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11-16-2019, 01:18 PM
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Question/help
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!
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11-16-2019, 01:36 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RLA77
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!
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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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11-16-2019, 03:05 PM
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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?
Last edited by RLA77; 11-16-2019 at 03:07 PM.
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11-16-2019, 03:25 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RLA77
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?
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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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11-16-2019, 05:29 PM
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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
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11-16-2019, 05:38 PM
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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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11-16-2019, 05:49 PM
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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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11-16-2019, 06:34 PM
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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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01-26-2020, 04:36 PM
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Last edited by RLA77; 01-26-2020 at 04:37 PM.
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01-26-2020, 04:39 PM
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01-26-2020, 04:43 PM
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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.
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01-27-2020, 09:27 AM
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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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03-01-2020, 06:16 PM
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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.
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03-02-2020, 10:23 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RLA77
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.
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You might want to shoot it before you sell/trade. Mine easily rings an 8" gong at 100yds. It's a fun toy.
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