Seems to be a popular theme the past couple of days...

I found this 14-3 sitting in the case at the local store. Condition seems great - original box, barely a turn line, bluing is excellent. Some wear on the left stock. Action is what you'd expect from a S&W with tight lockup and smooth trigger.

I think I got a great deal on it but what are these things going for?

SN is 6K669xx. Anyone know how old this is?

Thanks.

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Not sure what the going price is, may depend on your location, but these are the best .38 S&W every produced. They were carried by LAPD uniformed officers in the '60s and saw a lot of time in the hands of competitive shooters.

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Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)

Here in So Cal a 14-3 as nice as that would bring $750 plus - maybe up to $900 depending on how badly the buyer wanted it. Nice score! I was in the LGS Saturday and they had a 14-4 that was pretty badly worn - almost to the point of abuse - for $550.

Well then I got a REALLY great deal - cost me $350 + NICS and tax. Come to think of it, every S&W I've ever bought from this store has been a great deal...

A best guess is mid 1975, early 1976. Nice! (...the book says 1974! )

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RIP Shipmate

I had one back in the mid 70's, nice shooting gun. Good luck on a great deal

Dean

Looks real nice, Congrats on a nice find.


Brian

Actually 6K66,000 is from 1975. The cutoff for the end of 1974 in the 6K range was 6K58917. All the rest of the 6K numbers were issued in 1975, none in 1976. Now, when it shipped is a different matter entirely.

At $350, you darn near stole the thing. I'm personally very fond of the 14-3, with several of them (including two SAO examples) in my safe. One of them gets shot quite a bit and it is a joy!

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

Ouch! My chin just bounced off the floor!! I'd call that a screaming deal, especially in the condition it's in. Enjoy!

Thanks all. If I ever see one in the store that I don't buy I'll post it on the forum - though I've bought every one I saw that had the original box. I guess they use some phantom "book" value that is seriously below market. Who am I to argue?

Yup, you stole it! Really nice ones in the box and with paperwork can go as high as $900. I was delighted to get mine yesterday for $400. . .no box, no paperwork, and in great need of cleaning and restoration.

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Dr. B

They still have LGS's in Jersey? My father still talks about what a pain in the rear it was when he bought his 14-3 new in 1971 to carry as a reserve police officer in Hillsdale. I haven't been able to steal his so I bought a 14-3 and 14-4 of my own.

Nice find. Beautiful revolver.

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Mike
S&WCA #3065

You made out like the proverbial highwayman. Fabulous find for an amazing price.

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Oh well, what the hell.

Got this 1 2 years ago this month. G.B. purchase. $410 shipped & insured. I am quite fond of it even there was no box or papers. You scored on yours! Bob

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Nice. I've got one coming from a GB purchase, about $100 more than you got that for. Jealous. I can't wait to try it out. Will these handle P or +P loading?

That's a smoking deal by any form of measurement and thy are great revolvers.

The 14-3 is one of the prizes of my collection. Mine has the 8-3/8" barrel, looks beautiful and shoots like a dream.

Possibly May/June time frame 1975.
By the way, Police have been notified of the theft!

+P is certainly not a problem, but I see no reason for it. My favorite loads for mine are hand loaded 148 gr. LWC. Kind of reminds me of shooting a .22. Make sure you post pics when the gun gets there. You should be very happy with a 14! Bob