K38 manufacturing date

[Slim Chance]

I picked up a model 14-3 yesterday with a 6" barrel. It is not the full lug barrel. The owner said he thought it was about 25-30 years old. Can anyone help with an accurate date of manufacture?
 Somewhere I have some wadcutters stashed just waiting on a gun like this. I'll be in the loading room.....

[HappyHunter]

Slim Chance,

Great gun!

The 14-3 was first made in 1967 and the first 14-4 was made in 1977.

If you post the serial number using xxx for the last three digets I should be able to give you the year.   Example:  K623xxx.

I have two of these guns one is a pre-14 or K-38 Target Masterpiece from 1950, the other is a newer from the 1990's.  I have not shot the newer one but the oldie is a fine shooter.  I am confident that you will enjoy yours.  

The recommended diet for the gun is 148 Gr hollow base wadcutters.

Good luck,

Fred

[Slim Chance]

Thanks,
 My serial # is 3k31xxx. I pulled the grips off and they are marked May 8 1987, the day before my 21st birthday! I have some 148 grain wadcutters as well as some 158gr swc bullets.

[HappyHunter]

Your gun was made in 1971 or 1972.

If your S# is 3K31279 or less it  is 1971.

If your S# is 3K31280 or higher it is 1972.

It sounds like you are set for ammo.  This should be a great gun and I hope you enjoy your "new" target gun.  

This type and vintage firearm is an investment that will increase in value, should you ever decide to part with it you should reap a profit.

Safe shooting,

Fred

[Slim Chance]

Fred,
 It was in the case for $250 and I got it for that out the door. It has a little blue wear at the muzzle, but probably wasn't fired more than a few times. I tend to accumulate S&W revolvers when I find them priced like this. Thanks for the info. It was a 1972 gun.
Chris

[HappyHunter]

Chris,

I would have collected that one myself.

Have fun.

Fred