Smith & Wesson Model 15-4 Combat Masterpiece .38 Special, 2" Blued K-Frame, DA/SA, 1978, Hogue Grip, Jeweled Hammer & Trigger
This 1978 Smith & Wesson Model 15-4 Combat Masterpiece is a six-shot K-frame .38 Special built with a 2" carbon-steel barrel and a blued finish. It features adjustable sights and a serrated rib, with the yoke cut stamped "MOD. 15-4." Custom touches include a jeweled wide-spur hammer and smooth-face jeweled trigger, plus installed Hogue Monogrip rubber grips. The 15-4 engineering change moved the gas ring from the yoke to the cylinder, a detail noted by collectors.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Good Rifling - Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: The revolver shows various cosmetic imperfections, including scratches, blemishes, and areas of finish loss. The bore remains clean and shiny.
What’s Included
- Smith & Wesson Model 15-4 Combat Masterpiece .38 Special revolver
- Hogue Monogrip rubber finger-groove grips (installed)
The Model 15-4 Combat Masterpiece pairs classic S&W K-frame handling with a compact 2" barrel. The carbon-steel construction wears a blued finish, and the barrel sports a serrated rib for glare reduction. The yoke cut is correctly marked "MOD. 15-4," and the frame bears "MADE IN U.S.A. MARCAS REGISTRADAS SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD, MASS."
Sighting is fast and precise with the adjustable square-notch micrometer rear and a ramp front sight with a red insert. The double-action/single-action system uses a smooth-face trigger, while the wide-spur hammer provides confident control.
Custom elements set this example apart: the hammer and trigger both display a non-factory jeweled finish, adding visual distinction, and Hogue Monogrip rubber finger-groove grips improve purchase and comfort. These upgrades complement the revolver’s practical feature set without changing its core character.
As an engineering note, the 15-4 change moved the gas ring from the yoke to the cylinder. This update, along with the short barrel configuration and adjustable sights, makes this revolver a notable variant within the Combat Masterpiece line.