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.

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