Model 14 - if we do this right it can be an ultimate thread

[ISCS Yoda]

Earlier today I posted a new thread that started like this:

Today's Ampersand had a thread about the Model 14, started in 2010, actually, so I got to thinking, and wondering what they go for these days. I hopped onto an auction site and was amazed at the high dollar amount.

I know a little about Model 14s because I'm a small collector of .38s and .357s but the operative term is "a little". I don't have the collection of some really serious, long term collectors, or the research details and background, but I do my limited best. Anyway, knowing that there was such a thing as a Model 14Target Masterpiece is one thing. Knowing anything about it in real detail is another. When I read that 2010 thread I began to wonder - what am I missing?

I know a lot about a lot of guns because I have a lot guns, and firearms have been my hobby for decades, so I read up on them, study various aspects of the shooting world, etc.

I read Roy Jinks' book for a host of purposes, too, and the SCSW, but I never focused on the Model 14. So I really know nothing about it, except that it exists (or existed - I guess both terms work). So, I am simply going to ask - what was so special about the Model 14 that it has become a collector's dream, the holy grail for some folks, etc.?

I'll enjoy this!!!

Thanks.

***GRJ***

[KLYDE]

Had a dash 3 and sold it. Having mostly fixed sight guns I missed the target model and realized that the M 14 is almost mandatory to any respectable .38 Spl collection. I didn't hesitate a second when I saw this dash 2 a month or so back. I feel whole again.

[Gun 4 Fun]

I think a lot of the popularity stems from fond memories of days gone by at S&W, internet hype that it's currently one of the guns "to have" so everyone has to have one, and the fact that they are target grade guns which makes punching paper a lot of fun when the gun will shoot tight little clusters.

Here is the 14-1 I just picked up. I didn't need it, but I sure wanted it since it is a dash one.

[Xfuzz]

1957 K38 with old Lewis rig.

[YeshuaIsa53]

I have mixed emotions about the currently high prices. Remember buying my very first 14-2 4" Dayton bull barrel from a kind gentleman right here on the forum. Still have and cherish the note that came with it, telling me to enjoy this kind of rare Model 14. That note is, to me, part of the gun. Thanks again, Charlie.

I liked the 14 because it was awesome and in my price range almost. First one I ever had was a one hole gun at 25' with 148 grain wadcutters reloaded. Someone jealous poured water into the plastic-coated box. I had a friend who studied under a national champion, so he took the gun and touched off the rust and taught me how to be a better shot. That would be the base or cornerstone of my collection from there on.

I keep learning from guys here, like SmithNut. I think the prices are just keeping up with the rest of the S&Ws. Fine handguns.

Two of my favorites....

[bmcgilvray]

Bought this one new in early 1980. It's a really fine, accurate Model 14. This one took a small Texas whitetail buck in the early 1980's.

[bgrafsr]

Okay, here we go.

Model 14-5:


Model 14-3:


Model 14-2, Single Action only:


Model 14-1:


1956 K-38 Target Masterpiece:

[Fredo Batali]

Here are my three. I sure like me a Model 14.

De Oppresso Liber

[pennlineman]

[civil1977]

Here is a 14-5 from 1991. One of the first run with the full lug barrel after the 14-4 was discontinued in 1982. There's a decent 14-2 around here somewhere but I don't have a picture.

[Checkman]

Picked this one up three years ago in a pawn shop. It's a Pre-Model 14 4 screw K-38. Finish is a little rough, but it shoots like a dream and mechanically it's in great shape. Got it just before the hype started so it was very reasonably priced. At the time it was just a long barreled 38 Special revolver and who wanted one of those?

[arjay]

Found this '58 4 screw a few years ago.



Sent from my Dick Tracy 2 way wrist radio.

[r3captain]

Here's my collection of 1 Model 14....in 3 different moods. It actually has 4, but I didn't want to subject you to faux stags

IMG_4910.jpg

IMG_4913.jpg

IMG_4917.jpg

[steamloco76]

Two Model 14's are part of my collection. The first is a Model 14 no dash dating to 1959. I tried to buy this gun off a floor walker at a gun show for $450 but he said no. A year later I ended up getting it for $375 when he sold it on a local forum. Now wearing a set of Ahrend's Retro target grips. She shoots better than she looks too!

14-3 with TT, TH and Magna stocks with box now wearing fancy Hogue wood. A beauty, however the older no dash is more accurate!

[fyimo]

I have at least one or two

[mkk41]

14 , 14-1 , 14-2 , 14- whatever! It's still the K-38 Masterpiece and it ruled .38 bullseye shooting competitions (along with the Colt Officers Model Match) for many years!

Here's my oft-posted 'transitional' Model 14-2 4-screw. Serial number K454007 says she was made in 1960. Professionally engraved on the sideplate as a presentation piece from a former county sheriff in 1965.


A subsequent owner scribed his name into the sideplate with a sharp scriber. Perhaps whoever won it?


Oh well , I was looking for a shooter when I fount it with Pachmayrs , trigger shoe and a lot of dirt and lead from .38 specials. But it cleaned up very nicely. A 1960 4-screw 14-2 probably woulda cost a lot more than what I paid without the added artwork.

[fletre]

[Gun 4 Fun]

Originally Posted by mkk41

14 , 14-1 , 14-2 , 14- whatever! It's still the K-38 Masterpiece and it ruled .38 bullseye shooting competitions (along with the Colt Officers Model Match) for many years!

Here's my oft-posted 'transitional' Model 14-2 4-screw. Serial number K454007 says she was made in 1960. Professionally engraved on the sideplate as a presentation piece from a former county sheriff in 1965. A subsequent owner scribed his name into the sideplate with a sharp scriber.





Oh well , I was looking for a shooter when I fount it with Pachmayrs , trigger shoe and a lot of dirt and lead from .38 specials. But it cleaned up very nicely. A 1960 4-screw 14-2 probably woulda cost a lot more than what I paid without the added artwork.

Interesting, and just goes to show that you never know with S&W, nor when a gun may have shipped vs what the book says about the serial number. My 14-1 has a higher serial number than your -2, and it shipped in May '62. I see yours has the -2 ejector rod, while mine has a -1 rod and four screws.

[ISCS Yoda]

Delicious. I'll have to have one some day soon. A single action would be perfect for me as a cowboy action shooter. We'll see!

Excellent responses!

***GRJ***

[Old cop]

Can anyone tell me the difference between the Model 14 & the Model 15? I was issued a M15 four inch way back when and it too was a tack-driver, shot better than I did.

[1blindref]

I've only got one, but it's a nice one. It's -2 that looks to be unfired. The box has seen better days, but the gun is pristine.

[Davwingman]

Couple 14s with 8 3/8 '' barrels...

[pharmer]

14-3 SA, 14-3, 14-5, with the obligatory marginal pic. Joe

[Gun 4 Fun]

Originally Posted by Old cop

Can anyone tell me the difference between the Model 14 & the Model 15? I was issued a M15 four inch way back when and it too was a tack-driver, shot better than I did.

The 14 was basically a straight target gun with a 6" heavy barrel and patridge front sight, and could be had with narrow or wide target hammer and triggers

The 15 was mainly a 4" service gun with the lighter tapered, or "pencil barrel", and service trigger and hammer, Baughman ramp front sight, though either gun could be ordered with different trigger hammer combos, and both came in other barrel lengths at one time or another.

Model 14-1 -



Model 15-3 -

[mkk41]

Originally Posted by Old cop

Can anyone tell me the difference between the Model 14 & the Model 15? I was issued a M15 four inch way back when and it too was a tack-driver, shot better than I did.

The 14 generally had a 6in heavy barrel and Patridge front sight while the 15 had a 4in lightweight contoured barrel and Baughman ramp front sight.

BUT , there have been 4in models with framed marked Mod.7 and probably 6in guns marked Mod.15.

Don't forget the odd 5in barreled guns , which could probably be either.

[bgrafsr]

The U.S.A.F. ordered their Model 15's with TT, TH, and target stocks most of the time.

[KLYDE]

Noticed back when I made the purchase that my ejector rod had the shoulder next to the knurled area indicating a RH thread. Post #2. The guns was very lightly shot and assumed it had not been changed as shipped from the Factory. Many of the dash 1 and no dash guns do not have the shoulder indicating the LH current thread. I believed the shoulder and RH thread were long gone by dash 2 1966 area.

1blindref also posted a ANIB dash 2. Same shoulder as on mine. My S/N is K610551 a half dozen from his gun. Anyone else with a dash two in this range with the shouldered ejector rod? Curious as to why.

1blindref I just sent you a PM. Regards Mike

[deanodog]

Just one now. A shooter grade 14-3

[Gun 4 Fun]

Originally Posted by KLYDE

Noticed back when I made the purchase that my ejector rod had the shoulder next to the knurled area indicating a RH thread. Post #2. The guns was very lightly shot and assumed it had not been changed as shipped from the Factory. Many of the dash 1 and no dash guns do not have the shoulder indicating the LH current thread. I believed the shoulder and RH thread were long gone by dash 2 1966 area.

1blindref also posted a ANIB dash 2. Same shoulder as on mine. My S/N is K610551 a half dozen from his gun. Anyone else with a dash two in this range with the shouldered ejector rod? Curious as to why.

1blindref I just sent you a PM. Regards Mike

You have that backwards, he relief groove behind the knurling indicates the current left hand thread. No relief groove is indicative of the earlier right hand threaded rod.

[STCM(SW)]

My M14-3. Sold the other one a year ago.

[Gun 4 Fun]

Originally Posted by STCM(SW)

My M14-3. Sold the other on a year ago.

That's a 14-3? It has the narrow rib and tapered barrel. I thought all the dash guns had wide ribs and heavy barrels?

[ArkieVol]

1950 K38 / 1953 K22

[Davwingman]

!4-3 & 14-4 with 6'' barrels...

[keithherrington]

Here is my Bowen custom Model 14 target revolver. It started life as a Model 16 to which Bowen added a Model 17 barrel, bored and rifled to match a Colt Python in both bore diameter and twist. He then rechambered the Model 16 cylinder to specifically fit the 148 wad 38 Special target round. He must have done something right, the gun will shoot all six into 1.5" at 50 yards. The gun also shoots American Eagle 158 round nose into 2" at 50 yards. Good enough for Distinguished Revolver shooting. Yup, I'm happy, happy, happy.
Keith

[STCM(SW)]

"That's a 14-3? It has the narrow rib and tapered barrel. I thought all the dash guns had wide ribs and heavy barrels? "

OK, double checked. M14-2 S/N K6120XX, 1964

Posted wrong picture before......

[highpower3006]

All I have is this 1950 K38 that I bought for the princely sum of $200 twenty five years ago....


And now I also have this 1954 K38 that was made into a PPC gun back in the day:

[mkk41]

Originally Posted by STCM(SW)

My M14-3. Sold the other on a year ago.

Me thinks ya posted a pic of yer Mod.24 by mistake.

[pastor fred]

Hi guys. Fred here. I really appreciate this thread, and love the pics. Beautiful revolvers, all!! I'm a new S&W nut, and I've had a couple come and go thru my hands that now I wish I had kept. I've got two Model 14's, and they're awesome. One is the 14 with the full-lug 6" barrel; haven't shot it yet but really looking forward to it. The other is a 14 "no dash" 6". Thinking of selling it. Love to keep it, but at my house, it's "sell one to buy one" right now, and the full-lug won out.

Anyway, I love this thread, and will be keeping tabs on it. Thanks.

[mkk41]

I'm noticing a variety of hammers and triggers on the many Mod.14 here.

Were these options random from the factory or special order only?

[Engine49guy]

Originally Posted by STCM(SW)

I thought all the dash guns had wide ribs and heavy barrels? "
OK, double checked. M14-2 S/N K6120XX, 1964

Cant speak in absolutes with S&W but the posted picture is an N frame IMO.

K38 Masterpieces were offered in 4", 5", 6" and 8 3/8" barrel lengths at different times with 4 different barrel profiles, Tapered, Wide rib, 14-2 Dayton "Heavy barrel" and full underlug.

The post war K38 "Masterpiece" had a 6" narrow rib tapered barrel with a Patridge FS, The 4" Combat Masterpiece version was introduced in 1949 and had the same barrel contour and frame as the 6" gun but with a Baughman ramp FS.
In 1950 a wide rib "Heavy" Masterpiece weight matched with the .22lr and .32 versions was introduced and the 6" tapered version was eventually phased out ,
The 4" continued as the Model 15.
K38 Matterpieces did not have recessed cylinders or shrouded ejector rods (not including 14-5 Full lugs),
Barrel pins dissappeared in late dash 4 series K38's.

Gets a little confusing in the dash 5 series because the 14-5 got a full underlug barrel in both 4" and 6" lengths and the 15-5 got the 14's wide rib barrel in both 4" and 6" lengths , the old tapered barrel was discontinued....might havve been some 8 3/8 versions but not sure.

[s2harry]

Paid 435$ for this 8 inch. Nice.. kinda looong isnt they?

[pharmer]

Originally Posted by mkk41

I'm noticing a variety of hammers and triggers on the many Mod.14 here.
Were these options random from the factory or special order only?

From the 3 I posted, the SA 14-3 has both wide trigger and hammer, the DA 14-3 has neither, and the 14-5 has a wide hammer only. I bought none new so I assume they came from the factory this way. Joe

[Doc44]

Shipped in 1950.

Bill

[TAROMAN]

Purchased my -4 new at Mayco in Triangle, VA.
Was purchasing an 8-3/8" 17-4 for silhouette competition and this one was in the case, too.
So, why not? Made a nice pair.
Archie swapped on the 3Ts on the spot.

Much later on its 6" companion came along:

[H Richard]

A Jan. 1951 K 38, that when I obtained it had a ramp front sight, no rear sight and fit for a red dot, with Pachmayer grips. It took a little looking and extra dollars, but returned it to the original configuration. Great shooter.

[Doc44]

K-38 Masterpiece, 5-inch, blue, ramp front sight on a ramp base, target stocks shipped in 1957 to H. H. Harris in Chicago for the Illinois State Police.

Bill

[bgrafsr]

Originally Posted by Doc44

Shipped in 1950.

Bill

Bill, is that a barrel weight in the box? Never seen one of them.

[Gun 4 Fun]

Originally Posted by STCM(SW)

"That's a 14-3? It has the narrow rib and tapered barrel. I thought all the dash guns had wide ribs and heavy barrels? "

OK, double checked. M14-2 S/N K6120XX, 1964

What I am pointing out is that your picture is not a 14. It is a 24-3. Even the pamphlet underneath it shows that. The cylinder is too short/barrel shank to long to be a 14, and the barrel profile on a non pinned gun indicates a 24-3 as well.

We'd really like to see your 14-2.

[Lobster Picnic]

Originally Posted by fyimo

I think if I went looking for one it would be a 14-3 like the one above. Seems like the dash-3 K-frames all have that wonderful deep bluing, and I feel this era is under-appreciated a bit.

[bmcgilvray]

Originally Posted by cprher

Here are my target revolvers. The top is a Model 17 and the next down is my Bowen custom Model 14. It started life as a Model 16 to which Bowen added a Model 17 barrel, bored and rifled to match a Colt Python in both bore diameter and twist. He then rechambered the Model 16 cylinder to specifically fit the 148 wad 38 Special target round. He must have done something right, the gun will shoot all six into 1.5" at 50 yards. The gun also shoots American Eagle 158 round nose into 2" at 50 yards. Good enough for Distinguished Revolver shooting. Yup, I'm happy, happy, happy.
Keith

I just gotta return to this post.

"It started life as a Model 16 ..."

A Model 16? In .32? Really?