14-3. Single Action Only

Retired W4 · #1 08-29-2018, 12:45 AM

Picked this up the past weekend on approval/consignment, but I know very little about these guns outside of what I can read in SCSW. It works as advertised and it is in remarkable condition. SN is in the 3K 90xxx range. I normally don't use the xxx's in the SN but because it's not mine yet??? I will post pic's in the AM, to see if anyone knows more about it than myself. I'm guessing it shipped around '72.

I know they made a SAO conversion kit, but did they (S&W) put a mark on the gun or kit parts to indicate that kit? I'm now thinking I should have asked Roy first but I welcome any input before I send this to Roy.

Marshal Kane · #2 08-29-2018, 09:02 AM

Excellent, accurate, meticulously built target revolver. I've never heard of a complaint with a model 14. I believe S&W only put their best gunsmiths to work on their masterpiece line.

Dave IL · #3 08-29-2018, 09:26 AM

I dont know where I picked this up, maybe its from this Forum, but I have the roughly 1964 price listing for the SA model 14. It was quite more expensive than the DA. My revolvers are all from 1964, but the SA seemed to be a premium option.

Dave IL · #4 08-29-2018, 09:27 AM

and here's page 2.

lrrifleman · #5 08-29-2018, 10:59 AM

@OP,

I have a SA kit for my K38s (still in the shrink wrap display card) and I cannot see any special markings on the parts.

boatbum101 · #6 08-29-2018, 11:24 AM

As stated the kits were available aftermarket . If gun was shipped from factory SA only then they do command a premium , but if kit was added later IMHO no premium .

Retired W4 · #7 08-29-2018, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lrrifleman

@OP,

I have a SA kit for my K38s (still in the shrink wrap display card) and I cannot see any special markings on the parts.

OK. Very interesting. I appreciate the information.

Retired W4 · #8 08-29-2018, 06:03 PM

These don't do the gun any justice with reflections and glare. I need to re-hone my photography Skills. Maybe I can get better shots in different lighting.

Considering the gun is in much better shape than shown, any ideas on value?

Dave IL · #9 08-29-2018, 06:58 PM

You inspired me to re-photograph my 14-2.. might be a finger print, but of the revolvers I have I wish I could shoot this one.. I am told that I should not, so I don’t shoot it very much at all. Grandpa gun, and the gun I used to qualify for my Illinois CCW.

Old cop · #10 08-29-2018, 07:03 PM

I believe LAPD issued the Model 14 in the ‘60s, same time my department issued the Model 15.

Dave IL · #11 08-29-2018, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old cop

I believe LAPD issued the Model 14 in the ‘60s, same time my department issued the Model 15.

Maybe you can clarify this a little, I read the reason the 15 was more of an issued weapon was because of the sights.. where the 14 was an edged sight, that could get caught in the edge of a holster, the 15 had a nice tapered sight to slide out of whatever holster it was in?

Retired W4 · #12 08-29-2018, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave IL

You inspired me to re-photograph my 14-2.. might be a finger print, but of the revolvers I have I wish I could shoot this one.. I am told that I should not, so I don’t shoot it very much at all. Grandpa gun, and the gun I used to qualify for my Illinois CCW.

Very nice, especially an inherited gun, if I read you right.

lrrifleman · #13 08-29-2018, 10:47 PM

@Dave,

The Model 15 (a.k.a. Combat Masterpiece) had the Baughman ramp front sight while the Model 14 had the Patridge front sight. Up into the '80s, when you ordered a Smith from the factory, you could order any one of up to 8 or so different styles of front sight. Theoretically, you could have a: red ramp, red patridge, McGivern bead, McCall bead, Patridge, Baughman, or a standard bead front sight.

Retired W4 · #14 08-30-2018, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lrrifleman

@Dave,

The Model 15 (a.k.a. Combat Masterpiece) had the Baughman ramp front sight while the Model 14 had the Patridge front sight. Up into the '80s, when you ordered a Smith from the factory, you could order any one of up to 8 or so different styles of front sight. Theoretically, you could have a: red ramp, red patridge, McGivern bead, McCall bead, Patridge, Baughman, or a standard bead front sight.

I had (sold them) a 14 with a red square on the Patridge, and one with a gold bead. Which one's would they be?

bananaman · #15 08-31-2018, 09:20 AM

I was really happy to pick up my 14-3. Got it on G.B. 4 years ago. Price was right. Good looker & performer! ( not a SAO ) Everybody should have 1! Bob

Peak53 · #16 08-31-2018, 10:01 AM

Retired W4 - This probably cannot be priced correctly without a letter showing it shipped in the SAO configuration (or not) as stated by Boatbum101. Beautiful gun in any case.

ordnanceguy · #17 08-31-2018, 02:23 PM

There is quite a bit of information here on the Forum about the Model 14 SAO revolvers. Here is a representative thread with some good info:

K-38 SINGLE ACTION

Retired W4 · #18 08-31-2018, 09:26 PM

Thank you guys. I'll be looking into this some more based on your input. What a site.

Retired W4 · #19 08-31-2018, 09:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ordnanceguy

There is quite a bit of information here on the Forum about the Model 14 SAO revolvers. Here is a representative thread with some good info:

K-38 SINGLE ACTION

Thanks for the link. Any one interested in these guns should check this out. Very educational! The concern I have about this gun is it obviously has had the side plate off. The screws are somewhat buggered. I have lots of screws for replacements but the question of originality/kit can only be answered by the letter. Per PeaK53 We shall see.

Retired W4 · #20 01-22-2019, 11:43 PM

Got the letter today and it did ship as a SAO. I was very happy to get that news. BTW, the turn around on the letter was under 6 weeks. Now it's off to the range.

Dvus · #21 01-23-2019, 01:36 AM

I sold my pawn shop rescued 14-3 SAO recently for $450. The original magnas had a large chunk missing on the left side so i replaced them with a well used set of K frame presentation stocks. There was also some rust damage and blue loss on the sideplate. Great shooter.