Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this double-action revolver for a penny-start auction, this is the Smith And Wesson K38 Masterpiece Pre Model 14.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Smith And Wesson
Model: K38 Masterpiece
Serial: K185161
Date of Manufacture: 1953
Caliber: .38S&W
Finish: Blued
Barrel Length: 6"
Optics/Sights: Front Fixed Ramp with Adjustable Square Notch Rear
Stock/Grips: Checkered Magna Style Diamond Walnut Grips with S&W Medallions
Action: Double-Action
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Smith & Wesson K-38 Masterpiece, known after 1957 as the Model 14, is widely regarded as one of the finest target revolvers ever produced and represents the peak of mid-20th-century American revolver craftsmanship. Introduced in 1947 and built on Smith & Wesson's medium-sized K-frame, the K-38 Masterpiece was specifically designed for precision target shooting, competition, and law enforcement training. Chambered in .38 Special, the revolver featured a six-shot cylinder and was most commonly equipped with a 6-inch barrel, though 8?-inch variants were also offered for dedicated target shooters. Pre-Model 14 examples, manufactured before Smith & Wesson began stamping model numbers inside the crane cut in 1957, are particularly prized by collectors for their classic craftsmanship, hand-fitted actions, and traditional features. The revolver incorporated a finely adjustable rear sight, a precision Patridge front sight, and a remarkably smooth double-action and crisp single-action trigger pull that allowed shooters to achieve exceptional accuracy. Its deep, lustrous blued finish, checkered walnut target stocks, and elegant lines reflected an era when revolvers were built with an extraordinary level of attention to detail and polish. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, the K-38 Masterpiece became a favorite among competitive bullseye shooters, police marksmen, and firearms instructors, earning a reputation for producing tight groups at distances that challenged many other handguns of the period. The revolver's balanced weight distribution and ergonomic grip design made it comfortable for extended shooting sessions while maintaining excellent control and consistency. Many experienced shooters considered the K-38 Masterpiece to be the benchmark by which all target revolvers were measured, and its influence can still be seen in modern precision handguns. Today, pre-Model 14 examples remain highly collectible due to their historical significance, superior fit and finish, and enduring reputation as some of the most accurate and refined .38 Special revolvers ever manufactured by Smith & Wesson.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3-day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Model: K38 Masterpiece
Serial: K185161
Date of Manufacture: 1953
Caliber: .38S&W
Finish: Blued
Barrel Length: 6"
Optics/Sights: Front Fixed Ramp with Adjustable Square Notch Rear
Stock/Grips: Checkered Magna Style Diamond Walnut Grips with S&W Medallions
Action: Double-Action
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Smith & Wesson K-38 Masterpiece, known after 1957 as the Model 14, is widely regarded as one of the finest target revolvers ever produced and represents the peak of mid-20th-century American revolver craftsmanship. Introduced in 1947 and built on Smith & Wesson's medium-sized K-frame, the K-38 Masterpiece was specifically designed for precision target shooting, competition, and law enforcement training. Chambered in .38 Special, the revolver featured a six-shot cylinder and was most commonly equipped with a 6-inch barrel, though 8?-inch variants were also offered for dedicated target shooters. Pre-Model 14 examples, manufactured before Smith & Wesson began stamping model numbers inside the crane cut in 1957, are particularly prized by collectors for their classic craftsmanship, hand-fitted actions, and traditional features. The revolver incorporated a finely adjustable rear sight, a precision Patridge front sight, and a remarkably smooth double-action and crisp single-action trigger pull that allowed shooters to achieve exceptional accuracy. Its deep, lustrous blued finish, checkered walnut target stocks, and elegant lines reflected an era when revolvers were built with an extraordinary level of attention to detail and polish. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, the K-38 Masterpiece became a favorite among competitive bullseye shooters, police marksmen, and firearms instructors, earning a reputation for producing tight groups at distances that challenged many other handguns of the period. The revolver's balanced weight distribution and ergonomic grip design made it comfortable for extended shooting sessions while maintaining excellent control and consistency. Many experienced shooters considered the K-38 Masterpiece to be the benchmark by which all target revolvers were measured, and its influence can still be seen in modern precision handguns. Today, pre-Model 14 examples remain highly collectible due to their historical significance, superior fit and finish, and enduring reputation as some of the most accurate and refined .38 Special revolvers ever manufactured by Smith & Wesson.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3-day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
Our #1 priority is customer satisfaction. We want to build a lasting trust in the relationship with our customers, so that you will always look to us for all your firearms needs. If you have any issues with your transactions please contact us, and we will work with you to resolve any issues you may have. We greatly appreciate your trust in us and we look forward to fulfilling all your future firearm needs.
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Additional Information
GunbrokerLink: |
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1181532084 |
BidPrice: |
0.01 |
AuctionEndDate: |
2026-06-21 21:00:00 |
CurrentBid: |
770 |
SoldOutTime: |
2026-06-21 17:13:47 |




