Is the M 14 a sleeper or a forgotten masterpiece?

[wheelgun28]

I recently bought a M 14-2, I see the prices really arent that high on them. For around $500 you can buy a very very nice one it seems. Make me wonder why? Perhaps being "only a 38spl" hurts it, is it the 6" barrel. To me neither one is a negative. Maybe its the name "Target Masterpiece" its not cool like "Combat Masterpiece". I would expect this gun to shoot great, I havent gotten mine just yet, waiting for transfer. I have seen them on GB in the $400 range and not selling. Seems like a bargain, what am I missing.

 

[boykinlp]

One is on my "to do" list. Hope the prices stay down.

 

[18DAI]

I think the model 14 is both. A sleeper in that it's often overlooked by those seeking a revolver, and is one of the best, IMO. A forgotten masterpiece by those of us that own them and let them languish in the safe while shooting our latest aquisition.

I know I won't part with mine. And thanks to this thread, I will make sure it goes with me to the range this weekend. Regards 18DAI.

 

[WNC Seabee]

I sold mine a few months ago and regretted it immediately. Been watching for one since.

 

[Espen]

It's not forgotten, neither is the 4" version of it the M15.
I'm addicted to K-frames, and I hate to see S&W taking one by one out of the catalog.
I was ready to get a 315 (don't need it, but want it)... Discontinued they told me.

On this side of the Atlantic you see a lot of M14's still going strong. Since it's mainly competition shooting going on over here, they will not become sleepers for a long time.

 

[Tom K]

About a month ago, a new member was asking advice on what 6" gun to get next. http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1961-1980/127001-starting-my-search.html#post135381907 Here was my reply:

"Agreed with those recommending the Model 14. In addition to being a swell gun, they seem to be relatively plentiful and lower in price than most other S&W revolvers. I'm pretty sure I'm going to be kicking myself in a few years for not having snapped up a handful of 'em."

Yep, need to pick up a couple more, just because.

 

[ttrotter]

Model 14--- One of the all time greats and for sure a sleeper,inho!

 

[MAG-NUM]

Here is a 14-3 I recently picked up. A complete package unfired from the factory. Best lock up of any of my Smiths and spot on for targets.
Nice balance and fit in my hand and a great looking revolver. Everyone should own one. And look at that huge logo

 

[69HEMI-R/T]

I bought my first and only Model 14-3 probably around 5 or 6 years ago from a shop in Victoria Tx. that I am friends with the owner's son. It is in great shape, probably at least 98% with the original Target grips. He had got it from an old man that was getting rid of his pistols a couple at a time do to illness.

It is one with an 8 3/8" barrel and is unbelieveably accurate at 25 yds. and a pleasure to shoot! Paid the handsome price of $300.00 for it and it is a keeper, long barrel and all!

 

[danski]

Not to be overlooked, as well, are the Model 19 6-inchers. They're virtually the same as the Model 14 with the major differences being the slightly beefed up frame, cylinder and ejector shroud. I don't believe the Model 19 6-inchers are as clean looking but performance, I believe, duplicates the Model 14 with very little extra weight.

In my neck of the woods, I've come across more Model 19s than Model 14s which seem few and far between on the used market. Of course, Smith makes the new IL version of the 14 and it seems to retail right around $800.

 

[Bear-1]

One of the few Revolvers i miss, cannot say enough good about them, George.

 

[TheKySharpshooter]

I haven't got to shoot mine yet, but I have heard many good things about them. Actually I don't think I've ever heard anything bad about them.

 

[feathers1973]

When I was a teenager, people would go to the range with one of those wooden pachmayr shooting boxes with mounted spotting scope. They would shoot two guns. Matching model 14 and 17. Strictly bulls eye shooting. The 14 gives me some real fond memories.

 

[Vulcan Bob]

My 14's are not forgotten and shot regularly. I think its the caliber, the .38 special other for use in a snubby is not well thought of these days. I agree with a prior poster about the M-19, I have one in six inch that I think shoots a bit better than my 14's.

 

[viceunit]

My advice is that no one should buy any model 14's...ever again! Especially the six inchers. OK...I've wanted one for a while. Now this thread will pump up interest and I'll be buying high, again.

 

[jhvaughan2]

IMHO anyone who does not have a m14 is missing out.
A 6" m14 loaded with .38 special wadcutters is about the best feeling, best balanced paper punching revolver. A 19s are just about as nice, and there is that whole magnum thing, but the added weight and recoil does not any make better holes in the target.

If I was forced to keep only one revolver for survival it would be my 686 but to keep only one for sheer joy of target shooting it would be my m14.

 

[K38]

The greatest S&W's are Models 14, 16, 17, and 25, All the others are just for variety

Dwight

 

[haggis]

This one will shoot one ragged hole from a Ransom Rest at 25 yards.

I just wish I could do as well.

Buck

 

[NE450No2]

Back in 1976 when I started shooting PPC, I bought a 6" Mod 14.

I had an action job done and a Bomar Rib installed.

Later as custom bull barreled guns became more and more common I test fired several of them.

Never did fine one that I liked as well as that modified 14.

 

[nutsforsmiths]

I bought my 14-2 some 15 years ago for $250. It is a tack driver and one of my best shooters. Those who don't own one are missing out.