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. Continued...