Combat Masterpiece - The Firearms Forum

45Smashemflat · 09-22-2004, 07:35 AM

OK, stupid question time - how does one know that they are looking at a S&W Combat Masterpiece? Are those words actually on the revolver somewhere? Shop here has a nice 4" smith 357, adj sights, etc, guy referred to it as a CM, but it don't say that on it.....duh? I'm not a S&W expert - as if that ain't obvious....

Shooter45 · 09-22-2004, 08:06 AM

This can be tricky. The S&W Mod 15 is known as a "Combat Mastepiece" in .38 . The S&W K-32 is also known as "Combat Masterpiece". I have also heard the Mod 19 being called "Combat Masterpiece" but I think it is actually "Combat Magnum".

So, what is the model # of the S&W you are looking at ??

I'm no S&W revolver expert either but I sure like them.

Xracer · 09-22-2004, 08:13 AM

The "Combat Masterpiece" is a name applied to the S&W Model 15.

The Standard Catalog of Firearms says:

"Model 15 (K-38 Combat Masterpiece)

Also known as the "Combat Masterpiece" this model was produced at the request of law enforcement officers who wanted the K-38 fitted with a 4" barrel. The model went into production in 1950 and was discontinued in 1987.

Exc. - $300
V.G. - $250
Good - $200
Fair - $175
Poor - $125"

BUT......the Blue Book says:

"MODEL 15 COMBAT MASTERPIECE - .38 Spl. cal., adj. sights, 6 shot, square butt, 2 (disc.), 4, 6, (mfg. 1986-91), or 8 3/8 (new 1986, disc.) in. barrel. Disc. 1999.

100% - $340
98% - $260
95% - $215
90% - $190
80% - $180
70% - $160
60% - $150"

Sooooo.......if it's a Model 15, it's a CM. Don't know if it says the model on the barrel, but it should be marked on the crane.

Model 14 = K-38 Masterpiece
Model 15 = Combat Masterpiece
Model 16 = K-32 Masterpiece
Model 17 = K-22 Masterpiece
Model 18 = .22 Combat Masterpiece
Model 19 = .357 Combat Magnum

45Smashemflat · 09-22-2004, 08:53 AM

Methinks its a model 19 - I know its a .357. I'll drop by again and fiddle with it a bit more. Every house ought to have a 357, right? (That's what I keep telling the wife.....Every house ought to have crew served weapons too, but she's not buying that one...)

inplanotx · 09-22-2004, 08:53 AM

Yep, just bought me a Model 18 .22 Combat Masterpiece with 6" barrel last night. Looks brand new and had 36 rounds fired through it. What a beautiful Smiff! Just gotta love those things. Came complete with box and paperwork.

CountryGunsmith · 09-22-2004, 10:19 AM

Prior to 1957, S&W revolvers did not have model numbers like they do today. The 'Masterpiece' revolvers denoted the K-frame target guns in .22, .32 and .38 caliber with 6" barrel and the adjustable target sights.

Hence, the 'K-22 Masterpiece' which became the Model 17, the 'K-32 Masterpiece' which became the Model 16, and the 'K-38 Masterpiece' that became the Model 14.

In 1949 the K-38 Masterpiece was fitted with a 4" barrel and became the "K-38 Combat Masterpiece" and was an instant hit with law enforcement. It became the Model 15.

So.... 'Combat Masterpiece' denotes a K-frame revolver with target sights, but a 4" barrel.

The K-frame .357 Magnum revolver which later became known as the Model 19 was originally called the ".357 Combat Magnum" on its introduction in 1955. It was originally offered with just the 4" barrel, which fits the 'Combat' designation in its original name. It became the 'Model 19' in 1957, but the 6" barrel was not introduced until 1963 - after the older nomenclature was no longer in official use.

While the Model 18 was in fact a continuation of the 'K-22 Combat Masterpiece', it was discontinued in 1985 when the Model 17 became available with a 4" barrel. To my knowledge, there have been no Model 18 "Combat Masterpiece" revolvers produced with a 6" barrel.

Xracer · 09-23-2004, 08:42 AM

As Doc says, both the BB and TSCOF list the Model 18 with a 4" bbl only.

The Model 17 K-22 Masterpiece was offered in a 6" or 8 3/8" barrel length.

Are you sure yours is a Model 18, Tex?

CountryGunsmith · 09-23-2004, 01:55 PM

His is a 17-7. Great gun.

inplanotx · 09-23-2004, 02:48 PM

As CG stated, mine is a 17-7. Great little gun. Can't wait to shoot it!

CG helped me to read the crane model number.

My buddy told me it was a model 18.

wdbf · 09-23-2004, 07:36 PM

Fondly remember my old Mod 15. Used to drive around pasture with my dad, shooting at varmints. He was amazed that I consistently hit rabbits and armadillos at what he considered ridiculous distances with a pistol. 125gr hp loaded almost +P, or 148 WC, didn't matter. I look back on foolish things I did in youth: marriage, changed jobs, driving too fast, trading Mod. 15. Still have Mod 18, at least I learned something.

Pistolsmith · 09-24-2004, 12:31 PM

In about 1950, S&W abandoned the old long drop action and adopted a new short "Masterpiece" action. The first revolver to utilize the change was what is now called the Model 15.
Following the eager acceptance of the Combat Masterpiece .38 special, Smith gradually equipped all of their K frames with the Masterpiece action.
The Model 15 has undergone some design changes during its production life; as a general rule, early examples with the overtravel stop are expecially desirable. Used examples, however, are often not in the best condition because of their age and abuse. But, if you find a good one, it will rapidly become one of your all time favorites.

CountryGunsmith · 09-24-2004, 04:50 PM

Actually, the short action was introduced in late 1946-early 1947. The K-38 Masterpiece was introduced at that time at serial number K1661. The .38 Combat Masterpiece came along about 1949.

The K22 Masterpiece and the K32 Masterpiece are all pre-1950. In 1949, the barrel weights were made similar so the three guns would feel the same in the hand.

Pistolsmith · 09-24-2004, 05:53 PM

And they showed up in the gun stores about 1950.
S&W made the Model 39 about 1954, and I never, ever saw a new one for sale locally. And, Jack Webb had a 39 with a real steel frame; go figure.
A lot of S&W revolvers were bought up by a gun hungry public post WW-II. The wholesalers who bought more than they could sell immediately were loaded up on the old models, many of which had been obtained pre WW-II. An average working man hereabouts made around $50 a week; so, go figure.
My partner and I bought the first two Combat Masterpiece .38 specials offered for sale in our city. And, I bought the first Centennial .38 offered for sale. And the first Gold Cup .45 a few years later. I wonder where some of them are today.

Bucky Bronco · 10-07-2004, 05:47 PM

Quote:

And, Jack Webb had a 39 with a real steel frame; go figure.

If he did, he was really lucky to own one. There were only 296 steel framed 39s made according to my research and worth quite a bit today--over a grand. S&W made this gun to compete in the US Army trials which entertained a 9mm for the same reasons they have one now. Tight budgets forced them to stay with the .45 (a gee!). It did manage to get one job with the Illionis HP. I bought a 1957 Mint in the box, never owned. Best 9mm I own. She's purdy and eats everything. My companion on most outings.

DVUSWAZ · 11-14-2004, 09:42 PM

Don't forget the United States Air Force issued the Model 15 "Combat Masterpiece" to the Security Police. It was official issue for many years and gave great service. I carried one for more than 4 years and it never failed. My Chief of Security Police allowed for us to by the "K" frame magnum grips to replace the originals so us big folks with big hands could get a better grip. Later on when Pachmyr arrived on the scene (1979-1980 I think) they let us switch to them. I once saw a wharehouse room with racks of them on my base. Must have been more than 500 of them. Awesome sight.

Thirties · 12-27-2004, 09:21 AM

The Combat Masterpiece in .38spl has the model 15-x, or m15-x on the inside of the yoke when you have the cylinder swung out. The pre-modek 15s can be detected as follows:

Ramp front sight (not Patridge) with adjustable rear sight. Those are the obvious tells.

Marlin · 12-27-2004, 11:18 AM

I had a combat Masterpiece Model 15, circa 1964, and dearly wish I still had it. It was one that was lost in a burglary in the ninties while we were out of town, along with many others.

Colonel Plink · 12-27-2004, 04:53 PM

I swear, a guy could write his masters thesis on the history of S&W model designations. I'm learning them, but the information contained just in this thread fair boggles the mind. I'm sure there's a definitive book on the history of these revovlers?

wundudnee · 12-27-2004, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Colonel Plink

I swear, a guy could write his masters thesis on the history of S&W model designations. I'm learning them, but the information contained just in this thread fair boggles the mind. I'm sure there's a definitive book on the history of these revovlers?

IMHO, One of the best reference and history books on the S&Ws is
the "Standard Catalog of Smith&Wesson" by Jim Supica and Richard Nahas

It has all the basic models, including all from the beginning to the Performance Center products. Even so, there have been so many model variations it would be a really daunting task to learn it all. The common saying is that during the late 80s and early 90s S&W put out so many different models it was joked as "The gun of the week." With all the late numbered models then add the dash variations of the same models it can become overwhelming.

SaxonPig · 01-03-2005, 02:10 PM

The Model 15 Combat Masterpiece was also available in a 2" barrel.

Is the 4" Model 48 (.22 WMR) a Combat Magnum? Just wondering...

woozyduke · 01-04-2005, 05:08 PM

I have a model 19-5 that Iam selling..its called a combat magnum...its the model all the bullseye shooters use if they shoot a wheel gun! OR at least the one they would like to be shooting!

inplanotx · 01-04-2005, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SaxonPig

The Model 15 Combat Masterpiece was also available in a 2" barrel.

Is the 4" Model 48 (.22 WMR) a Combat Magnum? Just wondering...

According to my book (mentioned above), the S&W model 48 is called the K-22 Masterpiece Magnum Rimfire. That applies to the 4, 6 or 8 3/8 inch barrels. Discontinued in 1986.

Colonel Plink · 01-05-2005, 07:49 PM

Nice batch o' revolvers, wundudnee. Thanks for the information. My arsenal of Smith and Wessons contains exactly ONE gun. But it's a beaut. A model 28-2 that's already halfway through it's second blue. Wouldn't trade it for anything I can think of. And I'm ALWAYS thinking of guns.

punchie · 01-07-2005, 01:55 AM

Revolvers........Nobody shoots revolvers........do they?

358 winchester · 01-07-2005, 07:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by punchie

Revolvers........Nobody shoots revolvers........do they?

OK OK what do you want in trade for the third from the top far left
My wife my dog my truck or my cat

09-22-2004, 07:35 AM	#1
45Smashemflat Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 1,494	Combat Masterpiece OK, stupid question time - how does one know that they are looking at a S&W Combat Masterpiece? Are those words actually on the revolver somewhere? Shop here has a nice 4" smith 357, adj sights, etc, guy referred to it as a CM, but it don't say that on it.....duh? I'm not a S&W expert - as if that ain't obvious.... -->

09-22-2004, 08:06 AM	#2
Shooter45 Administrator Join Date: Feb 2001 Contributor Posts: 8,790	Re: Combat Masterpiece This can be tricky. The S&W Mod 15 is known as a "Combat Mastepiece" in .38 . The S&W K-32 is also known as "Combat Masterpiece". I have also heard the Mod 19 being called "Combat Masterpiece" but I think it is actually "Combat Magnum". So, what is the model # of the S&W you are looking at ?? I'm no S&W revolver expert either but I sure like them.

09-22-2004, 08:13 AM	#3
Xracer TFF Admin Staff Mediator Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Minn-eeee-sota, ya, sure, you bet! Posts: 9,144	Re: Combat Masterpiece The "Combat Masterpiece" is a name applied to the S&W Model 15. The Standard Catalog of Firearms says: "Model 15 (K-38 Combat Masterpiece) Also known as the "Combat Masterpiece" this model was produced at the request of law enforcement officers who wanted the K-38 fitted with a 4" barrel. The model went into production in 1950 and was discontinued in 1987. Exc. - $300 V.G. - $250 Good - $200 Fair - $175 Poor - $125" BUT......the Blue Book says: "MODEL 15 COMBAT MASTERPIECE - .38 Spl. cal., adj. sights, 6 shot, square butt, 2 (disc.), 4, 6, (mfg. 1986-91), or 8 3/8 (new 1986, disc.) in. barrel. Disc. 1999. 100% - $340 98% - $260 95% - $215 90% - $190 80% - $180 70% - $160 60% - $150" Sooooo.......if it's a Model 15, it's a CM. Don't know if it says the model on the barrel, but it should be marked on the crane. Model 14 = K-38 Masterpiece Model 15 = Combat Masterpiece Model 16 = K-32 Masterpiece Model 17 = K-22 Masterpiece Model 18 = .22 Combat Masterpiece Model 19 = .357 Combat Magnum

09-22-2004, 08:53 AM	#4
45Smashemflat Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 1,494	Re: Combat Masterpiece Methinks its a model 19 - I know its a .357. I'll drop by again and fiddle with it a bit more. Every house ought to have a 357, right? (That's what I keep telling the wife.....Every house ought to have crew served weapons too, but she's not buying that one...)

09-22-2004, 08:53 AM	#5
inplanotx Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Texas Posts: 8,897	Re: Combat Masterpiece Yep, just bought me a Model 18 .22 Combat Masterpiece with 6" barrel last night. Looks brand new and had 36 rounds fired through it. What a beautiful Smiff! Just gotta love those things. Came complete with box and paperwork.

09-22-2004, 10:19 AM	#6
CountryGunsmith Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Deep Piney Woods of East Texas Posts: 5,116	Re: Combat Masterpiece Prior to 1957, S&W revolvers did not have model numbers like they do today. The 'Masterpiece' revolvers denoted the K-frame target guns in .22, .32 and .38 caliber with 6" barrel and the adjustable target sights. Hence, the 'K-22 Masterpiece' which became the Model 17, the 'K-32 Masterpiece' which became the Model 16, and the 'K-38 Masterpiece' that became the Model 14. In 1949 the K-38 Masterpiece was fitted with a 4" barrel and became the "K-38 Combat Masterpiece" and was an instant hit with law enforcement. It became the Model 15. So.... 'Combat Masterpiece' denotes a K-frame revolver with target sights, but a 4" barrel. The K-frame .357 Magnum revolver which later became known as the Model 19 was originally called the ".357 Combat Magnum" on its introduction in 1955. It was originally offered with just the 4" barrel, which fits the 'Combat' designation in its original name. It became the 'Model 19' in 1957, but the 6" barrel was not introduced until 1963 - after the older nomenclature was no longer in official use. While the Model 18 was in fact a continuation of the 'K-22 Combat Masterpiece', it was discontinued in 1985 when the Model 17 became available with a 4" barrel. To my knowledge, there have been no Model 18 "Combat Masterpiece" revolvers produced with a 6" barrel. __________________ The autonomic nervous system provides for involuntary muscle function - the work of breathing, digestion, and so forth. On some folks, that's a pure waste of ingenuity.

09-23-2004, 08:42 AM	#7
Xracer TFF Admin Staff Mediator Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Minn-eeee-sota, ya, sure, you bet! Posts: 9,144	Re: Combat Masterpiece As Doc says, both the BB and TSCOF list the Model 18 with a 4" bbl only. The Model 17 K-22 Masterpiece was offered in a 6" or 8 3/8" barrel length. Are you sure yours is a Model 18, Tex?

09-23-2004, 01:55 PM	#8
CountryGunsmith Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Deep Piney Woods of East Texas Posts: 5,116	Re: Combat Masterpiece His is a 17-7. Great gun. __________________ The autonomic nervous system provides for involuntary muscle function - the work of breathing, digestion, and so forth. On some folks, that's a pure waste of ingenuity.

09-23-2004, 02:48 PM	#9
inplanotx Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Texas Posts: 8,897	Re: Combat Masterpiece As CG stated, mine is a 17-7. Great little gun. Can't wait to shoot it! CG helped me to read the crane model number. My buddy told me it was a model 18.

09-23-2004, 07:36 PM	#10
wdbf Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: College Station, Tx Posts: 29	Re: Combat Masterpiece Fondly remember my old Mod 15. Used to drive around pasture with my dad, shooting at varmints. He was amazed that I consistently hit rabbits and armadillos at what he considered ridiculous distances with a pistol. 125gr hp loaded almost +P, or 148 WC, didn't matter. I look back on foolish things I did in youth: marriage, changed jobs, driving too fast, trading Mod. 15. Still have Mod 18, at least I learned something.

09-24-2004, 12:31 PM	#11
Pistolsmith V.I.P. Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 185	Re: Combat Masterpiece In about 1950, S&W abandoned the old long drop action and adopted a new short "Masterpiece" action. The first revolver to utilize the change was what is now called the Model 15. Following the eager acceptance of the Combat Masterpiece .38 special, Smith gradually equipped all of their K frames with the Masterpiece action. The Model 15 has undergone some design changes during its production life; as a general rule, early examples with the overtravel stop are expecially desirable. Used examples, however, are often not in the best condition because of their age and abuse. But, if you find a good one, it will rapidly become one of your all time favorites. __________________ A man who does not learn the lessons of history is condemned to repeat the mistakes of the past. George Santana Last edited by Pistolsmith; 09-24-2004 at 12:34 PM..

09-24-2004, 04:50 PM	#12
CountryGunsmith Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Deep Piney Woods of East Texas Posts: 5,116	Re: Combat Masterpiece Actually, the short action was introduced in late 1946-early 1947. The K-38 Masterpiece was introduced at that time at serial number K1661. The .38 Combat Masterpiece came along about 1949. The K22 Masterpiece and the K32 Masterpiece are all pre-1950. In 1949, the barrel weights were made similar so the three guns would feel the same in the hand. __________________ The autonomic nervous system provides for involuntary muscle function - the work of breathing, digestion, and so forth. On some folks, that's a pure waste of ingenuity.

09-24-2004, 05:53 PM	#13
Pistolsmith V.I.P. Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 185	Re: Combat Masterpiece And they showed up in the gun stores about 1950. S&W made the Model 39 about 1954, and I never, ever saw a new one for sale locally. And, Jack Webb had a 39 with a real steel frame; go figure. A lot of S&W revolvers were bought up by a gun hungry public post WW-II. The wholesalers who bought more than they could sell immediately were loaded up on the old models, many of which had been obtained pre WW-II. An average working man hereabouts made around $50 a week; so, go figure. My partner and I bought the first two Combat Masterpiece .38 specials offered for sale in our city. And, I bought the first Centennial .38 offered for sale. And the first Gold Cup .45 a few years later. I wonder where some of them are today. __________________ A man who does not learn the lessons of history is condemned to repeat the mistakes of the past. George Santana

11-14-2004, 09:42 PM	#15
DVUSWAZ Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 14	Re: Combat Masterpiece Don't forget the United States Air Force issued the Model 15 "Combat Masterpiece" to the Security Police. It was official issue for many years and gave great service. I carried one for more than 4 years and it never failed. My Chief of Security Police allowed for us to by the "K" frame magnum grips to replace the originals so us big folks with big hands could get a better grip. Later on when Pachmyr arrived on the scene (1979-1980 I think) they let us switch to them. I once saw a wharehouse room with racks of them on my base. Must have been more than 500 of them. Awesome sight.

12-27-2004, 09:21 AM	#16
Thirties Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Deep into Red Sox Nation Posts: 5	Re: Combat Masterpiece The Combat Masterpiece in .38spl has the model 15-x, or m15-x on the inside of the yoke when you have the cylinder swung out. The pre-modek 15s can be detected as follows: Ramp front sight (not Patridge) with adjustable rear sight. Those are the obvious tells.

12-27-2004, 11:18 AM	#17
Marlin TFF Admin Staff Chief Counselor Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: At SouthernMoss' side forever! Contributor Posts: 13,854	Re: Combat Masterpiece I had a combat Masterpiece Model 15, circa 1964, and dearly wish I still had it. It was one that was lost in a burglary in the ninties while we were out of town, along with many others. __________________ *The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing.* *The only criminal class native to the United States is Congress.*

12-27-2004, 04:53 PM	#18
Colonel Plink V.I.P. Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: NE Colorado Posts: 68	Re: Combat Masterpiece I swear, a guy could write his masters thesis on the history of S&W model designations. I'm learning them, but the information contained just in this thread fair boggles the mind. I'm sure there's a definitive book on the history of these revovlers? __________________ "When the going gets weird, the Weird turn Pro" - -Hunter S. Thompson

01-03-2005, 02:10 PM	#20
SaxonPig V.I.P. Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 98	Re: Combat Masterpiece The Model 15 Combat Masterpiece was also available in a 2" barrel. Is the 4" Model 48 (.22 WMR) a Combat Magnum? Just wondering...

01-04-2005, 05:08 PM	#21
woozyduke Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 12	Re: Combat Masterpiece I have a model 19-5 that Iam selling..its called a combat magnum...its the model all the bullseye shooters use if they shoot a wheel gun! OR at least the one they would like to be shooting!

01-05-2005, 07:49 PM	#23
Colonel Plink V.I.P. Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: NE Colorado Posts: 68	Re: Combat Masterpiece Nice batch o' revolvers, wundudnee. Thanks for the information. My arsenal of Smith and Wessons contains exactly ONE gun. But it's a beaut. A model 28-2 that's already halfway through it's second blue. Wouldn't trade it for anything I can think of. And I'm ALWAYS thinking of guns. __________________ "When the going gets weird, the Weird turn Pro" - -Hunter S. Thompson

01-07-2005, 01:55 AM	#24
punchie Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Chesterfield, VA Posts: 784	Re: Combat Masterpiece Revolvers........Nobody shoots revolvers........do they? __________________ AN ARMED SOCIETY IS A POLITE SOCIETY