Model 14-2 Manufacture Date & Correct Grips Question

cram1903

cram1903

Member
Joined
May 24, 2010
Messages
20
Reaction score
3
Location
Honolulu, HI
Greetings everyone,
I recently purchased a well used Model 14-2 (SN #K825XXX) at a bargain price from a pawn shop. The revolver has a pinned 6" barrel, target trigger and hammer. Its in pretty nice shape however, there is holster wear to the bluing on the muzzle, trigger guard and cylinder leading edges. It also came with the ugliest set of aftermarket wooden grips. Does anyone know exactly what year this revolver was manufactured? I would also like to know what type of S&W factory target grips would be correct for that particular year. (I like the look of the earlier diamond target grips however I don't know if that would be period correct). I've already detail disassembled, cleaned and lubricated the revolver and found it to be in fine shape mechanically. Timing and lockup is excellent, no "end shake yoke" detected. I plan on using this revolver to shoot in NRA bulls eye competitions (distinguished revolver) so I am considering having a gun smith do an accuracy job on it. Any assistance provided would be greatly appreciated.

Respectfully,
Cliff
 
Last edited:
Register to hide this ad
The 14-2 was made 1961 to 1967.

The stocks/grips it should wear have a diamond shape around the screw hole (escutcheon) (i.e. diamond stocks/grips). The correct stocks could be either standard size Magna or larger target stocks/grips.

Are you sure the serial # you provide, 825XXX), is correct? The serial number should start with a K (i.e. K prefix) and the number you provide doesn't correlate with a correct date for a 14-2.
 
g8rb8 is correct.
At most, you gave us part of the serial number. Perhaps it is K825XXX, but that would date it to 1968 and the dash 2 production "formally" ended in 1967. However, it is entirely possible that a dash 2 could have a higher-than-expected serial number. There are no hard and fast cutoffs in the S&W world. But please do confirm that the serial number is K825xxx.

As for the stocks, if the revolver dates from 1968, this one would be well along in the transition from diamond to non-diamond stocks. Most likely it would have shipped with either walnut Magna or Target stocks made of either walnut or Goncalo Alves with no diamond on either style. If of the Target style, they would have the football relief cut, not the speed loader relief. I'll post a couple photos.

If your revolver has the target trigger and target hammer, it has a slightly higher chance of having shipped with the Target style stocks, but there is absolutely no guarantee of that. I have in my collection of K-38 revolvers (all dash variants) that shipped in various combinations, including Magna stocks on guns with target hammer and trigger. There really is no reliable pattern that I've been able to discern.

Non-diamond Magna:
jp-ak-albums-k-frame-target-revolvers-picture10748-model-14-3-sao-2t-left.jpg


Three K-38s, showing three styles of post-diamond stocks.
Top - walnut Target with speed loader relief;
Middle - GA Target with football relief;
Bottom - walnut Magna
jp-ak-albums-k-frame-target-revolvers-picture8333-3-model-14s-3-top-model-14-4-88kxxxx-middle-model-14-4-19kxxxx-bottom-model-14-3-sao-3kxxxxx.jpg
 
You are correct, it seems that I accidently omitted the first digit of the serial number. K825XXX is the correct number. Also, it is very clearly marked 14-2 inside the crane area. I'll post some pics when I have an opportunity.

Cliff
 
cram1903 said:
it is very clearly marked 14-2 inside the crane area.
Click to expand...

Cliff
The only difference between the -2 and -3 is a very slight relocation of the screw holding the rear sight leaf in place. I have no trouble at all believing that a K-38 frame with the hole drilled in the old location could carry the serial number you find on your gun. It would only be questioned by someone who mistakenly believes that the published serial number and date "cutoffs" are somehow sacrosanct. They aren't. :)

Note my earlier comment:
Perhaps it is K825XXX, but that would date it to 1968 and the dash 2 production "formally" ended in 1967. However, it is entirely possible that a dash 2 could have a higher-than-expected serial number. There are no hard and fast cutoffs in the S&W world.
Click to expand...
 
Last edited:
Is there a website to enter my K38 serial number in to get its date of mfg??
 
You can find several SNs here:
 

Attachments

  • Schermata 2022-04-07 alle 22.25.14.jpg
    Schermata 2022-04-07 alle 22.25.14.jpg
    27 KB · Views: 24
Dogmann said:
Is there a website to enter my K38 serial number in to get its date of mfg??
Click to expand...
There is no website. the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson is the best source, and that is what Jack and the other responder cited. The center photo on Jack's second response is the most likely to be correct for your gun.
1968 is correct per SCSW 4
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

B
Model 14-3 Year of Manufacture
Replies
3
Views
396
bananaman
bananaman
D
A couple of questions on my latest purchase
Replies
2
Views
157
daveboy
D
K
1967 Model 14-2 Rear Sight question
Replies
4
Views
460
rct269
R
W
Model 14 no dash information
Replies
6
Views
517
22hipower
22hipower
J
Worn Model 10-6, seeking date of mfg & opinions on cerakote/parkerizing etc options
2 3
Replies
44
Views
2K
ColoCoug
C

Latest posts

Back
Top