A well-worn K-38 and the siren song of Cabelas and Adam-12.

[sigp220.45]

I carry around a Cabelas credit card with a zero balance for gun purchases because I never have cash on me. When I buy something I get money from the bank and go pay the card off at my local Cabelas (Lone Tree, CO).

I was there yesterday, did my transaction and of course wandered over to see what poor guns they had trigger-locked against their will in the cases.

Amidst the laughably over priced guns were a trio of Model 14s - two 14-3s at $779, and this old warrior at $449. I looked, asked if they'd take 4 bills, was rebuffed, and handed it back.

I wandered around some more, told myself $449 wasn't too bad, and asked to see it again. Different guy this time. I don't know if they work on commission but the first guy came over, took the gun in the office, came out, and said "We'll do $399". Close enough to $400 for me, so a deal was struck.

Of course I couldn't check the action, which is a deal-breaker for some. I originally felt the same way, but its three guns later so I guess I'm over it.

Enough talk:

No dash model-marked Model 14, four screws, serial number lands it in 1958. I'm a 1959 model, so instead of a birth-year gun its a Dad-Got-Lucky year gun.

Wrong grips, but I can live with these.

Lots of holster wear, but not refinished.

The ever-popular red nail polish up front, but blue in the back. Haven't seen that color combo before.

The action is fine, gummy at first but cleaned up nicely. I had a bronze Tyler-T waiting for a home.

I've only had one K-38 Masterpiece before - I bought one at the Scheel's in Minot, ND, that only functioned in single action. I took it to a gun show and traded it off to someone much smarter than me who recognized it was supposed to be that way.

I've been watching Adam-12 reruns and it sparked the desire for one of these. Must have been fate. Now I just need a clamshell holster and a Plymouth Belvedere.

 

[quinn]

I love it when a plan comes together!

 

[6GUNSONLY]

I'd have definitely thrown down 4 bens for that! Nice!

 

[andy52]

I really like the 14s and pre-14s I have they are shooting machines.
I think you did fine on the price of yours and even better that you talked Cabela's down on the price which is a difficult task by itself.
Yours is a little to old for Adam-12 there's would have been 14-2s.

 

[raljr1]

Cabela's is sometimes crazy on price, but sometimes they do deep price cuts...that's the time...

 

[FifthWheel]

Nice find, enjoy!

 

[Xfuzz]

Neat model 14..
Cabela's card jogged a memory.
Have not used this card in many moons
but recalled something about "rewards".
I have a whopping $53.26 due to me.

 

[robertrwalsh]

Seriously good score.

 

[Jetman22]

Great find. The holster wear always means it was well liked and shot a lot over the years. A favorite so to speak.
Our Cabelas was a good store for guns and hunting and reloading. Now they reek of being a Bass Pro Store and feel like a department sporting goods store. Less and less reasons to stop by for me.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[CH4]

Cabela's used gun pricing is all over the place. Sometimes they have beaters that are way over priced with a real gem sitting next to it that's a little below where it could/should be. That inconsistency keeps things interesting. That said, they sure don't negotiate like they did before BP took over.

 

[Muley Gil]

I really like the 14s and pre-14s I have they are shooting machines.
I think you did fine on the price of yours and even better that you talked Cabela's down on the price which is a difficult task by itself.
Yours is a little to old for Adam-12 there's would have been 14-2s.

Who sez they were carrying new revolvers, especially the veteran cop?

I carried a Colt 1917 for awhile and I sure ain't old enough to have served in WW I!

What aggravates me is where the actors are using guns that haven't been invented yet, like the Duke fighting the civil war armed with a Single Action Army.

 

[andy52]

Who sez they were carrying new revolvers, especially the veteran cop?

I carried a Colt 1917 for awhile and I sure ain't old enough to have served in WW I!

What aggravates me is where the actors are using guns that haven't been invented yet, like the Duke fighting the civil war armed with as Single Action Army.

You are correct the LAPD allowed officers to carry any approved sidearm. However if it were a agency provide sidearm it most likely would not have been as old the OPs.
The military is a whole different matter the first ship I was stationed to still had 30 caliber Model 1919A4s in the armory in the early 70s.
Yes I agree with the shameful way Hollywood uses firearms that don't fit the period, but most viewers don't know the difference.

 

[pasound]

I'm beginning to hate Cabelas since the Bass Pro merger, and I too have their hat and credit card. Once in a while they do have a gem in the mess that is the Gun Library. Re: the 6906 I bought last month may be the best shooter I own, and it was a fair price. Re: the 640 I looked at today which was dripping oil and rust residue... (How does a stainless gun rust? Keep it wet and uncleaned a long time, and everything not stainless will give up...)

sigp220.45 - that 14 is sweet. Go shoot it!

 

[Green Frog]

My only observation is that we can't expect to see screaming deals every day, otherwise that would become the norm and savvy gun traders would expect to be able to do even better! I just have to keep my eyes open for the bargains that appear and hopefully try to keep myself in shape to take advantage of them when they arise.

Froggie

 

[andy52]

My only observation is that we can't expect to see screaming deals every day, otherwise that would become the norm and savvy gun traders would expect to be able to do even better! I just have to keep my eyes open for the bargains that appear and hopefully try to keep myself in shape to take advantage of them when they arise.

Froggie

Most defiantly I've just fallen into several deals in the last few years and most have been totally unexpected. I always keep some cash in my pocket just for those times.
Just last week I had the chance at this one, it's a model 14 but newer that the OPs. You don't see many of these and at 500 it was something that I jumped on.

 

[Wyo]

Nice! I have a 14-3 that I sometimes shoot in our winter pistol league. When I miss the 10 ring I know it's me, not the gun. Haven't been in the Cabelas at Lone Tree but I get to the one in Thornton occasionally. Haven't had much luck talking them down on prices. Ya done good. You'll enjoy that one!

 

[Chukar60]

Nice grab OP!
The Cabela's in Boise has gone down hill. Ever since even before BPS took them over.
I have to be down to a choice between re-runs of Golden Girls or going to Cabela's.
Thankfully I can usually find Golden Girls on Direct TV somewhere.

 

[Jtown]

I haven't been to Cabelas in several years. I feel it is better to use local gun shops. Too many of the small gun stores have gone out of business trying to compete with the large super stores.
Walt

 

[LEO918]

Here's the Model 14-1 I traded for on my birthday. Shipped in 1961...

 

[Old cop]

I carried a Model 15 (4" version of the M14) for years as my issued weapon. These were the finest service revolvers S&W ever produced.