Were Model 14s ever made in 357?

[dlidster]

Checking in the SWSC I see that a few Model 15s were made in 357 magnum. However, I see no mention of any Model 14s being made in 357 magnum. Does anyone here know if any were ever produced?

Here's why I ask: I know of a 14-3 with a 4" 357 magnum barrel on it it. I've only seen photos, so I don't know if the barrel serial numbers match those on the frame. Just speculating, but if S&W never made this configuration, might this be a M-19 barrel on a M-14?

And just out of curiosity . . . Why would S&W have made a M-14 or M-15 in 357 magnum when the M-19 already existed?

 

[Engine49guy]

You answered your own question, No need to make a 14 in 357 when the Model 19 existed and is basicly the same gun with a shrouded ejector rod built to handle the additional pressure of .357.

Problem swapping a Magnum barrel onto a 14 frame would be a large gap because the 19 barrel has a shorter forcing cone .
Also if you mounted a 19 cylinder and barrel to a 14 frame the barrel would overhang the frame in the ejector rod shroud area because the Model 19 is longer there.

A 14 barrel could theoretically be mated to a 19 frame and cylinder but the forcing cone would need to be cut back.

Pretty much the same thing with 44 special and 44 magnum cylinders/barrels.

 

[dlidster]

You answered your own question, No need to make a 14 in 357 when the Model 19 existed and is basicly the same gun with a shrouded ejector rod built to handle the additional pressure of .357.

Problem swapping a Magnum barrel onto a 14 frame would be a large gap because the 19 barrel has a shorter forcing cone .
Also if you mounted a 19 cylinder and barrel to a 14 frame the barrel would overhang the frame in the ejector rod shroud area because the Model 19 is longer there.

A 14 barrel could theoretically be mated to a 19 frame and cylinder but the forcing cone would need to be cut back.

Pretty much the same thing with 44 special and 44 magnum cylinders/barrels.

I think I understand what you're saying, but I can't see any of the characteristics you're referring to in the photos of this gun. Here are the photos. Tell me what you see.

(The close fit between the rear of the cylinder and the frame looks like a 19 with counterbored chambers. Do you think this might be a mismarked 19? FWIW, I have a 19-2 and if someone asked me what this was without showing me the stamp under the crane I'd swear it was a 19-3.)

 

[murphydog]

This SN would have been after the era of numbered barrels and cylinders, so no help there. My guess would be a model 19 barrel 'and' cylinder on a model 14 frame.

 

[shawn mccarver]

Another possibility: Mismarked frame? It is difficult to tell from these photos, but you might take a photograph of the top strap to include the area where the barrel meets the frame.

 

[Engine49guy]

Tough to tell without having the gun in hand as the pics are hard to make out Can you post some closer or higher resolution pics ?

A few observations
Serial is a late 69 early 70 gun but the barrel roll stamps look a bit newer hard to tell as I cant make them out.

The frame does looks to be of Model 19 length with the yoke open but looks like a Mod 14 from the left side view... difficult to tell from the angle.

Here is a comparison of Models 15, 14 and 19 (L to R)

look closely at the frame just below the ejector rod and you will see the added frame flat on the 19 to compensate for the the ejector rod shroud.
compare your 19-2 to this gun is it the same ?





Here is one more thing, remove the Left grip panel and look for a solitary number "3" stamped on the grip frame, that is the code for a K frame .357, if there is no stamp its probably a Model 14 frame, if the 3 is there its a mistamp IMO.

 

[Engine49guy]

Top straps are identical between the 14 and 19 so no help there, the 3 stamp is going to be your best clue but Im guessing it wont be there as Im leaning towards Model 14 with 19 barrel cylinder from the side shots.

Anything is possible with S&W

 

[Andy Taylor]

I know that there were some M10's made in .357. This was prior to the introduction of the M13, and I think they were pretty much test & contract guns. I am not aware of any adjustable sight guns that crossed over.

 

[JP@AK]

I think they were pretty much test & contract guns.

Most were produced on special order for the NY highway patrol (state police?). They were model-marked as Model 10-6.

 

[dlidster]

. . . you might take a photograph . . .

I can't help here. I don't have the gun. I was just curious. All of these replies have been helpful.

 

[Tom K]

Another possibility: Mismarked frame? It is difficult to tell from these photos, but you might take a photograph of the top strap to include the area where the barrel meets the frame.

Bingo. The third picture with the cylinder opened clearly shows the frame to have the Model 19 configuration with the extended flat on the front to mate with ejector rod shroud. A Model 14 frame would create a gap here.

Mismarked S&W frames are not particularly uncommon and don't really affect value one way or the other. It isn't like coin or stamp collectors where a mistake is sought after and prized. However these days a Model 14 generally goes for less than a comparable 19, so if you're buying tell the seller it's a 14, if you're selling tell the buyer it's a 19!