Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this “K” Target Frame, 6-shot, double-action revolver for a penny-start auction; this is the Smith & Wesson K-38 Combat Masterpiece “Pre-Model 15”!
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson
Model: K-38 Combat Masterpiece “Pre-Model 15”
Serial: K113171
Date of Manufacture: 1951
Caliber: .38 S&W Special
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 4" Pinned & Ribbed Barrel
Optics/Sights: 1/8" Baughman Quick Draw on Plain Ramp Base Front with Micrometer Click Adjustable Rear
Stock/Grips: Checkered Diamond Walnut Grips with S&W Medallions
Action: Double/Single-Action Revolver
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Smith & Wesson K-38 Combat Masterpiece — often referred to as the “Pre-Model 15” because it was the direct ancestor of the later Model 15 designation — represents a mid-20th-century high-quality K-frame revolver built to bridge target accuracy and service durability. Chambered in .38 Special, the Combat Masterpiece combined Smith & Wesson’s proven medium-frame geometry with target-grade features: a well-polished, match-grade barrel and bore, a crisp, light single-action trigger, an adjustable rear sight and a prominent front sight, and a finely tuned action that reduced creep and stacking common to service revolvers of the era. The revolver was offered in a variety of barrel lengths and finishes (blued and nickel being most common), and many examples came with target hammer spur and target trigger as standard or as common factory options — changes intended to help competitors and serious shooters take full advantage of the K-frame’s naturally good balance and sight radius for accurate, repeatable shot placement. In use, the K-38 Combat Masterpiece earned a reputation for precise, controllable shooting in both competition and law-enforcement contexts. Its moderate weight and K-frame dimensions made recoil pleasant with .38 Special loads while allowing fast follow-up shots and quick pointability in rapid-fire scenarios; the tuned single-action pull and crisp lockup promoted accuracy that rivaled dedicated target guns but without sacrificing service-grade reliability. Because it straddled the line between target pistol and service piece, the Combat Masterpiece influenced later S&W service-target hybrids and remains sought after by collectors and practical shooters alike — both for its historical place as the forebear of the Model 15 and for the enduring appeal of a finely finished, well-balanced K-frame revolver that performs as well on the range as it did in service.
Contents:
Model: K-38 Combat Masterpiece “Pre-Model 15”
Serial: K113171
Date of Manufacture: 1951
Caliber: .38 S&W Special
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 4" Pinned & Ribbed Barrel
Optics/Sights: 1/8" Baughman Quick Draw on Plain Ramp Base Front with Micrometer Click Adjustable Rear
Stock/Grips: Checkered Diamond Walnut Grips with S&W Medallions
Action: Double/Single-Action Revolver
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Smith & Wesson K-38 Combat Masterpiece — often referred to as the “Pre-Model 15” because it was the direct ancestor of the later Model 15 designation — represents a mid-20th-century high-quality K-frame revolver built to bridge target accuracy and service durability. Chambered in .38 Special, the Combat Masterpiece combined Smith & Wesson’s proven medium-frame geometry with target-grade features: a well-polished, match-grade barrel and bore, a crisp, light single-action trigger, an adjustable rear sight and a prominent front sight, and a finely tuned action that reduced creep and stacking common to service revolvers of the era. The revolver was offered in a variety of barrel lengths and finishes (blued and nickel being most common), and many examples came with target hammer spur and target trigger as standard or as common factory options — changes intended to help competitors and serious shooters take full advantage of the K-frame’s naturally good balance and sight radius for accurate, repeatable shot placement. In use, the K-38 Combat Masterpiece earned a reputation for precise, controllable shooting in both competition and law-enforcement contexts. Its moderate weight and K-frame dimensions made recoil pleasant with .38 Special loads while allowing fast follow-up shots and quick pointability in rapid-fire scenarios; the tuned single-action pull and crisp lockup promoted accuracy that rivaled dedicated target guns but without sacrificing service-grade reliability. Because it straddled the line between target pistol and service piece, the Combat Masterpiece influenced later S&W service-target hybrids and remains sought after by collectors and practical shooters alike — both for its historical place as the forebear of the Model 15 and for the enduring appeal of a finely finished, well-balanced K-frame revolver that performs as well on the range as it did in service.
Contents:
This example is in Excellent condition, showing no evidence of regular consumer use or handling that we can see! Additionally, it will ship with an original S&W box and all other contents as pictured above!
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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About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection.
