photo #6238421

My Grandpa's pistol. A K-38 also known as the Smith and Wesson Model 14. It was the first pistol I ever fired at about age 10. At a fence post. At about 10 feet. I missed. I was hooked. Anything that hard needed to be mastered. In my teens I used it rabbit hunting. I later took it with me as my duty weapon on the Rapid City Police Department, and qualified NRA High Master in Police Pistol competition (PPC). As a new cop in 1979 I made just over $5.00 an hour, including 10% extra for having gone to college. My first check after getting paid was always for a case of 1000rds of remanufactured 38 special ammunition for $60-$70. That came before food, rent or house payments. My theory was 1) I liked winning, I hated losing and 2) I believed that my skill with that gun would likely make the difference some night whether I came home or not at the end of my shift. Thanks Grandpa.