A couple 14-1's







An Early K38 Heavy Masterpiece with Target Hammer in 98%+ condition. Shipped January 1950. Serial Number K 804xx

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Kris
OGCA, NRA LM

For fun, look at the underside of the extractor star, you will need to push it out as if you are ejecting the shells and look under, use a flash light as the numbers are small (if there, you will probably not see the K, just the serial numbers), QUOTE

SmithNut: Yep, the serial number is stamped on the underside of the star extractor, just as you predicted! You answered my question regarding the model name (Masterpiece) being absent on my revolver but I'm still wondering if it's common for the model number not being on the gun. As I mentioned in my previous post, my Model 14 does not have the model number (14) anywhere on the gun. Thanks.

dgludwig,
Note the first sentence in my previous response (above) ..... It's my opinion that your gun was made before they started putting Model numbers on. In the 1957/1958 they started assigning model numbers, different times for different models, and guns "in process" when the decision to stamp model numbers would likely not be stamped as such. S&W never did anything in strictly order, so you might find a gun who's serial number is slightly earlier than yours having a Model number, some after. It's just the way they did it.

So, to answer your question, it is not unusual to find guns in this timeframe with - or without - a stamped Model number.

Regards,

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.............SmithNut

Thanks, SmithNut.

DCWILSON & 410bore,
Your posts regarding K38 serial numbers K78xxx and K80xxx with target hammers intrigue me. I have K38 Heavy Masterpiece K82xxx which I thought from the standard catalog was 1949 production. My gun also has a target hammer which I thought non-orginal since I had read target hammers didn't appear until 1950. Based upon your posts, my target hammer may indeed be original to the gun. I guess the only way I will really know is to letter my gun. Thanks to posters on this forum, my S&W education continues. Fantastic thread!

Gobbler, I'm glad that something I showed helped you understand your own gun better. If you letter it, don't be surprised if the letter doesn't mention the target hammer as an itemized feature on the invoice. Mine didn't, but I still think it is likely to have been original on the gun rather than a replacement.

One of the best things about threads like this is that specific guns in the collections of others can help us understand what we have in our own safes and lockboxes.

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David Wilson

I just signed up on this forum,and was amazed how much you guys knew about S & W revolvers,I'am 56 years old and before the internet came out I couldn't find anybody that knew this much about guns,I fill right at home,like with SmithNut and the K-38's,do you guys remember Adam-12 they used 6 in. K-38's in the beginning then went to 4 in. K-38's?

What a great thread! I'm a tremendous fan of the Masterpiece and own several shooters.

A great string of photos and information. My first S&W was a Combat Masterpiece purchased in 1953 just before being drafted. Plans were to take it to Korea with me but that wasn't an option. Cut ahead to 1978 when I entered the DPS-Arizona law enforcement academy. The CM was dusted off, Pachmayr grips attached and it served me until my retirement from the Mohave County Sheriff's office in 1986. What fond memories are attached to this fine piece. Now my S&W collection has bloomed to six revolvers, M-12 (snubby), the Combat Masterpiece, M15 .22 cal, M-1917 (.45ACP), and a 66-1. Also three autos M&P 40, 9mm, and .45 ACP. Kept an M28 until my grandson grew up and claimed it. I love my S&W's. Thanks again for the memories.

I have long wanted one of the K-38 Target Masterpieces that were cut down to 4" length by the L.A.P.D. armorers in the early seventies. Those models are just cool looking. But alas I've never come across one except on the Internet and owned by somebody else.

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I type. Therefore I am.

This old guy was probably someones duty gun. It shows lots of holster wear and it suffered a little corrosion on the cylinder somewhere in its life. I shoots like a dream...smooth and very accurate. I picked it up a couple years ago for three hundred bucks. Someone has to save these old working guns.

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Andy

I can't show a photo of it right now because it is buried in storage while we have our new house built, but I have a four inch bull barreled four screw Model 14 (no dash). When I first glanced at it in the gun shop counter I thought it was a Model 19 until I saw there was no shroud covering the ejector rod. The magna-style grips are serial numbered to the gun. The serial number is K406xxx. I need to get it factory lettered somewhere down the line.

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SWCA 2379

I look forward to seeing it.

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I type. Therefore I am.

I am fortunate to have recently acquired two(2) 1980 14-4's..both with 8-3/8" barrels. One is NIB but without docs or tools. The other is 95% with an clamp-on B-Square rib and a 2x pistol cope.. no alterations/drilling was done to frame thank heaven!! The first has serial 79K2xxx and the second has serial 83K5xxx. Will never fire the first and love to shoot the second....

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NRA PATRIOT BENEFACTOR LIFE

Absolutely gorgeous! I consider myself lucky to have my 14-4 (8 3/8") so I'm just astounded at the collection you have. Many thanks for posting!

Sorry I have not been around lately but happened upon this thread and it definitely got my attention.

While I have owned Smith wheel guns since 1958, I bought my first Model 14 in 1969, a 6-inch version that started me reloading. Since then, there have been dozens of them in many variations. The 8 3/8" versions were always my favorite shooters. Because of a change in my life recently, I sold a number of duplicates but am retaining enough to keep me happy.

If I were to dump all Smith wheel guns, a Model 14 (and maybe a Model 17) would be the absolute last to go.

Great thread!!!!

SmithNut
I don't know if you saw this in the thread I recently created about my "new" MSHP revolver. But with your comments here, I thought you might like to see it. I have the full history of where it lived for its whole life, from the time it left the factory and shipped to the MSHP, to the time it showed up in my collection.

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

Here is a 14-1, Single Action Only Variation. I acquired this revolver from Terry J. Popkin a couple of years ago -- Terry is also the photographer. A factory letter says that it was shipped June 28, 1961, and confirms that it shipped as a Single Action Only Variation. Note: the photo caption referring to "Roper grips" is in error -- the grips are rosewood Herrett's.

Douglas Johnson
SWCA No. 2404

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I have a 14-2 s/n k6688xx that has had the barrell replaced with a 1" tube that has been machined on both sides making it 13/16" wide and 5-15/16" from cylinder. A rib has been installed with built in front and rear sights that has bo-mar on the right rear. The top of the frame had to be machined to accomplish this. The lug on the bottom of the barrell is a double stepped from front to rear rectangle 4" long it has a spring loaded double ramped plunger inserted at the cylinder end that latches to a pin inserted in the cylinder yoke to help keep the yoke tight to the frame. Unlike the tripple lock the pin is not lifted by the cylinder latch. On the left side of the barrell are the words "DAVIS CUSTOM" does anyone have any history on Davis Custom?

Thanks Bill

Back in the day Davis Custom produced a lot of PPC guns for the Practical Pistol Competition, and he was noted for making a very fine revolver. Your barrel is what is known as a slab sided barrel. Search for Bill Davis custom PPC revolvers and you will get plenty of info.

Thanks so much for posting. I picked up a Model 14-4 yesterday in like new condition and am anxiously waiting to get it to the range.

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Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)

Awesome presentation of beautiful revolvers for a new guy to view. I loved it - and hopefully I learned a couple things. I only have one Model 14 at present, but after seeing these works of art, am desiring to add to my SMALLl collection. Mine a full-lug 6" barrel 14 with the round butt. Love the feel and looks of it. Probably about 98%. The only challenge right now is finding a set of nice grips for that model of round butt.

Again thanks so much,
Fred

OK, I can't get pix on here right now, but I'm curious. Do you think serial number K499xx left Springfield in 1948 or '49? I arrived in the world in June of 1949, so it was probably already here waiting for me regardless.

I got this gun in a trade when I was collecting High Standards. The fellow who traded it to me had a set of Goodyears on it when he traded it to me, but said he thought he had the original grips at home and took my address. Sure enough, the original, numbered grips showed up about a week later. Sometimes folks come through for us!

Froggie

I learned more in the last 24 hours than the last 11 years. Thank you Bill

Can't be sure with a single specimen, but I'd guess guns with nearby numbers were shipping in late '48. In Jan and Feb of '49 guns were going out with serial numbers in the K56xxx to K66xxx range.

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David Wilson

I had always believed that my K38 serial # K817xx was a 1950 but not sure now. I found this one with Pachmayr's on it at a LGS, no chance of finding the original grips. I have targets on it for now with hope for finding period correct diamond magnas. The info here on this site is nothing short of amazing.

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You are very likely to be correct in your estimate of a 1950 ship date. K78197 shipped in February of that year, and one numbered just slightly higher shipped in January. I suppose it is possible a few guns in the K81xxx range made it out of the factory in December 1949, but that doesn't feel quite right to me. I'll be happy to be corrected if someone has a K81xxx K-38 that letters to late 1949.

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David Wilson

Just received this revolver today...on loan from my father who was an Illinois State Trooper during the 1950's & early 1960's.

Serial K30426X
4 - Screw
Pre Model #
Diamond target grips w/ no serial

When he handed it to me this morning, Dad commented that all the other ISP officers in his district carried 6" revolvers. He had his holster cut-down at a cobbler's shop to fit the 5" Smith.

It looked rough when it came in the door this morning...I've since given it a little gun oil and a wipedown. Came with some vintage Western Super-X Metal Piercing rounds (only 6).

Holster wear is obvious. Front sight blade is well-worn, and may even be a hair crooked. Still, I feel fortunate to have the gun and my Dad still around to answer questions. The gun would be from 1955-early 1957, correct?

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Here is a pic comparing the thicker grooved rib of the four inch 14-3 (L) to the thin smooth rib of the four inch HB Dayton 14-2 (R) .

After looking at some other posts concerning the 5" ISP Masterpieces, my father's gun must have been in the October 1957 shipment (based on serial number).

I acquired a pre model 14 about two weeks ago and have since traded it for something else. It had an 8 3/8 bbl. and a target trigger and it had been refinished several years ago. I didn't feel good about the gun and I'm glad to be rid of it! There is a reason it was at the LGS for about two years. Also, according to the serial # on the frame it dated to 1949.

Harsh expletive! That's the exact gun I'm looking for to use in one of my projects. Wish I'd known about it.

Froggie
b: 6/16/49

Everyone should have a chance to see post #91.

Range report for the 14-3 - WOW! Even with stocks that don't fit my hand, I was well pleased with the results. The trigger isn't great as far as K-frame triggers go, but it hasn't really been broken in yet.

A Model 17 with the 8-3/8" barrel is high on my list now.

What a wonderful thread! Just spent an hour learning. I came here after a Google search on a Smith Model 14. I just bought it and have a few questions.

I found the serial # in three locations: 352xxx. A quick search tells me it was born in 1959? Would these be the original grips?



It is a little rough around the edges. Someone with the wrong size screwdriver tried to open it up.



I paid $300 for it. Why does the hammer have this little hook? Is that common for S&W?



Was this trigger shoe a factory option? Or aftermarket?



I have only shot it a dozen or so times. What a sweet gun. It sure is a delight to play with it.

The original grips would have a diamond around the escutchion
The trigger shoe was added
The flat head screw with the buggered slot belongs under the grip so maybe that one looks better :-)
Nice gun!

Any info on the military purchased guns? Serial number range, type of markings if any?

I purchased a Smith & Wesson K-38 Masterpiece today after reading this excellent thread. Thank you.

HH, welcome aboard, that's a fine first post and a really fine K-38. Looks like you paid very close attention to what you read! Congratulations.

Froggie

Well this is my 14-2 I bought it from another forum member this year. I would say it is the finest shooting revolver I own. I am amazed at the accuracy of this gun.Serial k6105xx 1963 0r 4 I think. Not sure where the red sight attachment came frrm, it looks to be professionally done.

Some day I will get this picture thing down

Enjoy Pete

Thank you sir for a very informative post. Great pics & info.

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S&W Accumulator

Thanks so much for this thread. It had a great and successful impact on my next two purchases.
14-1, had a tiny speck of rust on the bottom of the grip but otherwise in a near perfect condition. Additionally, it has '62 and the word "Brigant" stamped on the left side. Maybe the distributor for Europe?


Beauty and the beast by helmsp, on Flickr

Very nice post!

This is my next "want" Id love to find a decent condition one but not so nice as not to ever shoot. example. Al original matching numbers early one with the tapered barrel. I just love the look of that tapered and pinned barrel.

WOnder what the going price is for my area (SW Idaho). Im a bit unsure if I ever want to do a gunbroker auction as I do like to see and physically check out any gun i buy.

I love the look of the Roper Supply special edition model 14s. I would love to get my hands on one of those but I doubt I would want to pay the price that comes along with it. I would also want a gun that I wouldn't be afraid to take to the range and shoot all the time.

Did Smith and Wesson ever produce another 4" K Frame with full underlug like this? The only other revolver that I can think of is the 617.

They did produce the 6" full under lug blued Model 14, using up (and thereby destroying) a bunch of Model 16-4 barrel blanks. I've never seen mention made of similar 4" versions, but they could possibly be out there. In the meanwhile, you could build your own but would have to use up a smaller caliber barrel you rebore!

Froggie

My compliments to the chef!!

What can you tell us about the muzzle brakes? When did they appear on the scene? When did they depart? Were they ever shipped with the guns---either as standard equipment or an option? Your best guess (or certain knowledge) as to the number produced?

Many thanks!

Ralph Tremaine

I think this thread is worthwhile resurrecting. Lots of nice examples from all eras.
I am adding my latest addition. An 80s 14-4 with SAO hammer. I bought it as being shipped SAO from the factory, and the box seems to support it. Doesn't really matter to me if it has been converted after the fact, as I got a really good deal on this gun. You can see, it is like new.

Have a few variants to add,
First is a 4" Model 14-3 (lower gun) from 1971 and 67-3 (top) which is really a SS copy of the Model 15-7 (perhaps the closest your gonna get to a four inch SS Model 14).


Muzzle view of a narrow rib 67-1 (left) compared with a wide rib 67-3 (right)


Model 15-7 Serial prefix BRC (left) with Model 14-6 serial prefix CAZ (right)

My 14-3 from 1974 is def one of my favorites.






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Mark

Very nice, OP. Great read. I have a 1951 K-38 Target Masterpiece with original stocks

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and a 1957 K-38 Combat Masterpiece (pre-model)

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Your photos were a treat.

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Mike
S&WCA #3065