M14 Underlug

[SmilinEd]

I am planning on starting a search for a M14/K38 soon and wondering what opinions are on the 90's ones with the full underlug. Any advantages or disadvantages for target shooting? I will be looking for a good range gun rather than a collection one.

This is a "just in case" question as I have not seen any of these in the classifieds here or on the auction/broker websites.

Thanks.

 

[kennyb]

both will work just fine !

 

[PMRet]

I owned a 6" 14-5 and it was the most accurate .38 I ever fired. It is slightly muzzle heavy, but in target shooting that usually helps to steady the gun. If you think about it, the full lug adds weight like the King and BoMar sight ribs did, and a lot of older standard model 14's have been fitted with them over the years. I sold that 14-5 in a weak moment, and have wished I had it back ever since. They're not plentiful, but they do pop up every now and then, and I've seen them sell for anywhere between $500-700.

 

[18DAI]

While I've never shot a model 14 I didn't like, my PC 14-6 4 inch barrel with full underlug, is my favorite. It is incredibly accurate and just "looks right" with the 4 inch full lug.

My 6 inch, full lug 14-5 is very nice too, but I find it just a little muzzle heavy for longer range sessions.

I think these revolvers have been overlooked for some time. It is only in the last few years that a strong interest in them is being exhibited, IMO. I would seek them out and buy one now, while the prices are still very reasonable. Regards 18DAI

 

[PMRet]

While I've never shot a model 14 I didn't like, my PC 14-6 4 inch barrel with full underlug, is my favorite. It is incredibly accurate and just "looks right" with the 4 inch full lug.Regards 18DAI

I've looked for a 4" 14-6 forever to go with my 4" 16-4, but have never even seen one. My understanding is that very few were made. I agree that the 4" full lug K frame looks and balances just right.

 

[18DAI]

Hi PMRet,

Yes they are scarce. The Performance Center 4 inch full lug is not marked "performance center", nor does it have the performance center seal. It has a standard S&W logo.

I spoke with a Mr Rae at S&W. He made these 4 inch full lug 14's for PPC. He told me "around 131 made.." Member CALREB kindly filled me in on details about these revolvers. Hopefully he will see this thread.

They have a "duty action job.." as it was described to me. Very slightly heavy DA pull - BUT - SMOOOTH, with a crisp break! Contributes to the outstanding accuracy of these revolvers. Regards 18DAI

 

[civil1977]

The full lug 14s are very nice! I like the muzzle heavy feel of the 6" full lug barrel. Its balances very nice. The 14-5 was the first version made with the full lug and it was only made for 3-4 years before being replaced with the 14-6 which had the newer rear sight, cylinder release and I believe they were factory drilled and tapped for a scope mount.

I went for the 14-5 because it perfectly matched my 17-6 and 16-4. I wanted the matched "Modern Masterpiece" set. I picked up this one with original box and papers/tools. Its scary accurate!

Left to right: 17-6, 16-4 and 14-5

 

[PattonTime]

M14 Underug

I think the early 90's underlug revolvers are among my favorites.
They are muzzle heavy, but I drink a lot of coffee so it works for me.
I have most all of them, but have been shooting the blue ones mostly .
I think its just because I can.
No, really its because I like the 32 and the only stainless one I have is marked "LadySmith" and its a 2' snubbie, not much fun at the range !

 

[SmilinEd]

Thanks for the comments. They are much appreciated and helpful.

 

[CALREB]

ED, all 14's are good shooting guns but IMO, the 14-5/6/7 are nicely weighted for 38 ,easy shooting and have nice actions.You will be hard pressed to find a 4" but the 6" ones show up , they just dont last long. A month ago or so someone on here had 2 for sale. Good Luck Bob

 

[GyMac]

I used to not like them, preferring the original style. Lately, though, I've come to appreciate them. It seems pretty close to a PPC revolver out of the box.

 

[Dave Nash]

I am planning on starting a search for a M14/K38 soon and wondering what opinions are on the 90's ones with the full underlug. Any advantages or disadvantages for target shooting? I will be looking for a good range gun rather than a collection one.

This is a "just in case" question as I have not seen any of these in the classifieds here or on the auction/broker websites.

Thanks.

“SmilinEd”

In an effort to not hijack your thread but to try and do a number of things here (answer your question about the suitability of the Model 14FL for your target shooting needs, tell you and the readers how the that model actually came about, and use the whole process to show everybody why belonging to the Smith & Wesson Collectors Association could be a very helpful thing in regard to their varied interests in S&W firearms), I have started a new thread under the title “Origins of the Model 14 Full Lug & An Introduction to the SWCA” in this same section of the Public Forum (“S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present”).

It quotes you and others from this thread and hopefully, it answers your question while also relating to the very “spot on” comments made by some of the other people who responded to it. Additionally, it is intended to illustrate the kind of information available to Members of the Association that is not normally made public so that the readers can judge for themselves about just one of the benefits (there are many) of joining up.

I hope it is helpful to you and others who read it. And I wish you all the best in your hunt for the ideal “range gun”.