So I was browsing the local gun shop the other day and came across a very good condition 14-5. It was soooooo pretty I just couldn't pass it up! It's my first S&W and honestly, I didn't know much about them until I got on this site. From what limited information I can find, the 14-5 was not a long production. Mine's a full-lug 6" barrel. The grips aren't original so I'll be looking for those.... Ser # is BJB4xxx. I paid $420. Can anybody tell me what I've got? Value?

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Welcome to the forum. The production change to the model 14-5 with full lug barrel came in 1991. The original factory grips were finger grooved combats like the ones on the model 16-4 (top) in the picture, and you can expect to pay around $150 or so for a set. You got a really good deal on the price, in fact if you want to make some quick $$ let me know as I've been looking for a 14-5.

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Well you picked a good one to start with. Those 14-5s are great shooters and they are not easy to find. You did good on the price. Now you'll need to hunt down its .22 and .32 cousins like I did.....matching revolvers in three calibers. The "Modern Masterpiece" set. Starting on the left; 17-6, 16-4 and 14-5.







You'll definitely want to find a good set of factory combats. Too bad they don't have racks of these at the gun store anymore.

Yes, you did pick a good one to start with. It should shoot .38 wadcutters like a big .22. I think you will love it.

Good price, too.

swben, again, welcome to the Forum! That revolver is a beauty! I can only imigine how well it is going to shoot. I am a fan of 6 inchers, but I also have a couple of accurate 4's. Enjoy it! I would! Bob

There is some really good information in this thread:

Origins of the Model 14 Full Lug & An Introduction to the SWCA

Thanks! Great article. So is there any way to find out if mine was one of the first run production pieces?

I believe mine was one of the first 2,000 units produced when production started in 1991. Serial Number is BHB13XX and Roy Jinks says it shipped in March of 1991. One of your other posts said yours is BJB4XXX but its hard to say because the three letter prefix serial numbers were not always used in order.

You can pay for a factory letter which will tell you which day your gun shipped. Or join the Smith & Wesson Collectors Association, which will give you access to Roy Jinks, the Smith & Wesson historian. He can provide you with the month your gun shipped.