Is the only difference between the model 14 and model 15 the front sight (partridge on 14 and ramp on 15)? Or is there something else different? Thanks.

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Is the only difference between the model 14 and model 15 the front sight (partridge on 14 and ramp on 15)? Or is there something else different? Thanks.

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Barrel length and sight. The model 14 was called Target masterpiece (longer barrel and better sights for target shooting) and the model 15 was Combat masterpiece (shorter barrel and sights more suited for duty use).

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Narc766

The "rib" on top of the barrel might not match up to the ribbing on the frame if you swap barrels....only cosmetic. So the frames are slightly different.

Thank you.

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Not necessarily. I have a 14-2 with a 4" barrel and ramp front sight. 14's had heavy barrels and for the most part 15's had tapered barrels, until the late '80's when you could buy a 6" 15 with a heavy barrel.

Never say never with S&Ws

As was said the 15 was introduced to meet demands for a duty version of the popular 14 Target Masterpiece. At first the Target Masterpiece(pre-14) had only a 6 inch barrel and the Combat Masterpiece(pre-15) had only a 4 inch. However, over the years they were in production enough different barrel lengths were offered for both, in addition to other features, that it makes your hair hurt trying to think about it.

Bob

I was told on this forum the differance was in the Barrel Pencil barrel on the 15 and larger barrel on the 14. I don't know just repeating what I read here.

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May God Bless The USA

The traditional difference has always been that the barrel on the K38s and Model 14s was straight walled, while the barrels on the Combat Masterpieces and Model 15s were tapered. That finally changed as the last 15s and the stainless version, the 67, have straight walled barrels, so in that sense, are more like the K38s of old, or the Dayton 4 inch Model 14s.

Tried to capture the differences in a previous thread (link below).

There are some generalized differences (mostly barrel lengths), as noted, but exeptions always cloud the issue. Best to take time/vintage into perspective in order to narrow the differences between the two.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/5301039...631053613#8631053613

Smithnut, I had missed that earlier thread...amazing that you did that list from memory. Thanks.

Bob

Thank you. I guess I should have done a search, first.

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I believe the M14 has also been offered in a full lug barrel version as well as a single action only version.

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Formerly know as Lucky Derby

+1

Here is my 14-4


And my 15-6


Note: 6" barrels and Patridge sights on both.

Never say never with Smith and Wesson.

Joe

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Go NRA

There was a brief time after the model 14 was dropped from production, while the model 15 was still available, that model 15's were available with 6 inch barrels and patridge sights. I have a 6 inch model 15 that looks like a model 14 and the only difference is the model stamp.

And don't forget the length of the front sight base.... longer on the long barrel M15's than the M14's that they replaced. (see pic above)

2 inches, here is a full lug 14:

Beautiful gun. I traded one away in my youth before I knew what I had...still looking for one...