I am looking to purchase a 2" or less snub nose pinned revolver. While looking for a model 10 and 36 I came across this piece. Its advertised as a 14-3 with 1 7/8 barrel. I have a 6" 14-2 and I love it shoot it so this one really caught my eye.

I immediately looked in my SWSC and discovered this piece was built approx 1970, Ser# 1K305XX. I can find no reference in the SWSC about a 14 being produce with anything less than a 4" barrel. The name S&W is centered on the left side of the barrel as well as the CTG stamp on the right side of the barrel. It has the partridge front sight and micro click rear. I would rate it at 90% with minor bluing wear marks in the normal places.

I don't plan on carrying it or shooting it much but I wanted a good example of a pinned snub nose. I can pick up a model 10 or 36 cheaper than this one but if this one is original, I would much rather have it. Just something about the look of a old snub with adjustable sights.


Could anyone help me out on this one. Has anyone seen an example of a 14 with this short of barrel. Maybe this is a barrel taken off of another model that had the partridge front sight?

Here is one of the photos that was posted in the ad.

http://gastatic.com/UserImages/2441/...wm_3770419.jpg

Any info will be greatly appreciated

Two possibilities. The barrel and top of the frame appear slightly mismatched, so most likely this is a model 14 with a 2" model 15 barrel transplanted. If the barrel and frame match up, then it may have been mis-stamped as a model 14 at the factory. No way to be sure of this short of a factory letter in the latter case, since these were both numbered with the K prefix.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

That's not a Patridge front sight, that's a Baughman style ramp front sight. The frame has the step on the top front which is typical for a Model 14, but the barrel and ejector rod appear to be off a Model 15.

I would guess it's a frankengun and you probably want to pass. You should be able to find a correct 15-? 2" for around $500.

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"I also cook."

The 14 wasn't available in 2" length. That's a badly modified gun. I shudder to think what else this ham-handed "gunsmith" may have done to this gun. I wouldn't touch it with a borrowed ten foot pole.

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No life story has happy end.

(1) This ain't it.
(2) No, it's a 14 frame with a 15 barrel. Gunshops of the '70's and '80's did this kind of thing all the time, using parts in the shop left over from other customer's "wants."
(3) If it passes "test" (push off, end shake, cyl gap, head space, reliable ignition, lock up, etc), it's certainly a $250 shooter. Since you said you're not looking for a shooter, walk away. Joe

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Wisdom chases me; I'm faster

That thing has been up there for at least the last 3 or 4 months... i agree w/ the others' opinions, except I'd say $200 shooter...

All the above guys are right , model 14 with a 2" barrel from a model 15.
The frames on 2" model 15's is taller/thicker along the topstrap, than other model 15's as they come from the factory. Thats why on this gun the barrel actually sits higher than the frame. the 2" barrels are made with a taller rib portion to match the frame. Found this out many years ago when rebarreling 2" 15's to 4-6". The "gap" between barrel rib and frame seemed taller on the 2" 15's than other 4" or 6" guns. Called S&W and they confirmed. Bob

Thanks to all for the responses and to S&WCHAD for clarifying that I misidentified the front sight, I over looked that one.

I will defiantly pass on this one and continue in my search.

Just FYI I received an email from the seller today who said it was the original barrel. Well I guess that's true it is an original S&W model 15 barrel and S&W model 14 frame

If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, its probably a duck!

Its always nice to have a place to go for these questions. Thanks again for the advise!