14-4...........some questions

[tdan]

I just acquired a 14-4 with 6" pinned barrel. I believe it has the original factory wood targets, as they are stamped 1979 which would be in the correct window date for this model 14 version. Except for some light handling marks, this revolver appears to have been fired little, if at all. Removing the sideplate revealed virtually zero bluing wear in the usual areas. A couple of observations and questions:

This revolver has a noticably wider hand than what I am accustomed to looking at. Is this typical of the model 14? I'm curious if the Smith revolver fitters put a little more time into this model. This gun locks up on all chambers like a rock with the cylinder stop leaving a very faint turn line. I was wondering if this revolver was sent back to the factory for some post-production work. The right side bottom of the frame has a couple of stamps that I am wondering about.

One is an R with a circle around it. The other is a T inside a triangle. Do these mean anything special? The only other question is regarding the frame mounted trigger stop. My understanding is that the stop is adjustable, but you need to be real careful to avoid damaging that frame screw, especially on a revolver that has been sitting around for 30 years. This one is set to provide way tooooo much overtravel in single action. I am experienced in fitting custom stop rods that fit inside the rebound slide on N-frames that give a perfect single action break. I've simply never done one of these up on a K-frame. Anything that different on the hammer/trigger geometry on the K-frame that I should be made aware of. This revolver was acquired specifically for bullseye shooting in my clubs monthly Harry Reeves match.

Thanks in advance for any info!

 

[TheKySharpshooter]

I have also wondered about the trigger stop. I just bought a '78 14-4 and I remember reading somewhere about some sort of failure that these stops can experience. I think they said something about some piece coming loose and locking up the gun, but it was maybe two months ago when I read it. I didn't pay much attention to it because I was looking at buying a Dan Wesson at the time. I had forgot about that until I read your post, I'm interested in seeing what responses you get.

 

[diamonback68]

The numbers and letters you refer to are just fitters, assemblers and inspectors stamps and have no meaning once the gun leaves the factory.
The only way you can adjust the trigger stop is by opening the sideplate and unloosening the screw that holds it.

 

[tdan]

I just finished tuning this gun up. I fitted a stop rod in the rebound slide, went with a 13lb. rebound, and a slight tweak to the factory mainspring. Single action breaks perfectly at 2lbs. 12 ozs. on my Lyman gauge. By the way, the stop rod length is pretty much the same as what I am used to fitting on my N-frames.

I've heard the knocks regarding QC and overall craftsmanship on the Banghor-Punta era revolvers. As we all know, all guns are ultimately individual items. This gun is one of the best fit Smith's that I have lucked into. I forgot to mention earlier that the B/C gap is .003. For the American manufacturing craftsman that put this revolver together....................this Bud's for you!

 

[TheKySharpshooter]

What should the B/C gap be? I've never seen an actual spec or checked mine.