14-3 Info

UgashikBob · #1 05-19-2023, 02:28 PM

I recently started using a 14-3 I acquired back in the 70's and fell in love with it as a shooter. Looking for all the info I can find on it and advice on a custom grip as the issue grip is to small for my hand.
14-3 8 3/8 blue TT and TH.

PeteC · #2 05-19-2023, 02:46 PM

It dates from about 1972. I have been using a later set of target grips (see attachment) on my Model 14. By later, I mean the style with the speed loader relief. I have also used Herrett's grips, my favorite 3rd party grip, which usually sell for half the price of original S&W target grips, and I tried Altamont smooth finger groove grips. Both fit well, both from ebay.

Truckman · #3 05-19-2023, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeteC

It dates from about 1972. I have been using a later set of target grips (see attachment) on my Model 14. By later, I mean the style with the speed loader relief.

I did the same thing with my EDC 15-2...It's not the right era, but still a K-frame grip, and it fits my hand well...

...Ben

Targets Guy · #4 05-19-2023, 03:18 PM

My 14-3 (8 3/8" barrel), s/n 3K47325 shipped 1/1973.

closest compass bank

s/n 3K92070, a 6" Model 14-3, shipped 9/73.

UgashikBob · #5 05-19-2023, 03:20 PM

In both cases it appears your grips extend beyond the metal end of frame which is what I am looking for. The N frame grip on my Model 29 fits me well because my pinky finger does not have to ride below the grip. Looking at both Badger and Altamont three finger grips and will check out E-bay. Thank you for your prompt responses.

UgashikBob · #6 05-19-2023, 03:27 PM

Mike
I notice the attached photo references your pistol as a K-38 Masterpiece revolver. Are there features required for the K-38 Masterpiece revolver title other than the Target Hammer and Target trigger I have?

sophie · #7 05-19-2023, 03:53 PM

OP, yours is a K38 Masterpiece also.

sophie · #8 05-19-2023, 03:59 PM

Here is one of my K38’s that’s full target and I get along okay with the factory target grips.

BrovoEchoSierra · #9 05-19-2023, 04:39 PM

Great gun you have there!
I have a 14-3 that is just like yours, that I absolutely love.
My go to load is 3.5 grains of Bullseye, and the lyman 358-466 cast from 2/3's pure lead and 1/3 wheel weights
A few years ago we had a game that we played, where we shot steel knock down targets about 12 inches in diameter at 100 and 200 yards.
12 inch targets at 100, are easy to hit, almost every shot, and once you figure out hold over the ones at 200 yards could be hit pretty often.
The Lyman button nosed wad cutter and 2.8 grains of bullseye is also a good load at shorter distances, of around 25 yards or less.
It is hard to find anything that a model 14 does not shoot well.

JP@AK · #10 05-19-2023, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UgashikBob

Are there features required for the K-38 Masterpiece revolver title other than the Target Hammer and Target trigger I have?

Mike
In a word, no. Beginning in the late 1940s, S&W introduced the Masterpiece line, first the K-22 Masterpiece, then the K-38 Masterpiece and K-32 Masterpiece. All had six inch ribbed barrels, micrometer adjustable rear sights and, generally, Patridge front sights. At the time, target hammers, triggers and stocks didn't exist. The name K-38 Masterpiece has nothing to do with whether the gun has the "target" options (hammer, trigger and stocks).

When model numbered guns started appearing in 1958, that line continued the Masterpiece moniker with the model number added. Again, the accessory options are irrelevant to the name.

Empe · #11 05-19-2023, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeteC

It dates from about 1972. I have been using a later set of target grips (see attachment) on my Model 14. By later, I mean the style with the speed loader relief. I have also used Herrett's grips, my favorite 3rd party grip, which usually sell for half the price of original S&W target grips, and I tried Altamont smooth finger groove grips. Both fit well, both from ebay.

A very nice pair of K frames along with some beautiful grips . I have a very similar pair ....a 14-1 and a 17-3 both in excellent condition.

Targets Guy · #12 05-19-2023, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UgashikBob

Mike
I notice the attached photo references your pistol as a K-38 Masterpiece revolver. Are there features required for the K-38 Masterpiece revolver title other than the Target Hammer and Target trigger I have?

No sir. You also have a K-38 Masterpiece. You could special order target grips, target hammer and target trigger. Following WWII S&W introduced the K-22 Masterpiece, the K-38 Masterpiece and the K-32 Masterpiece. They look the same and they weigh the same and they came with the same add ons.

In about 1958 S&W gave Model numbers to their revolvers. The K-22 became the Model 17, the K-32 became the Model 16 and the K-38 became the Model 14.

Looks like JP@AK beat me to it again.

YeshuaIsa53 · #13 05-19-2023, 07:37 PM

My favorites. I have bought grips from here, there, and around again. Nobody mentioned the Pachmyers.

PeteC · #14 05-20-2023, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JP@AK

Mike
In a word, no. Beginning in the late 1940s, S&W introduced the Masterpiece line, first the K-22 Masterpiece, then the K-38 Masterpiece and K-32 Masterpiece. All had six inch ribbed barrels, micrometer adjustable rear sights and, generally, Patridge front sights. At the time, target hammers, triggers and stocks didn't exist. The name K-38 Masterpiece has nothing to do with whether the gun has the "target" options (hammer, trigger and stocks).

When model numbered guns started appearing in 1958, that line continued the Masterpiece moniker with the model number added. Again, the accessory options are irrelevant to the name.

When did the target hammers and triggers appear?

I know a little about the history of the target stocks (1951 and later), but not so much about target hammers and triggers. I have seen ads from the 1950's offering target triggers and grips as options or accessories, for $2.75 and 5.50, respectively. No mention of target triggers, which seems odd, unless that came later.

In the 1961 Catalog, target trigger is mentioned along with target hammer and target stocks. I believe the grips in the first pic on the left are from the 1950's, on the right, maybe late 50's or 60's but before 1968. Those on my Model 14-2, s/n K491xxx, are most likely from the 70's, and actually my favorite to shoot the gun with (shown above with the speed loader relief), even if not period correct.

I guess what I am getting at, when the S&W start shipping guns with factory 3T options?

(please feel free to correct any dates)

BillyKframe · #15 05-20-2023, 05:45 PM

I have big hands and the old style target grips that came on my 14-3 work for me. The best non-custom after market grips I've used are the Hogue top finger groove stripe cap. They have an narrowing between the middle and the butt that allows my off hand to wrap better around the shooting hand for a tight hold on my Anaconda. I would post pictures but I don't have an http.

BillyKframe · #16 05-20-2023, 06:05 PM

Attachments for my previous post on grips above.
14-3 target and Hogue top finger groove stripe cap.

John G. Paton · #17 05-20-2023, 06:43 PM

Well, in my opinion Smiths K-L-N frame revolvers have always been handsome revolvers of course along with their function too! Great revolvers to work on in my shop; though that particular Gunsmithing work is fading fast with the advent of CCW autos and the like.

SGT ROCK 11B · #18 05-21-2023, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UgashikBob

I recently started using a 14-3 I acquired back in the 70's and fell in love with it as a shooter. Looking for all the info I can find on it and advice on a custom grip as the issue grip is to small for my hand.
14-3 8 3/8 blue TT and TH.

Tyler T-Grips (or the Pachmyr version) is the old school option. I liked the Pachmyr Grips too. I had a Model 14 that was a great shooter but I let it go for something I do not remember now.

JP@AK · #19 05-22-2023, 09:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeteC

When did the target hammers and triggers appear?

Pete
The first K-38 with a target hammer came along in early 1949. It was a K-38 Heavy Masterpiece, serial number K66198. Hence, you can figure that target hammers were available as an option in 1949. Target stocks appeared basically in 1950, and they were not relieved until a few years later. Those non-relieved K frame target stocks sell for a pretty penny now if they are in top condition.

Target triggers came a bit later. I don't recall the exact year they were first listed, but it seems to me it was in about 1952 or 1953. Perhaps Lee or one of the other oldtimers here can fill in that piece for us. I might have a note about it somewhere, but I can't put my hands on it at the moment.

Lobster Picnic · #20 05-25-2023, 07:25 PM

I found larger grips worked better on my 8-3/8" 14-3.

UgashikBob · #21 06-09-2023, 06:50 PM

1W9A1393.jpg
Thank you for the help and info. This is the grip from Badger I decided on.

biblethumpincop · #22 06-09-2023, 07:03 PM

Don't forget a set of Herrett grips!

JohnRippert · #23 06-09-2023, 07:29 PM

Either add something like a T-grip to it or get some target grips for long boy.

bananaman · #24 06-10-2023, 07:42 AM

My 6" 14-3 shoots quite well. You should be able to reach out with yours! Bob