Value of 100% model 14-3 1974 vintage

[jmace57]

I was in my LGS today and the counter guy knows I'm an S&W guy. He has in the case a Model 14-3 whose serial number places it as a 1974. It is 100%. Not even a slight turn line. Has it listed for $600. I didn't think to ask until after hours (sent an email asking if he has box, papers, SAT).

Any thoughts about whether this is a reasonable price?

Thanks
Jim

[murphydog]

With the complete set (especially if it is an 8 3/8"), yes. For a 6" without the extras, perhaps $50-100 high?

[bengal fan]

I personally think that's a fair price, and if it has all the extras a little bit of a bargin. It's a great revolver that I'm sure you won't regret buying especially after you shoot it!

[fyimo]

Things have changed in pricing or S&W revolvers in the past couple of years because up until then a 14-3 in near mint condition. I say this because they sat on dealers tables for $400 but today I would say the price you saw is a great price even if it doesn't have the goodies with it. They are great shooters and sat on dealers tables because everyone wanted something that shot 357 mag and 38 Special ammo like the model 19 or 66.

[g8rb8]

Originally Posted by jmace57

.......Model 14-3.......It is 100%.......listed for $600. .............

Any thoughts about whether this is a reasonable price?
......

Jim,
The short answer: The price seems reasonable. That seems to essentially be the consensus of murphydog, bengal fan, and FYIMO.

The long answer: I would generalize that $600 for any P&R, blue, target-sighted, original, like new condition S&W is a price within reason but everything is relative.

From the $600 generalization, for a model 14, I would deduct (the $50-100 murphydog mentions) if it did not have target hammer, target trigger, and target grips. $550 -$600 for the gun alone with the 3-T's seems reasonable. I might increase the value if it had a really nice box with sealed tools and documents and, agreeing with Murphydog, would probably increase the value for an 8 3/8" barrel.

John
Scoundrel and Ne'er-Do-Well in Training

[YeshuaIsa53]

If I had the money, I would now be showing pictures without asking a thing.

[DWalt]

The real questions are do you really, really want it and can you afford it? If so, the price is largely immaterial. It's generally not sufficient to buy anything only because it's a good buy. I've been guilty of doing that, and have later regretted it.

[bananaman]

I bought a 14-3 a few months ago. 1977. It is very clean. (not 100%) It was from G.B. for $410 insured shipped. No box, tools. The only reason I mention this is because there are some good deals to be had, but may take time. Target stocks, and hammer, but not trigger. Bob

[scooter123]

Not even a turn line? I'd be looking at all the roll stamps VERY VERY closely. Because I suspect it may have been refinished.

[ralph7]

Originally Posted by bananaman

I bought a 14-3 a few months ago. 1977. It is very clean. (not 100%) It was from G.B. for $410 insured shipped. No box, tools. The only reason I mention this is because there are some good deals to be had, but may take time. Target stocks, and hammer, but not trigger. Bob

That's a good price, but a true 100% gun could be worth another 50% more to a collector, especially if it is complete with box and all.

[bananaman]

Originally Posted by ralph7

That's a good price, but a true 100% gun could be worth another 50% more to a collector, especially if it is complete with box and all.

You could be very well right. I am interested in shooting, not storing a gun away. I made that mistake once. Had a shotgun that was UNFIRED, and never shot it or enjoyed it. After around 3 yrs, I sold it! Bob

[03Fatboy]

I think it's priced about right, especially with box and etc...but I'm amazed at how the prices have gone up in only the last year.

[coleslaw]

Originally Posted by bananaman

You could be very well right. I am interested in shooting, not storing a gun away. I made that mistake once. Had a shotgun that was UNFIRED, and never shot it or enjoyed it. After around 3 yrs, I sold it! Bob

That's called an investment. Some are for shootin', some are for lookin' at.


Regarding the 14, I would also be careful. The lack of any visible turn line would be a concern.

[jmace57]

No box or goodies. I will check it out again. However, it appears to be unfired and correct. I may do a trade deal with the LGS, trading a NIB CZ85 for it. I made an exceptional auction deal on the CZ and got it for about 1/2 the retail value.

Thanks to all for your comments and insights. I will let you know how it all shakes out, and if I decide to make a deal on it, will post pics.

Jim

[jtcarm]

Originally Posted by coleslaw

That's called an investment. Some are for shootin', some are for lookin' at.





Regarding the 14, I would also be careful. The lack of any visible turn line would be a concern.

I'll invest in mutual funds. Guns are for shooting.

[Lobster Picnic]

I paid $620 last year for a 14-3 in excellent shape. The finish was flawless other than a very light turn line. It was an 8-3/8" with no box or tools.

I consider it one of the prizes of my collection. Beautifully crafted and shoots like a dream.

[jmace57]

Follow-up. Well, the trade happened. The CZ85 for this 14-3. It is not 100%, but it's damn close. The faintest beginnings of a turn line. It has not been refinished. Here are pictures.

[murphydog]

Definitely original finish. I'm guessing you will like having this one more than you will miss the CZ85 .

[JP@AK]

You did very well. I highly doubt you will ever be sorry you made that trade.

Nice K-38!

[JP@AK]

By the way, based both on the SCSW and my own collection, I suspect your 14-3 dates to 1975. There were blocks of 6K runs in both 1974 and 1975, but I would wager yours was in the second group. Not that it makes much difference. A dash 3 is a dash 3, and all of them are fine revolvers.
Here's a pic of one of my several Model 14-3 revolvers. This one is a factory Single Action Only. It left the factory in 1973.