"New" no dash model 14

[winchester62]

I found a no dash model 14 in the store today. No box, but very little use or wear on it. It has a target hammer but not trigger. The stocks are non-relieved target diamonds and of course it is a 4 screw. I think the stocks are original. Apparently it came out of an estate as is unfortunately so common these days. The serial number is K408xxx. From a cursory review of the Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson, I'm guessing it was made around 1958 or 1959. I'll have to do a little more searching later when I have time. Any insight about production date or whether or not the stocks are the ones it came with? I'll add more pictures later if anyone is interested.

 

[PeteC]

K408xxx would be about 1960. It should be a 4-screw frame, meaning with a trigger guard screw. I probably came with either Diamond Magna stocks, or Diamond Target stocks with a relief. Non-relieved stocks date from the early 1950's, and are valuable on their own, but not likely to have shipped with this gun.


edit: More pics is always nice! The finish is beautiful, and probably typical of the early 1960's.

 

[JP@AK]

Hi

That is very nice.

Based on nearby serial numbers, I think you would be in the ballpark if you assume shipment in 1960. I show a couple examples with numbers slightly lower than yours that shipped in the first quarter of 1960.

While possible, I think it is highly unlikely that those non-relieved target stocks came on the gun originally. But they are very good looking and carry substantial value if the right panel looks as good as the left.

 

[Retired W4]

Beautiful Model 14, and I do love those stocks even thought they didn't come on the gun originally. Some one had good taste.

 

[Pine_Worker]

Beautiful 14, I love mine!

 

[winchester62]

I figured that was the case on the stocks. Maybe I'll leave them there, or maybe I'll find someone that wants to trade some out that are appropriate. I wish I had some intel from the original owner, but that isn't going to happen. Will post more pictures later. Thanks, gentlemen.��

 

[mojave30cal]

That's purdy.

 

[winchester62]

Thanks again fellas. Here's a couple more... Shoots well too. So far, offhand it shoots 1 out of 2 on the 12" steel plate at 100 yards. When it's not a bazillion degrees, I'll set up and see how it really does at a reasonable distance.

 

[Model19man]

That's a beauty! I would keep the stocks they look great.

 

[shawn mccarver]

The K38 Masterpiece is simply one of the best guns ever to come out of 2100 Roosevelt Avenue! Just think of the flexibility. Target loads for matches. Defense loads when needed.

This was the revolver carried by Jack Weaver (Weaver Stance). Back when LAPD used the 6 inch K38 and the pay wasn’t great, plenty of officers continued to use that duty gun in a cross draw holster when working plain clothes. You really did acquire a do-all revolver! If memory serves Det. Ian Campbell (The Onion Field) carried a 6-inch K38 Masterpiece.

 

[AC Man]

Looks fantastic! Dumb question, if this is a K frame what is the difference in a model 14 and a model 10 target model? Both 38 special?

 

[Retired W4]

Never heard of a Model 10 target, but the I haven't seen everything.

 

[Retired W4]

I believe targets like these would be more appropriate for your K38, 4 screw variation. This one is (pre) 14, SN: K292652, with target hammer and .500" target trigger.

If I owned your gun I think I would leave the non relieved targets on it unless I had a real strong set from the late 50s-earlry 60s to put on it.

 

[PeteC]

I believe targets like these would be more appropriate for your K38, 4 screw variation. This one is (pre) 14, SN: K292652, with target hammer and .500" target trigger.

If I owned your gun I think I would leave the non relieved targets on it unless I had a real strong set from the late 50s-earlry 60s to put on it.

I would definitely keep those grips. I paid $200 for a set like that here in the classifieds, and on ebay they would probably sell for more than that.

@Retired W4: I think your gun shipped the same year as mine. Looks the same except for barrel length and front sight. Even the grips look the same. Do you know if yours shipped with target grips?

As far as the gun in the original post goes, in 1959~1961 S&W was publishing pics of guns with target stock with both relieved and unrelieved grips in the "All Model Circular". That gun, as well as mine, most likely shipped with Diamond Magnas, not with target stocks. Those would have been either an option, or bought separately. I think the only K-Frame that shipped with Target Stocks standard, was the .357 Combat Magnum, Model 19. Target stocks with the larger extractor relief and made from Goncalo Alves wood were also starting to ship at that time.

 

[H Richard]

The Mod 17 and Mod 14 were commonly shipped with target stocks at the customer request when ordered. On the shooting line in my area it is uncommon to see any of these without target stocks.

 

[JP@AK]

The Mod 17 and Mod 14 were commonly shipped with target stocks at the customer request when ordered.

The bold part is the key phrase here. I own 7 or 8 of these models that are ANIB. All but one of them shipped with Magna stocks.

 

[Retired W4]

Pete,
I have not requested a letter, yet, but with the target hammer and wide trigger I think it probably did leave the factory with targets. I've been pondering the letter for several days now. I also have a K16, no - that I want to letter.. It's K406739 that shipped January, 1961 with matching magnas. That SN is real close to the OP's K38.

 

[PeteC]

The bold part is the key phrase here. I own 7 or 8 of these models that are ANIB. All but one of them shipped with Magna stocks.

I have also seen more 6" K-22 and K-38 Masterpiece revolvers with original numbered diamond magna stocks offered for sale than those with period-correct target stocks. I think they mostly shipped with magnas, and then people put later production target stocks on them to shoot. I have been using target stocks with speed loader relief to shoot my 14-2 and 17-2. Those date from 20 years later than the guns. See first pic below.

However, S&W definitely did offer target stocks as an upgrade on the Masterpiece guns from 1950. Prices were listed for target stocks when sold with the gun instead of Magnas, and also as a separate accessory. 2nd pic below, from the 1950 All Models Circular.

At least some, and maybe all guns ordered with target stocks came in deeper boxes with 5-lugs like the 3rd pic (1955~56), with a specially printed label on the end of the box, listing the target stocks and target hammer.

 

[heeter3]

Extremely nice acquisition winchester 62.My 14-3 is the best shooting revolver that I own and to beat my 19 and Python it really has to be a firearm that is pretty near perfect.

 

[schutz5]

Love the bluing on these babies!