That's an astonishing response; to judge from most contacts with the company about damaged weapons, it is also completely atypical. I would call back and see if I could get another rep to talk to. If by chance the same guy picks up the phone, ask to speak to a supervisor.

The stuff about +P and contemporary "hot loads" being too much for an old 1978 revolver is just hogwash. 1978 is not old by any stretch of the imagination. There are members of this forum who shoot standard .38 Special ammo in guns that are more than 100 years old without any damage.

It may be the case that they can't offer you a repaired 14-4 because they don't have any old frames left. But they sure have the ability to offer you a courteous and informed response to your reasonable inquiry. I'd call them back. Even if you are left with no option but a gunsmith repair after you find a good frame from an older revolver, they need to learn how to say that more politely.

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David Wilson