Difference between mod 14 and mod 15?

[sbrmike]

What is the difference between a S&W mod 14 and 15? Both are 38 and both have adjustable rear sights.

I may buy a model 14-3 with a bad barrel. I seem to only able to find mod 10 and mod 15 barrels.

Would a mod 15 barrel's sights match up to a mod 14 frame?

[murphydog]

They are both K frames with Target sights, but the model 14 (K-38 Masterpiece) has a heavy barrel with a wide rib and Patridge front sight, and the model 15 (.38 Combat Masterpiece) a tapered barrel, narrow rib and a Baughman ramp front sight.

My guess is the model 14 has a taller front sight than a 15 but someone here knows for certain.

The upper frame of the model 15 is contoured for the tapered barrel but putting the incorrect barrel on either gun doesn't affect function, it just looks out of place.

If you have not tried putting a Wanted To Buy ad for a model 14 barrel here on the Forum I'd try that.

[JP@AK]

The upper frame of the model 15 is contoured for the tapered barrel but putting the incorrect barrel on either gun doesn't affect function, it just looks out of place.

These two photos show the difference Alan is referring to. The first picture is a Model 15; the second is a Model 14. Notice the side taper on the frame bridge of the Model 15. That part is flat on the Model 14.

[steelslaver]

99% of people wouldn't be able to tell. Notice on there is a step on the 14 frame to barrel anyway. If you put a 15 barrel on a 14 frame and it shot low get a higher rear sight blade.

Which barrel length do you want most? If want a 6'' or 8 3/8" 14 barrel with some patience , one will show up on ebay or you could put an ad in the wanted to buy here

[DWalt]

The Model 14 and the Model 15 are much the same except for barrel length and profile. Sight heights may differ between them, but that can be taken care of if you change barrels.

[sbrmike]

Thanks for all the replies and insights. Well, I own it. It is a beauty, complete with box and paperwork; no accessories. It is a deep, rich blue. The barrel is bent right at the 4 inch mark from the rear end.

My big decision is to find a pristine 8-3/8 barrel to restore it, put a nice 4 or 6 inch from a 14 or 15, or cut this one off at 4 inch, crown it and add a sight and just use it!

[Grimjaws]

Wonder how it got so bent to begin with.

You could shoot around corners 🙂

[glenwolde]

I'd cut it and crown it and shoot it. So guys would a model 19 barrel work?

[mtgianni]

Cut it and crown it for a 3 1/2" 14. I would want to make sure that I was past any taper or bend.

[sbrmike]

I am leaning towards cutting it off and then if I barrel pops up I may go that route. I don't particularly want an 8-3/8" barrel for myself, it would just be to match the box. I have the blank warranty card, instruction / parts pamphlet, and a S&W Ammunition booklet. The barrel is bent down.

What does an "S" mean in the Stock box on the label? It has .500" Target Trigger and .500" Target Hammer. It has pretty nice aftermarket checkered walnut Target stocks on it. I have smaller hands and prefer Magnas every day of the week.

The blue is so rich and blue, with barely a turn line. It almost seems a shame to turn it into a shooter, but I am a user in the end, not a curator of a museum!

ETA: Cutting off and shooting is not an option. I put a 38 (.357")caliber cleaning rod with the proper 38 (.357" dia) brass patch jag on and it stops right at the barrel lug about 2-1/2" from the breech end.

[murphydog]

S would indicate Standard or Magna stocks. You can probably guess what T would mean.

[SGT ROCK 11B]

Originally Posted by sbrmike

ETA: Cutting off and shooting is not an option. I put a 38 (.357")caliber cleaning rod with the proper 38 (.357" dia) brass patch jag on and it stops right at the barrel lug about 2-1/2" from the breech end.

What is the backstory on getting damage? Because I have recovered revolvers that were thrown out of cars. Usually the frames were bent or out of alignment.

[oneeyedpete]

I wonder if a talented gunsmith could possibly bend the barrel back into a position that would at least allow you to cut down the barrel as you planed.

[sbrmike]

The frame isn't tweaked at all. The cylinder is square in the opening. The top strap is straight as an arrow and the cylinder and top strap are exactly parallel. The action functions as smooth as silk cylinder looks to be in perfect time.

[steelslaver]

I would like to get that barrel in my arbor press, just to see if it could be straightened. I don't see why it couldn't be.

[series guy]

Exactly. Straighten that barrel !

[BLACKHAWKNJ]

The Version I Heard was the M-14 is the target model, 6 or 8 3/8 barrel, target front sight, the M-15 the service model, 4" barrel, ramp front sight-Baughman (?).

[schutz5]

Ya oughta give Frank Glenn a call and ask him for advice. Maybe he can straighten it.
His shop is in Arizona (Phoenix).

[DWalt]

I can't really tell much about the barrel bend from the picture, but were it mine, I would first try to bend it back myself. I have a fairly stout arbor press with an 8-ton hydraulic jack. But I have never attempted straightening a bent barrel.

[A10]

One.....the answer is One.

[sbrmike]

steelslaver I just may send that barrel to you to try. Be clear here. I am not wanting you to straighten it for me. I do not want it back; I will not use it. This is purely for your self trial. PM your address. I was going chop this in half so that it doesn't get sold somewhere down the line to an unsuspecting buyer.