Smith And Wesson 38 Special Serial Number Decoder

Please enter the serial number below. Please enter the serial number below. Actually, it is a five screw. The fifth screw is forward of the trigger guard. It is a pre- model 36, Chief's Special, flat latch. Manufactured starting 1951, fifth screw eliminated in 1953. The serial number range is in the first two years of production. Information from Standard catalog of Smith & Wesson. This smith & wesson revolver is a.38 special caliber. The serial number is S 8551XX. Here are the pictures, in one of these you can see the serial number, in the cylinder. You are correct. Pictures help alot. That would be a post war 38 Military and Police (K frame pre model 10) made between 1945 and 1948. Smith & Wesson M&P Early C Series. Caliber:.38 Spl. Description: Serial number C 21081 is a 38 SPL. Eearly post war pre-model 10 revolver. Built in 1948 or 49. This example shows the 4' barrel with the round sight and a bright excellent bore. This Smith shows 96-98% overall original quality blue and most of its' case.

The Smith & Wesson K-38 Combat Masterpiece, Revolver Model 15 is a six-shot double-actionrevolver, with adjustable open sights, built on the medium-size 'K' frame. It is chambered for the .38 Specialcartridge and is fitted with a 4-inch (100 mm) barrel, though additional barrel options have been offered at various times during its production. Originally known as the 'K-38 Combat Masterpiece', it was renamed the Model 15 in 1957 when all Smith & Wesson revolvers were given numerical model numbers. It is a shorter barrel version of the Smith & Wesson Model 14 Target Masterpiece and essentially an adjustable-sight version of the seminal Smith & Wesson Model 10 ('Military and Police') revolver with target shooting features. The main production run of the Model 15 was from 1949 to 1999. It was discontinued for approximately a decade until 2011, when a re-tooled version was re-released under S&W's Classics Revolvers line.

History[edit]

The Smith & Wesson K-38 Combat Masterpiece Revolver Model 15^[1] is a derivative of the classic 1899 K-frame (medium frame) Military and Police .38 S&W Special (aka .38 Special) six-shot double-action revolver. The M&P underwent steady evolution throughout the 20th century and S&W spun off several variations as separate models in the post World War II years. One of these was the K-38 Target Masterpiece, which began production in 1947. The Target Masterpiece included a number of new and/or special features, including a six-inch barrel with a narrow rib to provide a level sight plane, a Patridge front sight, a micrometer click rear sight, S&W's .375” short-throw hammer, a trigger adjustment for overtravel, and improved grips.^[2] Noting the accuracy of the Target Masterpiece, a number of police departments and the FBI soon requested the same revolver with a four-inch barrel and a Baughman Quick Draw front sight. The result was the K-38 Combat Masterpiece. The major distinction between the K-38 Target Masterpiece and the K-38 Combat Masterpiece is the barrel length and the front sight.^[2]

In 1957 the K-38 Combat Masterpiece was renamed the Model 15 when all Smith & Wesson revolvers were given numerical model numbers. (The Military & Police and the Target Masterpiece were renamed the Model 10 and Model 14 respectively.) The model number is stamped on the frame behind the cylinder yoke, so it is visible (only) when the cylinder is open. A number of production and engineering changes have been made throughout the years, some of which are noted by a dash number suffixed to the Model number (15-1, -2, -3).

Over the years the Model 15 has been produced with several barrel lengths, with 4' (standard) and 2' (1964–1988) being the most common. In 1972 S&W released a stainless steel version as the Model 67. In 1997 the hammer and internal lockworks were modified from an on-the-hammer firing pin / internal hammer block to a floating firing pin / MIM flat hammer, and kept the hammer block that, unlike a transfer bar safety design, moves up with the trigger pull. The hammer hits a transfer bar, transferring the strike to the firing pin, while the block in a hammer block system moves down with the trigger pull, unblocking the hammer from the firing pin, allowing the hammer to strike the firing pin. These two safety systems work oppositely, but achieve the same goal of only allowing the gun to fire when the trigger is pulled all the way.

The Model 15 was a popular sidearm for law enforcement and was the standard-issue sidearm of the U.S. Air Force Police from 1962 until 1992 when it was replaced by the Beretta M9 pistol.^{[citation needed]}

Production of the Model 15 was discontinued in 1999 when Smith & Wesson was purchased and reorganized, although a couple limited run 'Heritage Series' models were released in 2001 and 2002. In 2011 Smith & Wesson re-introduced the Model 15 (15-10) under their Classics Revolvers line, newly machined, with a shrouded redesigned barrel, and a built-in trigger lock (located just above the cylinder release thumbpiece on the left side).^[2]

Specifications[edit]

• Caliber: .38 S&W Special
• Capacity: 6
• Barrel: 4” (standard configuration)
• Length overall: 9 1/8” With 4” barrel
• Weight loaded: 34 oz. With 4” barrel
• Sights: Front – 1/8” Baughman Quick Draw on plain ramp. Rear: S&W Micrometer Click Sight, adjustable for windage and elevation.
• Frame: square butt with grooved tangs
• Stocks: checked walnut service with S&W monograms
• Finish: S&W (CHROME) with sandblasting and serrations around sighting area to break up light reflections
• Trigger: S&W grooving with adjustable trigger stop
• Ammunition: .38 S&W Special, .38 S&W Special +P

Engineering and production changes timeline[edit]

As the K-38 Combat Masterpiece Revolver Model 15 evolved the following engineering and production changes were made:^[2]

• 1949, K-38 Combat Masterpiece introduced
• 1955, Delete upper sideplate screw
• 15, 1957 K-38 Combat Masterpiece continued as the Model 15; stamping of model number
• 15–1, 1959 Change extractor rod, right hand to left hand thread
• 15–2, 1961 Delete trigger guard screw, change cylinder stop
• 15–2, 1964 Introduce 2” heavy barrel
• 15–3, 1967 Relocation of rear sight leaf screw
• 15–3, 1968 Delete diamond grips
• 15–4, 1977 Change to put gas ring from yoke to cylinder; pinned barrel eliminated
• 15–5, 1982
• 15–5, 1986 Introduction of 6” and 8-3/8” barrel
• 15–6, 1988 New yoke retention system/ radius stud package/hammer nose bushing
• 15–6, 1988 Discontinue 8-3/8” and 2” barrel
• 15–6, 1992 Discontinue 6” barrel, blue finish only
• 15–7, 1994 Synthetic grips introduced, drill and tap frame, change rear seat leaf, change extractor
• 15–7, 1995 Delete square butt
• 15–7, 1996 Begin shipments in blue plastic case
• 15–7, 1997 4” barrel only; change to MIM thumbpiece; shipped with master trigger locks; change to MIM trigger
• 15–8, 1997 Changes in frame design: cylinder stop stud eliminated; eliminate serrated tangs; change to MIM hammer with floating firing pin and change internal lockworks
• 15–8, 1999 Model 15 discontinued in November
• 15–8, 2001 Limited run Lew Horton Heritage Series from the S&W Performance Center.
• 15–9, 2002 Limited run Lew Horton Heritage Series McGivern Models from the S&W Performance Center. 3 Models commemorating Ed McGivern's world speed records in 1934 with a revolver. All models have a Patridge front sight with Gold Bead, round butt frame with Altamount Fancy checkered service grips of that era, 6” barrel, Ed McGivern commemorative plate mounted on right side of frame, Heritage Series box.
• 15–10, 2011 Reintroduced in Classics Revolvers line, re-tooled, shrouded redesigned barrel, internal trigger lock. Discontinued in 2013.

Military and police usage[edit]

As the 'K-38 Combat Masterpiece', this revolver was first purchased in 1956 for the Strategic Air Command Elite Guard of the United States Air Force. From 1960 to 1969 the Air Force bought large numbers of Model 15–1, 15–2, and 15-3 revolvers with a 4' barrel. The only distinctive markings are 'U.S.A.F' on the left side of the frame. Originally all were blued, though some were reparkerized while in Air Force service.^[2] The Model 15 was the standard issue sidearm of the U.S. Air Force Air/Security Police from 1962 to 1992. It was issued to security personnel in other branches of the U.S. armed forces, including the Naval Security Forces.^[2]

The Air Force issued two types of .38 Special duty ammunition for the Model 15, originally the M41 .38 Special Ball (full metal jacket) cartridge, or the later-developed Caliber .38 Special, Ball, PGU-12/B High Velocity cartridge. The M41 was a low pressure cartridge rated at 13,000 psi (90 MPa), originally designed for 158 grain (10.2g) ball ammunition, but loaded with a 130 grain (8.4g) FMJ bullet. The PGU-12/B, issued only by the U.S. Air Force, had a greatly increased maximum allowable pressure rating of 20,000 psi (138 MPa), which was sufficient to propel the 130 grain (8.4g) FMJ bullet at 1,125 ft/s (343 m/s) from a 6-inch (150 mm) test barrel, and 950–1,000 ft/s (290–300 m/s) from a 4-inch (100 mm) revolver barrel.^[4]

The S&W Model 15 revolvers were replaced by the Beretta M9 pistol in 9×19mm caliber beginning in 1985, with complete turnover by the early 1990s.^[2]

In addition to military use, the Model 15 was issued by many police departments across the United States as well as various federal law enforcement agencies.^[2] In 1972 S&W produced a stainless steel version of the Model 15 which it termed the Model 67.^[2]

Users[edit]

The LAPD's Model 15 revolvers (and department issued Model 36 5-shot, 2-inch barrelled snub nose Smith & Wesson revolvers for detectives, plainclothes, undercover and other officers' off duty carry) were modified to be fired double-action only. This was accomplished by the department armorer who ground the full cock notch from the hammers. Officers were then trained to shoot combat style without ever cocking the weapons. This change was likely the result of unintended injuries and/or property damage, and of litigation against the LAPD after officers had cocked their weapons only to have them discharge inadvertently, possibly as a result of physical attacks or having been startled in the course of searching for suspects. In lawsuits, the principle of res ipsa loquitur was easily affirmed because 'an inadvertent weapon discharge is a negligent discharge'.^[2]

Overland Park Police Department (Kansas) used the revolver before going to semi-automatic Beretta 92 pistols.

See also[edit]

• The Model 10 Military & Police (cornerstone of the S&W .38 Special line of revolvers)
• The Model 14 Target Masterpiece (6' barrel predecessor to the Model 15)
• The Model 18 Combat Masterpiece (.22 caliber version of the Model 15)
• The Model 19 Combat Magnum (.357 magnum version of the model 15)
• The Model 67, the stainless steel version of the Model 15

References[edit]

38 Special S&w Serial Numbers

1. ^'K-38 Combat Masterpiece Revolver Model 15', designed by Flora Mitchell Van Orden, wife of Brig. Gen. George O. Van Orden, USMC, with the attention of Tiny Helwig at the S&W head office in 1949, is the full name as it appears on the cover of the S&W owners manual
2. ^ ^abcdefghijSupica, Jim; Nahas, Richard (2007). Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson. Iola, Wisconsin: F+W Media, Inc. pp. 346–347. ISBN0-89689-293-X.
3. ^Owner’s Manual K-38 Combat Masterpiece Revolver Model No. 15 (05-01-0177 S&W No. 5101A)
4. ^Military .38 Special Ammunition, The American Rifleman (March 1982), p. 68

External links[edit]

Smith And Wesson 38 Special Serial Number Decoder Lookup

^{[dead link]}

• S&W Model 10 Part 1 - Disassembly (video) (same process and general parts as Model 15)
• S&W Model 10 Part 2 - Reassembly (video) (same process and general parts as Model 15)

The Victory Model Smith and Wesson .38 Caliber Revolver

38 Special Band

The revolvers of the U.S. armed forces have always been under appreciated by collectors, the good news is that makes them relatively inexpensive to acquire, but this is changing. At a recent trip to the 2003 Louisville gun show I noticed prices on Victory revolvers had increased noticeably. That being said you might want to consider adding a few Victory models to your USGI collection.

While the information I provide below can be helpful please see the list on the bottom of this page for reference material you should have if you are going to collect these historical pieces . The Victory model revolvers participated in various roles from guard duty to riding in a shoulder holster with fighter and bomber pilots. I have talked to many ex-military personnel that carried them as late as the 1980s, as you can see these pistols played a significant part of our history. To this day the Victory model is a very enjoyable shooting collectible, mainly due to its inexpensive cost, light recoil, and good accuracy.
Enjoy and happy collecting, Ty

The Victory model was so named for the 'V' prefix which was placed before the serial number and represented 'Victory' against the Axis powers in World War II.

Serial numbers for the .38 special Victory model began at about V1 in early 1942 and ran until VS811119 with a date of late August of 1945 (end of production). V1 to approximately V39,999 were predominately .38 S&W Caliber (I have observed revolvers in the 1-40000 range in .38 special caliber). Serial numbers are located on Inside right grip, frame butt, Cylinder, extractor star, and bottom of barrel. Crane and crane recess are also serial numbered to each other, but this is a different number then the revolvers serial number as is correct for Victory model revolvers.

The Victory Revolver was produced during World War II, it is a variation of the Military & Police Model of 1905, fourth change and had the following characteristics between 1942 and 1945:

Barrel: 2, 4, 5, or 6 inch. (4 inch common in .38 special, 5 inch common in 38/200 or .38 S&W)
Sights: Fixed
Finish: Early sandblast blue, sandblast mid-night black (appears grayish black). And finally a parkerized finish. Hammer and Trigger are case hardened.
Grips: Checkered walnut with medallion until early 1942, post February of 1942 they are smooth American Walnut with out medallions.

Ordnance acceptance marks:
The acceptance mark varies with the particulars of the order placed. With U.S. Navy orders you will find no acceptance marks on the original two contracts they placed. On later Navy revolvers, ordered through the Army they will be found with the more typical Army G.H.D. acceptance mark. Below you will find some of the common stamps with links to examples.

W.B. - The acceptance mark of Ordnance officer Waldemar Bromberg is located on the butt (to about serial number V145000). Just to the right of the acceptance mark (W.B.) is usually found an ordnance bomb and proof mark. The 'P' proof mark indicates this revolver has passed military proof testing. EXAMPLE – Click Here

G.H.D – From approximately 1942 to about May 1943 the acceptance mark of Ordnance officer Guy H. Drewry is found on the butt. From approximately V300000 to end of production G.H.D is found on the left top strap; EXAMPLE – Click Here

Property marks:
The most common property marks found on the Victory model are the UNITED STATES PROPERTY, US PROPERTY, and the US NAVY markings.

UNITED STATES PROPERTY – Found on left top strap to approximately V300000 and on the M&Ps pre Victory. Applied at the S&W factory. Example - Click Here

U.S. PROPERTY – The property mark was shortened to 'U.S. PROPERTY' at about serial number V300000. At this time the G.H.D acceptance mark was moved from the butt to the left top strap with the property mark. Applied at the S&W factory. EXAMPLE – Click Here

U.S. NAVY – Found on the revolvers left top strap as per the two Navy contracts. The Navy also applied a Property mark on the left side plate on some revolvers; these were filled in with red paint. This is not an S&W applied marking. EXAMPLE – Click Here and Here for the Navy applied mark.

Victory models have also been produced with out property marks, these revolvers were probably delivered by the U.S. Defense Supply Corporation (DSC) to defense contractors and public agencies that required them for guarding war sensitive materials.

Other common markings:
S - Revolvers that have the 'S' marking on the right side plate as well as before the serial number on the butt have the improved hammer block installed. If the 'S' in the serial number on the butt appears to be machine applied this would indicate it was produced with improved hammer block, and that it was not added later or it would have been hand stamped. The improved hammer block was put into production after an accidental discharge killed a sailor during World War II. This improved hammer block is still utilized in today's commercial Smith and Wesson revolvers. EXAMPLE – Click Here

P – Proof marking. This can very depending on the contract. Navy marked pistols usually have none. But C.W. Pates books indicate that some delivered under an Army contract could be found with a P mark. Post the V400,000 serial number range they are located on the underside of the barrel, back of the cylinder and left side plate. The later appear to be Army Supply Program contract revolvers. EXAMPLE – Click Here

Serial Numbers:
Serial numbers are located on the inside right grip, frame butt, Cylinder, extractor star, and bottom of grip. Serial numbers should be matching on all revolvers. Crane and Crane recess are also serial numbered to each other, but this is a different number then the revolvers serial number and is correct for Victory model revolvers.
Grip/StockEXAMPLE – Click Here
Barrel EXAMPLE – Click Here
Cylinder EXAMPLE – Click Here
Extractor Start EXAMPLE – Click Here
Butt EXAMPLE – Click Here

Production:
38/200 British Service Revolver (S&W Caliber) - There were over 571,629 of these models produced between October 1941 and May 1945 for the British Common wealth countries. These countries include the Union of South Africa (21,347), Canada (45,328), and Australia (8,000). The remaining 384,100 shipped between 1941 and the end of World War II were supplied by the U.S. Army Ordnance through the lend lease program to Britain for distribution.

Victory model 38 Special – 352,000 shipped to the Army and Navy. Some of these were shipped to a commission responsible for supplying the civilian industries. They will usually have no property marks. Uses included guarding factories, ports, and federal/local government agencies.

Note: You can find all kinds of variations, with additional war and post war markings. These include rebuild markings, country ownership markings, unit markings, and much more. For a complete listing see the books referenced below.

Recommended reading:
US Handguns of WW II - The Secondary Pistols and Revolvers by Charles W. Pate
Americas Right Arm - The S&W Military and Police Revolver by John Henwood
Smith and Wesson 1857 - 1945 by Robert J. Neal and Roy G. Jinks