Model 14-3 Single Action

[JP@AK]

Gentlemen
What would you expect to pay for a 1972 vintage Model 14-3 K-38 Masterpiece Single Action in NRA Excellent condition? Unfortunately, the owner does not have the box. But the gun is in as-new condition, having only the faintest trace of drag marks on the cylinder and zero blue wear anywhere else on the gun. Hammer and trigger are of the target variety and the grips are Magna. Barrel is 6".
Thanks.
JP

[fyimo]

Tough question but if its factory original then it's worth more the regular 14-3 any day. I only said if it's original because you could order the parts to convert it after the gun was bought as it was a popular conversion. If it's original I'd pay $550 for it in a heartbeat. I saw a mint 14-4 today with a very nice set of target grips for $425 at a gun show and as slow as sales were I feel I could have bought it for $400.

For whatever reason the Model 14 is a sleeper gun without much following because everyone wants a 357 magnum revolver instead which is a pity as the model 14 is an awesome revolver. I had traded a model 66 no dash for a Model 28-2 with an S serial number that was almost mint or I would have bought that model 14-4 because I still feel like I missed a great revolver at a great price.

[YeshuaIsa53]

I would dare say $550, but without the box or a letter it can be difficult to tell if it is a factory SA....unless you know the seller or know how to look into it. It could have easily sold on an auction site for $650 or more with the box marked SA. That is just my opinion, so do not take that as a price fixed on knowledge. I think you would get tremendous satisfaction at the range with it.

[P38]

I recently bought a 14-3 in about as good a condition as what you have described.

Here in New Zealand there is a much smaller market for secondhand revolvers.

I paid $1000nz (about $800us) for the 14-3 and a 17-3 both in very good condition, which most who have seen the revolvers think was very cheap.


Not sure if this helps you much though, However they are very accurate to shoot and very nice to own.

I'd buy another at the right price.

Cheers
Pete

[Smith357]

Here in Ohio today a mint ANIB Model 14 goes for 500 to 600 if you can find one. Just a few years ago you could not give a 14 away around here, everyone wanted magnums and bottom feeders. Model 14s were priced from 200 up to 350 for a ANIB specimen and they were not moving. Often you would see the same guns show after show just sitting there on the table, unloved and unwanted. In the last couple of years they have become all the rage and everyone now wants one of these fine gentlemanly tack drivers, even shooter grade 14s are now over $400 with pre-14s going for even more.

If you like the gun, and are one of those just loves eating one ragged hole in your target while others are making patterns get the 14, even it seems just a little bit over priced. You will be grinning from ear to ear every time you shoot it, and that sort of therapy is well worth the price.

[bamabiker]

SAO M14-3 that I got from a local shop a while back for $425 OTD. Just the gun, no box and I'll probably never know if it's original but that's OK. Shoots great as is. The shop guy said they thought it was broke when they got it. Sent it to their gunsmith who told them why it was SAO. It came with the targets.

[fyimo]

Originally Posted by bamabiker

SAO M14-3 that I got from a local shop a while back for $425 OTD. Just the gun, no box and I'll probably never know if it's original but that's OK. Shoots great as is. The shop guy said they thought it was broke when they got it. Sent it to their gunsmith who told them why it was SAO. It came with the targets.

That's a steal of deal

[Sebago Son]

From my stash of all things Smith & Wesson.



These kits along with stocks, tools, sights and other accessories were pretty commonly seen sold on wire point-of-sale racks at S&W retailers from the 1980's through the 1990's.

I would hazard to say that there are more converted guns out there now than those that actually shipped as Single Action Only.... Without the box or other solid documentation I don't think I'd pay a premium over what a standard Model 14 from that era would bring. You could, however invest in a factory letter which would help.

Drew

[Black_Talon]

I paid $650 for an ANIB SAO 14-3, with the correct factory box about 2 years ago. I couldn't get the money out of my wallet fast enough. Things are tough here in Cali.

[davegarage]

Here's one I picked up last week for 5 bills. It's SA/DA, but I thought the pricing might be relative. It was also no box, and stocks have the wrong serial on them. Could have been a three T. I like it.

Dave

Oh, yes, it's a 14-3 with the built in club....

[monet61]

Here is my 14-2 SA, Ser#K484XXX, built in 1962 I believe.
Got this and an M&P for $250.00.

[JP@AK]

Thanks for the feedback guys. Went ahead and bought the gun for $400. I have a factory letter application lying right here on my desk and will send it off later today.
I figured at that price, even if it turns out to be a converted DA, I haven't been hurt. It really is in fine (NRA Excellent) condition.
Regards,
JP

[JP@AK]

Originally Posted by monet61

Here is my 14-2 SA, Ser#K484XXX, built in 1962 I believe.
Got this and an M&P for $250.00.

Nice! I agree on the date - and that is only the second year they offered the SAO.

Now - are you saying you bought BOTH guns for $250? Or $250 for each? Either would be a good deal, but you better go to confession if you bought them both for $250.
JP

[monet61]

Originally Posted by JP@AK

Nice! I agree on the date - and that is only the second year they offered the SAO.

Now - are you saying you bought BOTH guns for $250? Or $250 for each? Either would be a good deal, but you better go to confession if you bought them both for $250.
JP

Yes, I got both for $250.00. The lady is an aquaintance of my wifes. She wanted to give them to me, cause she wanted rid of them. Her husband died some years before and she didn't want them around any more. I swear to you, I tried to give her significantly more for them, but it was all I could do to get her to take 125.00 each. I know I was very fortunate.

[JP@AK]

Well, Monet, at least you tried.
Congratulations on the purchase of the decade!
JP

[CookE]

Before I got so old, I was able to shoot groups like this from the 3 yard line, but those days are gone..............Please, don't get angry, I just couldn't resist......................CookE

[fyimo]

Originally Posted by monet61

Yes, I got both for $250.00. The lady is an aquaintance of my wifes. She wanted to give them to me, cause she wanted rid of them. Her husband died some years before and she didn't want them around any more. I swear to you, I tried to give her significantly more for them, but it was all I could do to get her to take 125.00 each. I know I was very fortunate.

That was a heck of a deal and you tried to give her more money other wise that would be out right stealing.

[Smith357]

Originally Posted by JP@AK

Thanks for the feedback guys. Went ahead and bought the gun for $400. I have a factory letter application lying right here on my desk and will send it off later today.
I figured at that price, even if it turns out to be a converted DA, I haven't been hurt. It really is in fine (NRA Excellent) condition.
Regards,
JP

For $400 it sounds like a good gun at a good price. One of the ways to tell if its is a possible factory SA is to cock the hammer and peer down the front of it. If the hammer has the cut out where the DA sear would be attached then the SA conversion was done outside the factory. All Factory SA's had a solid SA hammer installed. If the gun has the solid hammer then it could from the factory or just a SA hammer installed.

If it has the DA hammer with the sear removed it's pretty easy to put a new sear in the existing hammer, and it's cheaper than buying a whole new Target hammer.

[Black_Talon]

Pic of the lockwork on my factory SA 14-3:

[JP@AK]

Originally Posted by Smith357

If the hammer has the cut out where the DA sear would be attached then the SA conversion was done outside the factory. All Factory SA's had a solid SA hammer installed. If the gun has the solid hammer then it could from the factory or just a SA hammer installed.

Thank you! I looked and it definitely has a solid hammer. I compared it with a Model 14-4 DA and the hammers are clearly different.
I have a letter request in to Roy, so I should know for certain whether it shipped as SAO or not. Now that I know it has a SA hammer, I am optimistic.
Regards,
JP

[Aussie D]

Gday,
long time shooter, new to the forum. I recently sold a SAO model 14-3, after joining this forum, dam it I should have kept it!!(Unfortunately at the time I needed the coin...)

It shot well, plus still have a SA/DA version in excellent condition, which I had bought to turn into a PPC/WA1500 revolver, but once I cleaned it up, I appreciated for the timeless classic revolver that it is.

I also have a SAO hammer and trigger in my spares box I picked up along the way.

Here is a piccie of the one I traded to.

Model 14 RH.jpg

Cheers,

Aussie D

[JP@AK]

I'm a little slow to update you guys on this, but I did get a factory letter on the gun that was the subject of this thread. It did, indeed, come from the factory as a Single Action Only. It shipped on August 24, 1973 and was sent up here to Anchorage, Alaska. So it has basically lived here all its life.
As I said before, I only had to give $400 for it - no box or any original stuff, but it did come with a rug.
I've attached a picture.
Cheers.
JP

[Brassmaster]

I just purchased a 14-4 from a dealer in MO. When it arrived I thought it was broke because it wouldn't function in DA mode. I did not know that 14s also came in SA models only. I emailed the dealer who offered to provide a full refund, including shipping. Then, a few hours later, I got a follow-up email from him advising that after some research, he had learned that some 14s came in SA only and said he had also learned that these SA models were worth a premium compared to DA/SA models and again agreed to provide a full refund, plus shipping. I paid $550. for the 14-4 and its 98-99%, plus original box, paperwork and tool kit. A poster here has said that SA models command $100 more than DA/SA. Also, in response to the query of why model 14s & 15s are in demand: the major reason is the recent adoption by NRA of a Distinguised Revolver Class (bullseye 50 & 25 yds) in which a revolver must be used, iron sights only, with no internal modifications, except minor trigger adjustment and one must shoot .38, 158 grain either round nose or 158 gr SWC ammo. As I understand it was developed to give a more level playing field by eliminating accurizing, i.e., 1911 45acp's guaranteed to hold 10 shots in the x-ring at 50 yards, special scopes or electronic sights, etc. It seems most competitors want model 14 or 15s, with 14s being the prefered gun. The "modern" 357/38 models which are readily available, are not as popular due to the "bullet jump" when firing a 38 round in a revolver designed primarily for 357.

[YeshuaIsa53]

JP, Thanks for the update and congratulations on a great gun.

[JP@AK]

I forgot to add that the grips number to the gun. Nice bonus!
JP