I have a bunch of 158gr. LSWC bullets (couple thousand) loaded in .38 Special cases and would like to find a dedicated .38 Special revolver to shoot them in. Was at a local gun show today and looked at a very nice 14-3. Regular size trigger and hammer with the magna grips. Could not see anything wrong with this gun, not a bit of holster wear or anything. No box or papers. Don't think it has been shot to awfully much. The owner and I are in the neighborhood of $650. Told him I would think about it and left. Thought I would come here and ask you guys for your opinions and if I decide to act on it the show is open again tomorrow, so could go back and see if it's still there. Did not see anyone showing any real interest in it so it may still be there. So is it worth $650 ?
Next question,, did the model 14-3 ever come with the 3-T's? If I should happen to get this revolver are the target hammers and triggers available to buy? And if so is it just a replacement job or is there gunsmithing involved? Would a fellow have to go to S&W to get a target hammer and trigger or are they available through someone like Brownells? Thanks in advance for your insight and opinions. RRM

My opinion for what it’s worth. The target hammer and target trigger in a gun either as standard or purchased later and installed will add nothing but cost to your gun. They will not make you or the gun more accurate. I have S&Ws with both and truthfully the standard hammers and triggers improve handling somewhat in my opinion. And I’m sure that others will differ.

That is a fine buy at $650, especially in this current crazy nutbar market.

Lots of 14-3’s came with three-T’s, many did not. Collectors and the market in general definitely favors the three-T’s, but I am the founding member of the “T’s are incredibly overrated” club. I do not like the target trigger at all, I really truly dislike it’s massive size and cheese-grater serrations. The target hammer is attractive to the eye and also very nice for thumb cocking, but I much prefer to shoot double action so I don’t make great use of one. Target stocks are nice and they are valuable also, but there are many stock and grip options.

A 14-3 would be a great platform for the bullets you have.

If you think the price seems perhaps low and you are skeptical, it’s mostly because they made -SO MANY- Model 14’s that they don’t tend to carry a huge collector premium.

Guns like the 14, 17, and 28 were made in massive volume, and they sold extremely well. They are amongst the very best values for your money in the entire S&W world.

If you later think you gotta have target trigger and hammer, you can add them later. SOME parts drop in cleanly and play well together, sometimes it’s a “try and see” affair.

I do not care for target features beyond grips

Now, if the gun is all original, and the condition you describe, no rust or corrosion and lightly used, 650 is fine, and it will shoot with the best of them. A 14-3 is a nice shooter

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Pete
I ain't no fortunate son

Were I in the market I would not hesitate to buy one at that price. Personally I like the wide, smooth trigger and don't give a hoot about the hammer, though the wide target hammer LOOKS cool.

Did you check it for "end shake" "lock up and timming" and "push off"?

If the finish is good and it is mechanically sound with original stocks $650 is a great price. I saw at least a half dozen 14s/pre-14s at a gun show yesterday and none were priced below $800 and several north of $1,000. I agree, "too much" for those guns but that's how they're priced in this market these days. Of course sellers were also offering HP-38 and other reloading powder for $100 a pound and primers for $260 per thousand; 22LR at $15 for a box of 50 (no, no Eley or other target, cheap stuff). So, makes a 14-3 in nice shape for $650 a bargain. Good Luck.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

$650 is a good price, especially in today's market. Remember, newbies want capacity, and 6 rounds isn't enough. Today's market doesn't appear to appreciate revolvers.

Concerning the 3Ts, I have 2 Model 14s. My first was a 14-3, and it has the 3Ts; however, for me it is strictly a 2700 bullseye revolver. I find that I can't shoot a target trigger well in double action. My second acquired Model 14 is either a 14 or 14-1 (I don't remember at the moment), but is a 4 screw that came with the service trigger, hammer, and stocks. I can shoot DA quite well with it. The only change I made to the 4 screw is that I installed a Hogue wood Monogrip.

Based on the fact that Smith at one time sold the Single Action kit in a blister pack, I would suspect that the trigger and hammer should be a drop-in installation.

Unless it is scarfed up by a collector, the Model 14 that piqued your attention should be there tomorrow since the market appears to be screaming for CCW-type defensive handguns, and a 6" revolver doesn't readily fit the bill. Personally, I wouldn't rely on luck, I'd head back and get that 14 now!

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Judge control not gun control!

I would say that is a fair price. My model 14-2 had target hammer and trigger when I bought it. I had to add the target grips. It is well worn, and after adding about $100 to what I paid to account for current inflated prices, and another $100 to replace the grips, $650 LOCAL seems like a great deal.

The target trigger does not add much to accuracy, maybe a little to comfort, because the pressure is spread over a bigger area. It does add a little to the resale value, but nothing to my enjoyment of the gun at the range.

On the minus side, guns with target hammer and trigger were usually purchased by - who else - target shooters (at the time often known as "paper punchers") Since those are the people who often fired thousands of rounds a year, those guns tend to be very well worn. You can often see that by looking at the inside, front-facing surface of the recoil shield, and around the firing pin bushing. Mine shows the signs of the imprint of many rounds fired.

Mine still locks up tight and functions well, but I am sure that the gap between the forcing cone and cylinder is out of spec by now, lol!

Well guys I certainly appreciate all of your comments on leaving the standard hammer and trigger alone and will heed all of your advise on the assumption that I end up with this revolver. I did cock the hammer and let it down easy while continuing to hold the trigger back and then try to rotate the cylinder checking for excess play. At the same time trying to move the cylinder forward and backward. Yes there was slight movement both ways, but I've seen this amount on other S&W's I've done this with. I don't feel it was enough to worry about. The face of the cylinder looked new and the top strap showed no wear what so ever of flame cutting. Firing pin area looked real good also. No scratches in the metal or chips in the stocks. May just go back tomorrow for another look. Thanks guys I really appreciate it. RRM

I would buy it! Hesitate and it will be gone.

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Pine_Worker
Ex-LEO, NRA Life

The Single Action Kit was sold in a blister pack because much of the fitting involves the double action function. Installing a different hammer & trigger for complete DA/SA function requites fitting.

I may be to late to be of any help, but I think that's a pretty good price in today's market.
I'm also not such a big fan of the target hammer and trigger. If they come on the gun, I'll keep it. But i wouldn't go out of my way to install either part.
My favorite trigger is the .312" wide smooth Combat Trigger. This one I really like.

100 % with Grayfox . my 14-4 is one of my favorite shooters. No T's on it and non of my Pythons from the same time frame can out shoot it. Huge fan of the combat trigger & had it on several duty revolvers back in the day.