Pre Model 15 K38 Combat Master Piece

hoosierman · 01-14-2017, 03:16 PM

This is one of my favorite K frame S&W's. I picked this up about five years ago from a young man whose father,a retired LEO passed and left him his duty weapon. He was not into guns
so he traded it to me for some fishing and camping equipment of equal value. The old Heiser
holster had a portion cut out to provide a smoother draw. I shoot mostly combat range and this one does quite well at 21 ft. This numbers to 1955. Here's a few pics. Rich
PRE MODEL 15 K38 COMBAT MASTREPIECE

Machinist · 01-14-2017, 09:25 PM

Another really nice classic. An excellent all around gun.

tx gun runner · 01-15-2017, 05:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Machinist

Another really nice classic. An excellent all around gun.

+1

44s Rock · 01-15-2017, 07:06 AM

Very nice!

north country gal · 01-15-2017, 08:02 AM

That's my idea of the perfect K frame for carrying purposes, not so much for me, but for my husband, Bill, because he has enormous hands, way too large for J frames and he even struggles at times with the small buttons and slide releases on full size semi-autos, at times. As a lover of vintage Smiths, though, it would also be a great revolver for me.

Machinist · 01-15-2017, 08:39 AM

That beautiful Colt has a special class and grace that is unique, but as a working gun to count on, this wins hands down for me. I really like the S&W action and the K frame is the perfect size for me. I used to be very dubious about the .38 Special cartridge but newer loads and more experience have made me much more comfortable with it. After 120 years the K frame is still about the ultimate service revolver for non-troopers and I think there have been more made than any other.

north country gal · 01-15-2017, 09:07 AM

Plus one on the new 38 loads, now available. The 9mm and the 38 have really benefitted with all the new bullet and load technology. Pretty much takes the wind out of all the old "which is better" cartridge arguments. Still like the 357 for some work because when you need a magnum, you need a magnum, as in defense against the toothy stuff, but for up close bad guy work, I'm also comfortable with the 38 or a 9.

Machinist · 01-15-2017, 09:22 AM

Completely agree, Ma'am. I do prefer the Mod 19 for the ability to use magnums, but as I don't shew away bears and wolves when I get my mail as you do, I can get by.

Likewise, I prefer a heavier bullet but I am comfortable with the new 9mm loads. In fact, I don't even use the hotter loads. I count on the Federal BP9 115 grain JHP in the standard pressure loading. It feeds in many guns that are finicky about HPs and is safe in older guns that are battered by +P loads. My Walther P-1/P38 fits both of those and the BP9 works perfectly in it. The load has a long and admirable record in police use and I feel well equipped with it in a good handgun. The +P version scores a bit higher in stopping power but the standard load scores quite well. I would not feel good with 9mm ball. I think I would only be comfortable with .45 ACP with ball only.

north country gal · 01-15-2017, 10:51 AM

I'n okay with 45 ACP ball, too, but wouldn't be my first choice, now, what with some of the excellent 185 grain self-defense loads I've tried in our 1911s. The Hornady 185 FTX loads are superbly accurate in our Sigs. Would shoot it as target ammo if it wasn't expensive.

Machinist · 01-15-2017, 11:24 AM

I use the 230 grain Hydro-shok loads in my .45s. It duplicates the internal and external ballistics of ball so practice ammo is perfect for practice and sighting in.It works well with fixed sight guns and has an excellent reputation in police use.

Machinist · 01-15-2017, 11:31 AM

My favorite load in the .38 like the Mod 15 is the old FBI load of 158 grain LSWCHP at +P velocities. I used the 129 grain Hydro-shok in my 638 Bodyguard because it did not work with lead bullets. In all my other .38s I prefer the FBI load. Terry has talked about a load, Buffalo Bore or Double Tap I think, that pushes the same lead bullet faster. I suspect that would be a very effective load, given the reputation of the regular FBI loads. The FBI load and the lightweight JHP loads really transformed the old .38 service revolvers, especially with 4" or longer barrels.

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01-14-2017, 09:25 PM	#2
Machinist Senior Member Joined: Feb 2009 From: McKinney, TX Posts: 8,994	Another really nice classic. An excellent all around gun.

01-15-2017, 07:06 AM	#4
44s Rock Senior Member Joined: Jan 2009 From: Far Western WA. Posts: 10,830	Very nice!

01-15-2017, 08:02 AM	#5
north country gal Senior Member Joined: Jan 2013 From: northern wisconsin Posts: 5,997	That's my idea of the perfect K frame for carrying purposes, not so much for me, but for my husband, Bill, because he has enormous hands, way too large for J frames and he even struggles at times with the small buttons and slide releases on full size semi-autos, at times. As a lover of vintage Smiths, though, it would also be a great revolver for me.

01-15-2017, 08:39 AM	#6
Machinist Senior Member Joined: Feb 2009 From: McKinney, TX Posts: 8,994	That beautiful Colt has a special class and grace that is unique, but as a working gun to count on, this wins hands down for me. I really like the S&W action and the K frame is the perfect size for me. I used to be very dubious about the .38 Special cartridge but newer loads and more experience have made me much more comfortable with it. After 120 years the K frame is still about the ultimate service revolver for non-troopers and I think there have been more made than any other.

01-15-2017, 09:07 AM	#7
north country gal Senior Member Joined: Jan 2013 From: northern wisconsin Posts: 5,997	Plus one on the new 38 loads, now available. The 9mm and the 38 have really benefitted with all the new bullet and load technology. Pretty much takes the wind out of all the old "which is better" cartridge arguments. Still like the 357 for some work because when you need a magnum, you need a magnum, as in defense against the toothy stuff, but for up close bad guy work, I'm also comfortable with the 38 or a 9.

01-15-2017, 09:22 AM	#8
Machinist Senior Member Joined: Feb 2009 From: McKinney, TX Posts: 8,994	Completely agree, Ma'am. I do prefer the Mod 19 for the ability to use magnums, but as I don't shew away bears and wolves when I get my mail as you do, I can get by. Likewise, I prefer a heavier bullet but I am comfortable with the new 9mm loads. In fact, I don't even use the hotter loads. I count on the Federal BP9 115 grain JHP in the standard pressure loading. It feeds in many guns that are finicky about HPs and is safe in older guns that are battered by +P loads. My Walther P-1/P38 fits both of those and the BP9 works perfectly in it. The load has a long and admirable record in police use and I feel well equipped with it in a good handgun. The +P version scores a bit higher in stopping power but the standard load scores quite well. I would not feel good with 9mm ball. I think I would only be comfortable with .45 ACP with ball only.

01-15-2017, 10:51 AM	#9
north country gal Senior Member Joined: Jan 2013 From: northern wisconsin Posts: 5,997	I'n okay with 45 ACP ball, too, but wouldn't be my first choice, now, what with some of the excellent 185 grain self-defense loads I've tried in our 1911s. The Hornady 185 FTX loads are superbly accurate in our Sigs. Would shoot it as target ammo if it wasn't expensive.

01-15-2017, 11:24 AM	#10
Machinist Senior Member Joined: Feb 2009 From: McKinney, TX Posts: 8,994	I use the 230 grain Hydro-shok loads in my .45s. It duplicates the internal and external ballistics of ball so practice ammo is perfect for practice and sighting in.It works well with fixed sight guns and has an excellent reputation in police use.

01-15-2017, 11:31 AM	#11
Machinist Senior Member Joined: Feb 2009 From: McKinney, TX Posts: 8,994	My favorite load in the .38 like the Mod 15 is the old FBI load of 158 grain LSWCHP at +P velocities. I used the 129 grain Hydro-shok in my 638 Bodyguard because it did not work with lead bullets. In all my other .38s I prefer the FBI load. Terry has talked about a load, Buffalo Bore or Double Tap I think, that pushes the same lead bullet faster. I suspect that would be a very effective load, given the reputation of the regular FBI loads. The FBI load and the lightweight JHP loads really transformed the old .38 service revolvers, especially with 4" or longer barrels.