Does anyne have information about the 4" versions of the Model 14, or can someone expand on what is published in the SCSW IV (only edition I own)?
When I owned a Model 14 the first time around I was led to believe it was only made in 6" barrel versions. I now enjoy shooting another Model 14-2, still 6", but I occasionally see 4" versions pop up online.
Some I see are the 4" heavy barrel version documented in the SCSW as a special run of 1040 called "Dayton", but some are outside that range of serial numbers, or predate the Dayton edition. Some sellers refer to more than 2000 of the Dayton-style 4" version. A little confusing.
I have read here that only a fraction of the 1040 went to the Dayton PD, which makes sense, because a thousand revolvers in a single order would be a lot for the Midwest (a retired LEO laughed when I asked him, his comment was "special order duty carry revolver? 1000 piece order? LAPD, maybe!")
Earliest one I noticed sold recently, but not a unique example:
K376764 from 1959 sold on GB:
S&W 38 Special Model 14 with extras. - Revolvers at GunBroker.com : 888281267