Manufactured in 1952 with the rare and desirable 5 inch barrel. Generally the K-38 Target Masterpiece was shipped with a 6 inch barrel with no shipments of 5 inch barrels listed in Supica and Nahas' "Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson" other than the special order Illinois State Police revolvers. This revolver is not one of those as it is not in the documented serial number range and was manufactured five years prior to that shipment in 1957. Matching serial number on the barrel, cylinder and butt. The included factory gold box is correctly hand numbered on the underside and the barrel length has been remarked with a "5" in grease pencil.

Excellent overall, retaining 98% plus original blue, light handling evidence, light cylinder drag line, and sharp grip checkering. The box is very fine with light wear. Mechanically excellent. Don't miss this opportunity to own this rare revolver!