Smith & Wesson K-38 Combat Masterpiece

[bergmen]

Back in the 90s I had a desire for a 38 Special DA revolver with a 4" barrel and adjustable sights. I didn't at the time know who made one or what model to consider. After work one day, on a whim, I decided to visit one of our long time LGS just to snoop around.

I went to the "new" gun counter, no dice, nothing there. Then I went to the consignment counter and there it was. A model 15-4 with factory target hammer and target trigger in the original box, manual and sight adjustment screw driver. It honestly looked like it had hardly been fired, probably put into a dresser drawer and forgotten about. Appears to have been made around 1980 or so. I scooped it up for $225.00 and it is one of the finest and most accurate handguns I own (and I own more than 20 handguns).

BTW, I think "Combat Masterpiece" is the coolest name for any firearm.

Dan

 

[buckeyeshooter]

In 1980, I ordered a SW model 18 with the 3 T's and the target grips being smooth Rosewood. It shoots like a dream, so well in fact, that I sold a SW 41 with a 4 digit serial number and 5 1/2 inch barrel.

 

[needsmostuff]

I was never sure . When they made them shiny, were they still a Combat Masterpiece?

 

[Watertender]

I can remember George Nonte wrote an article about the S&W Combat Masterpiece and using it in Korea to dispatch an enemy soldier. At one time the Los Angeles Police Department used a double action only version of the Model 15 as the duty weapon.

 

[Paul B]

I have one plus the .22LR version companion piece.
Paul B.

 

[bergmen]

I was never sure . When they made them shiny, were they still a Combat Masterpiece?

View attachment 69111

I seem to remember reading in my Smith and Wesson book that they indeed made a short run of stainless versions. I'll check in the book and get back to you.

Dan

 

[bergmen]

count me in - I'm also a fan!

1971 15-3 K-38 Combat Masterpiece

Beautiful, looks like new! Mine shown above is a 15-4.

Dan

 

[WanderLust]

I was never sure . When they made them shiny, were they still a Combat Masterpiece?
Only if you used those bullets that hurt people.....
Very curious about the answer to that question myself. I'll be watching this for answers.
Excellent guns here. hard to find in good shape now.

 

[rugerguy]

Nice gun and the stainless version is a model 67.........
......as noted above........
The Air Force ,Air Police carried the model 15s in various barrel lengths.......

 

[kmoore]

Model 15s, in my experience with some just get better with use. As far as smooth and don't seem to wear out barrels. My all time favorite is the model 10 4 inch heavy barrel. Even without adjustable sights they shoot great.

 

[smith1961]

Carried 67 no dash as a Fed in the 80's,
And a 15 as a Boston Special in 90's. Awesome guns.