27/28. I know this is not a K frame, it is an N frame. The point is that S&W make great revolvers, and the old Highway Patrolmen is one of the best. It was an S&W HP that I first scored Expert Marksman with in the Navy. That is what got me to looking for an S&W revolver when I bounght my K38. So now I’m on the look out for a HP to add to my collection.
I never had much use for a revolver until I used a S&W Combat Masterpiece a the firing range at Andrews AFB. Yearly duty as a flight crewmember. We were given 3oo rounds to fire with this gun. It looked new and was smooth to fire. I thought extremely accurate and I, too, liked the wide trigger. I did own a Ruger Single-Six .22 which I bought in 1960 for $63, new. I think I would like to own a S&W like this one. I have five semi automatics, one being a Remington Model 51 with a four digit serial number, which i believe was manufactured in 1918-19. It is .380 cal and in mint condition.
I am going to an estate auction today where they are selling one of these, model 14, K 38 Masterpiece.
I hope it’s in good condition and that no one else at the sale realizes what a good gun it is.
I already own 2 other S&W’s. They are wonderful revolvers and I could sure use another one.
I bought my K38 Masterpiece way back in like 1982, not long after they had first stopped making them. At that time it was considered an “operartional collectors piece”. I really did not know anything about the gun, but was going off what the salesman at the gun store told me. It was actually my first pistol purchase and my second gun purchase. I was in my early 20’s and just starting my military career. So now I have had it all these years and consider it one of the best gun purchases/investments I have ever made. And it was all done in ignorance. Sometimes the Lord just smiles down un us.
I bought my combat masterpiece back in college 1968, I knew I
Liked it, at the time I really don’t know why. I was at a gun shop
Some guy had it on lay- a-way, missed 3 payments , so the shop owner sold it to me. Had to sell a Browning 9 I had to get the money$—– shot it once back in the 60’s,just shot for the second time three weeks ago, god I made a great decision in the sixties. The piece is a 99% what a great revolver !!
Yep. These are timeless, regardless of what decade you shoot them in. I know-kinda redundant. Anyway, hard to believe you have owned it for 46 years and just shot it for the 2nd time. Think of all the good shooting you have been missing. I do hope you cleaned it after the 1st time you shot it. Just kidding-I’m sure you did. S&W has always built a great revolver. These K models just happen to be diamonds amongst the other precious jewels. My recommendation Steve; shoot it some more and enjoy it. These models have appreciated greatly. But since you have already shot it a couple of times, not shooting it is not going to make a difference in value. So enjoy it, show it off, and have fun putting those groupings into that very small bull’s-eye in the middle of the target.
I kinda sadly got rid of the huge target trigger on mine in exchange for a more narrow grooved trigger (much better for double action shooting). But still an awesome gun I take to the range to commune with a better time 🙂
Oh and I just love the look of mine with the service grips and Tyler T Grip…
Yep-too late. The word has gotten out. Every one of these I have seen come up for sale lately has been in the $700-$900 range. Actually, most any of the S&W revolvers I have seen, regardless of model, has been up there. I did finally score a model 28 at a gun show last year and got it for $550. He also had a model 19 for the same price. I should have bought that also, but funds only allowed for one of them. Needless to say, I am constantly on the look out now any of the models listed here to see if I can find one for a “reasonable” price.
I just was given one by the widow of a friend who died a couple years ago. She was finally going through his stuff and found it in a locked box. Its in pristine condition, I don’t think it was ever fired which isn’t too surprising as my friend was an anti. Who knew he had such a nice gun stashed away?
Mine was tucked away and likely unfired as well, tell I got hold of it of course… 🙂
I heard Roy Jinks commented one time that he thought 50% of S/W’s revolvers were bought and stashed away never to be fired. From my limited sample, and area, it seems the 38 specials are typically the most commonly older revolvers found in this condition. Maybe mainly urban buyers, making decent enough money to want an “American Made” gun, likely the only caliber they had heard of when they went shopping in the 50’s-60’s, and with very limited access to ranges. Of course in those days and among that group “Defensive handgun training” and even “practice” not quite as popular concepts. Just personal theory.
James, your theory may have some validity. There is also the possibility that during that time frame there were a fare number of returning military from Korea and Vietnam. And they may have been looking for something for the house. Figure that in that time frame the standard calibers for handguns were mostly .22, .32, .38, .357, and .45. There were others, but I think these were probably the most “normal” calibers. Even today with so many choices, I think except for maybe the deletion of the .32 and the addition of the 9 mm/.40 these still make up most handgun purchases. The .38 has always been a good middle of the road selection. A good target pistol, but with enough power to stop most adversaries.
By the way, reading back over earlier posts it was mentioned that the .38 had gotten a bad rap in the Philippines due to its inability to stop the hyped up enemy. This is very true. However, what this eventually led to was the development of the .357 by Dan Wesson of S&W fame. He partnered with Federal I believe to develop the cartridge. This is where the Model 19 Combat, and the “N” frame, came from, and that eventually led to the model 27 for sale to the public. Several police departments approached S&W, including state Highway Patrols, who wanted to purchase the .357, but did not want to spend the extra money for the “nice” amenities like the high luster bluing and the checkered grips. They wanted something less expensive, and so the model 28, Highway Patrolman, was born. The reason for the step up from the “K” frame to the “N” frame was to provide a little more heft to the weapon which of course meant less kick. A more manageable weapon. Now you have the short history of the .357 and the “N” frame.
A few years ago, I bought a new Model 27, and loved it! I also have 2 short barreled 686, first edition, consecutive SN# Rosewood handled, combat grips. They are beautiful, and I fell in love with them at first sight! I’ve been saving them, so I haven’t shot them, yet! I’ve got 4 Sig Autos, and way too many other pistols, in most calabers, including my .460. The holster cost $200.00. I carry small Sigs, but like competing at the range, with the full sized pistols.
I came across 2 Colt Police Positives .38 Specials, and bought both. One is 90% or better, and the other is 95% or better. I enjoyed shooting both of them, but one shoots a little to the side, but still deadly. I went back to the same place a couple of weeks later, and found a Model 10, for $400.00. I fell in love with its action. It’s great in single action or double action. My buddy shot one ragged hole with the six shots he had. He really liked the gun also, but was looking fore one in stainless steel, with an adjustable rear sight. I looked around and found a model 15-6, at Gander Moutain, on sale for $349.00. That is a very reasonable price, for a S&W Pistol. The pistol looked better in person, than its picture on line. I don’t think it is even close, between the Colts, and the Smiths, with the Smiths winning hands down. I’ve got all the Colts that I want to collect, but I’ll keep my eye open for some more Smith & Wesson Revolvers. I’ve got a new Model 25 on back-order. At 69, revolvers are appreciated, when saving brass. No chasing and bending.
I found these guns at a local gun store, in a small farm community. Farmers like good guns, also. Get out to small gun stores. These guns wouldn’t have been in my larger community gun store displays. Have fun and be safe!
I bought both Smiths, .38 cal 10-5 2′ snubnose and the 15-3 4″ back in 1976 a couple after getting out of the military. I paid $118 for the snubnose and I believe the same for the 15-3. I still have the box and bore brush for the snubnose which is why I am sure of that price. I probably have only put about hundred rounds combined through the two of them, and even though they just sit in the safe I have always been proud just owning such a pair of high quality firearms. By the way, I qualified for CCL with the 4″ and was the only revolver in a class of about 20. Shot like a dream. I recently went Gander Mtn to see what they would give me for the snubnose on trade and was told $125. Even not being knowledgable about gun pricing, I knew that it was worth more than that and was frankly insulted. Last time for that place.
Really appreciate all of the knowledgable folks here to help me gain some insight.
I picked mine up in excellent condition from gander mountain (years ago when they weren’t gouging on prices for EVERYTHING) for $250. Other than the drag marks on the cylinder it is beautiful. I should have looked for a couple more back then.
Just picked up my last S&W – a M17 .22 Masterpiece, 6″, target hammer and trigger. Old enough to have diamond grips, and looks like it was new last month. This one ends my current Smith hunt…over the last 2 years, I found and still own – a S&W K38 Masterpiece, a .38 Combat Masterpiece, a .22 Combat Masterpiece and now the K.22…I also found another .38 Combat Masterpiece which I gave to my lady…and my favorite 9mm, a Model 56, an occasional carry.
I have a few more, but this is my collection.
MS
Early 1970″s . K38 target pistol single action Smith and Wesson,
The the double action revolver