4-INCH MODEL 14-1

[gtoppcop]

Good Day Everyone,

It's been a while since I posted anything on the Forum. Today, I took home my 4-screw 4-inch Model 14-1 (K41348#).

I have been after this particular K-38 Masterpiece for almost 12-years. My friend at my local FFL finally capitulated and traded me for it.

The gun was built in 1960 and is a factory special order 4-inch. My contact (who recently retired after 40-years at the factory) told me that everything checks out. It has the pinned-in Baughman Patridge Ramp (the brass bead was added sometime later in its life) with the roll marking centered on the barrel.

It also has a .500" Target Hammer and .265" Service Trigger (serrated) with a .160" high rear black blade. I was hoping to find USAF markings on it (Lackland AFB Pistol Team), but am convinced it was a LEO's piece. It has heavy holster wear and buffing, but has retained its timing and is tight with about .001"-.0015" end shake.

I will order a letter from Roy Jinks to see her history. For some reason, I think it was a SoCal LEO special order. Not sure.

I've been telling Craig Spegel about it for several years now. I could see the jealous rolls of his eyes over the phone the other day when I told him I finally got it.

I will send it back to the Mother Ship for a factory thorough re-blue and serviceability check. I shoot my guns, but am mindful of the gun's historical significance. The last full year of Ike's administration. I have a Model 10 from 1961. I really enjoy Smiths from the early 60s.

I will have to see HOW to get a picture(s) posted. I'm really happy I finally was able to take it home!

 

[Waveski]

Aren't Baughman and Patridge two different types of sights? Please straighten that out for me.

Regarding re-bluing - let us get a look at your revolver - don't be in a hurry. It may be that Leo wear has more character value than you wish to erase.
Acknowledging that it is your gun/ your call , of course...

 

[gtoppcop]

Thanks Waveski, The Baughman ramp with a short Patridge atop the ramp. Not the Baughman Quick Draw type.

I know that many eschew the refinishing of the piece to "save" its collector value. I have never sold any of my guns to a "collector", so the point is moot. I can't live with ugly guns. Sorry.

 

[Waveski]

Well , there are guns that are worn ugly and them there are those that are worn in an even fashion , with blue fading to patina. The latter can be very attractive - especially if associated with law enforcement carry.

Without seeing your revolver I am guessing in the dark. What did you mean by "buffing"?

Again - your gun your call. Are you able to send images via text or email? I or someone else could then post for you , if you so desire.

 

[gtoppcop]

PM me with your e-mail and I'll send you pics.

 

[Texas Star]

LAPD cut down some K-38/M-14's after the M-15 became the norm there. They 'd still be marked M-14. Don't know about any dept. markings.

I join those clamoring for pics.

USAF did have some M-14's with four-inch barrels and selected for outstanding accuracy. I saw one that a senior pilot with some "pull" had issued to him for his tour in Vietnam. It had Herrett's Shooting Star stocks, but he may have added those or some later owner did. This gun had the Patridge (NOT "Partridge") front sight.

 

[Waveski]

Pictures provided by the OP

Here is a look at that 4" m. 14 , at the request of gtoppcop ---

 

[Waveski]

Now about the front sight , hybrid? How did that come about?

 

[gtoppcop]

Thanks Waveski! I appreciate the assist. I would like to order the letter from Roy Jinks to find out more.

 

[rct269]

I really hate to bring this up, but have you determined the factory will refinish this item?

Ralph Tremaine

 

[JDBarrister]

Let me know what you find out about factory re-blue. I just picked up a 6 inch 14-2 that has some finish issues but is tight as a bank vault. Couldn't pass it up for less than $200.

 

[gtoppcop]

Thanks, Ralph. Yes, they will re-blue the piece. The factory has done several re-blues for me. They all have been wonderful.

 

[linde]

. . . I would like to order the letter from Roy Jinks to find out more.

A very well done & unique front sight . . . anxious to learn more from letter!

Russ

 

[gtoppcop]

Gents,

My 14-1 was received and quoted. I paid the bill yesterday. I'm having a few screws replaced, re-blued in bright blue and the charge holes chamfered. I have every confidence that the factory will do an excellent job. They've never let me down!

 

[murphydog]

I really hate to bring this up, but have you determined the factory will refinish this item?

Ralph Tremaine

Their rule is they will refinish any model stamped gun. There are probably some exceptions if they don't have spare parts, as they will not send back a pretty but unrepaired gun.

 

[gtoppcop]

Hello everyone,

Please forgive the tardy reply. I did get the 14-1 back from Springfield several weeks ago. As expected, the artisans did a wonderful job at refinishing the piece. Mike Benoit and his Team are true craftsmen.

I've again enlisted the help of waveski in posting pics of the 14-1. In the series is the 14-1 compared to my Model 15-6 Combat Masterpiece (1994).

For those that are contemplating sending their treasured firearm(s) back to the factory for service or refinishing, I can't recommend them enough.

 

[Old cop]

The four inch Model 14 (as opposed to the 6") looks just like the 4" Model 15 I was issued as a uniformed cop. Can someone explain the difference between the two?

 

[Engine49guy]

Nice 4" Model 14-1 ; )

Model 15's had a narrower barrel rib and the frame was notched to mate to it.
IIRC that changed with the 15-5 that got the old 14 style wide rib barrel when the 14-5 got a new full underlug barrel.

 

[Waveski]

gtoppcop

Please check your pm's.

 

[Waveski]

Refinish photos - The OP is pleased with the results , and I can certainly see why!