Hello, I have been out of the S&W loop for years, and aging. I sold my last Smith 20 years ago, but have recently inherited a 14-3 38 S&W special ctg. 8 3/8". I know nothing about it,8k36**9, excellent condition. For starters I would like to put a shorter barrel on it, but confused as what fits it? Any help greatly appreciated.
Thank you!

Welcome, you have a 1975 made gun. I might believe it is worth 6 to 7 hundred dollars depending on condition. Pictures would help. If you want a shorter bbl like 6", why would you destroy the value of this and cost yourself gunsmith fees? 14-3's are plentiful. I would sell yours and buy what you want. If you have sentimental value attached to this one, keep it, and buy what you want. 2 is better

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Pete
I ain't no fortunate son

Thank you, i didnt think it could worth that much. I figured a $100 4” barrel and gunsmith said he would swap for $50. Give me an easier to carry .38. Do you know if this model will handle +p loads?

Well value could be better projected if there were pics. I would think being a 1975 gun + P would be OK, but why, it really is a target gun. I would use standard pressure loads

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Pete
I ain't no fortunate son

First off, Welcome to the forum...Pete is spot on with all he said, if its nice,it would be an easy trade into a Model 15, which is a sweet 4" .38, also available in 2".....why take the chances with modification? IMHO

It will handle +P just fine. The gunsmith route is ok because if you keep the original barrel, you can always swap it back. Personally, I would keep it as is for target shooting and put the $150 toward a shooter grade 4" S&W .38 Special for carry, home defense, etc.

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You're shy a few manners.

Welcome (back)! Any K frame barrel of the same vintage will fit the frame, but as noted above one from a 6" model 14 will be the best match to the gun, and won't require a front sight change. That said, a trade for a gun you like better or another revolver with a shorter barrel (like a 4" model 15) may be a good option instead of a barrel swap. Good luck in your decision.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Have you checked to see if it has double action? Many 14-3's were single action only, especially in the 8 3/8". Made for Bullseye shooting.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

I wouldn't do the barrel change. If your looking for something in a 4" barrel model 15s are easy to find and as a shooter grade pretty reasonable to buy.

I'll pile-on and agree that it's all-around better to buy or trade for the revolver you want rather than hacking on this one.

Also, $50 for a barrel swap properly done is unusually cheap; hope your gunsmith knows what he's doing.

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Pickpocket

Thanks for all the input, much appreciated. I tried to load photos, I know I did it back when I joined in 2011, but couldn't get them to go. No biggie, I decided to trade or sell 14-3 and buy what I want for carrying.

You might want to shoot it before you sell/trade. Mine easily rings an 8" gong at 100yds. It's a fun toy.