When it comes to guns, I’m not much of a “collector.” Sure, it’s nice to have one in fine cosmetic shape, but I don’t mind a bit of character, especially in one that shoots this well. Box and papers don’t mean much to me, and I’d sooner have a working gun than one I’m tempted to stow away in the safe.
As K-38’s go, this one wouldn’t seem too special at first. It shipped in 1975, the same year Maggie Thatcher ascended to power and Francisco Franco stepped down. Minnie Riperton was big in the charts, and Jimmie Hoffa stopped filing tax returns.
At that point, the Model 15 was still standard-issue in the United States Air Force, as well as several police departments. This specimen was issued to the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department.
The department in question phased the 15 out around 1985 in favor of the Beretta 92, and by 1990, the Air Force would do the same. More than a few Vietnam veterans maintain a sentimental tie to the weapon, and for good reason.
Originally introduced in 1949 as a 4″ version of the Target Masterpiece (later named the Model 14), the Combat Masterpiece would remain in constant production until 1999. According to Supica and Nahas, this was the first model introduced with the Baughman quick-draw front sight. This was likely done at the request of the F.B.I., who loved the Model 14 but wished for a shorter barrel and a front sight that wouldn’t snag on holster leather.
This one has a few cosmetic imperfections, most notably the crescent of light pitting above the S&W logo. This is probably due to high-profile rubber grips, which over time can trap moisture against the metal. The barrel’s turning a plum hue, and the front sight was slathered with orange model paint.
The pitting and discoloration aren’t deal-breakers since this is a shooter. I may reblue it if time permits. I use Eezox for most of my cleaning, and despite its marvelous utility at protecting the finish of a gun, it has a habit of removing sight paint, which is convenient here.
One problem I have with an orange front sight is that it tends to blend in with a bullseye. Once the paint was removed, I shot more consistently with it.
Six rounds were fired. Either I had one heck of a flyer, which I did not feel, or I’m the number one lover-man in this particular postal district. Or it’s the gun. Take your pick.
The previous owner(s) were obviously shooters, as the sights are perfectly aligned, and the trigger well broken-in. Oddly enough for a department gun, the sideplate does not appear to have ever been removed, and the screws show no wear whatsoever.
The grips pictured are not original. Prior to 1957, the gun would have been shipped with walnut target grips like the ones above, but with a diamond-shaped inlay. After that, they shipped with the thinner Magna grips. As with many older Smiths I see, the wood grips had long ago been discarded in favor of dreadful Pachmayr rubber grips. Always with the damnable Pachmayrs…
Though it’s doubtful the gun came with it, the frame is cut for a trigger stop. Originally designed to prevent overtravel in single-action shooting, the rod was known to come loose and bind up the trigger. As this is unacceptable in a fighting gun, most law enforcement units removed the stops when present. Though I’ve not seen one, I’ve heard of some Model 15’s having them. The first run of Model 67’s did, and I have one Model 66 with the stop.
In a way, coming across this gun when I did may have been divine intervention. A 1965 “Dayton” Model 14 recently came across the counter, and while a bit outside of my price range, it was certainly tempting me. All things said, I prefer a tapered barrel in a K-38, anyhow.