Greetings, keepers of all things Smith & Wesson,

I'm looking for information on a Smith & Wesson, Model 14, .38 S&W Special, serial number 5K393XX. A custom built PPC gun by Behlert of Cranford, New Jersey. Bomar rib, 6" heavy bull barrel, wide target hammer, Pachmeyr grips and tuned action, in 95% condition.

Here is my confusion: According to The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson 4th Edition, page 211, S&W began the "D" serial prefix on the model 14 in 1968. Am I interpreting this correctly, that this model 14 should have a D-prefix?

So, please educate this simple soul: With the 5K393XX serial number, is this a Model 14 (or 14-3)? Is the YOB 1973? Guesstimate of value? Are custom Smith & Wesson firearms with the Bomar rib and heavy bull barrels sought after? Any information about Behlert would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you everyone,
Monte

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Fred
S&WCA 3238

I can't give you much help with the serial number. My -4 starts with a # then K.

If I remember correctly, Behler was a boutique type gunsmith, with a large scale operation. I believe that he was THE go to 'Smith in NJ for PPC revolvers.

Value would, in my opinion, be dependent upon demand. Since law enforcement has shifted from revolvers, I would suspect that demand for PPC revolvers (and prices) will be down,.

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Judge control not gun control!

You aren't the one confused. The typesetter on the 4th Edition was confused. The D prefix wasn't ever used on target sight K frame revolvers. That is just a dumb error on p. 211.

Serial numbers 5K6617 through 5K73962 were issued in 1973, so yes, your modified K-38 Masterpiece has a frame manufactured in that year. It would have been a Model 14-3. The "no dash" Model 14 was long in the past by that time.

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

I will tell you that my model 14-2 is my favorite gun, bar none!! Love to shoot that gun! They are definately on the "cheaper" side of smiths, but are great guns. I'm not an expert on what the changes do to the value, but I would love to shoot it.

I may not be too smart, but is the gun yours? If not, I myself would be happy with a standard Model 14. I have a -3. There is nothing wrong with a PPC gun, but for most there is no added value. Had a 10-6 PPC. It was hard to sell. Finally traded it off for a Ruger Bisley, ANIB. Bob

PICTURES?