ISP Pre-14

[erich03]

That is a Beautiful gun!

First, before ANYTHING, I'd like to personally and publicly thank Forum Member linde for his help. Before this revolver even came into my possession, I contacted him through this board with some questions. I am a relative new guy, with even fewer posts, but he took the time to not only get back to me with answers to my questions, but within about 16hrs to boot! Thank you Sir.

Now onto the gun.

It's a 1957 ISP Pre-14 delivered in a batch later that year to the Illinois State Police. A few honest wear marks. Locks up solid. I only own one other S&W (a late 70s M28) but after seeing the finish on this gun, I understand what it's all about. Except for maybe a SKB O/U skeet gun, I've never owned anything with such deep blueing. It's truly remarkable, and I'm sure that even at that, there are tons of examples of finish even better.

I plan on getting it lettered, and of course signing up for the SWCA. I think I've found a new retirement hobby. I appreciate the wealth of information here and the cordial attitudes.

Cheers

 

[erich03]

the snub in your picture

What is the suffix on the snub in your pic?

I own one that is a Model 10 with no suffix.

The 5" ISP guns are still shooters.


Just like all the other K38's. All shots fired one handed Rapid Fire 10 Second strings.

 

[6917sctygrp]

Hi I'm relatively new to the forum and only own one S&W but why don't they blue their guns like they used to? Is it just a cost thing? They call the black surface blue but it is a poor replacement for what used to be a beautiful finish.

 

[Walter Rego]

I have to agree with Murphydog, the 5" K frames have a wonderful symmetry. They also handle very nicely.

I have a 1956 .38 Combat Masterpiece, a 1955 K-38 Masterpiece and a 1964 Model 14-2 that was a special ordered 5" gun. The K-38 Combat Masterpiece with the 4" tapered barrel feels very differently in the hand than the K-38 Masterpiece with the Heavy 6" Barrel, and you would think the Model 14-2 with the 5" barrel feels very similar to the K-38 Masterpiece as they have the same heavy barrel profiles.

But the 5" Model 14-2 seems "just right", not too whippy and not too muzzle heavy. Maybe not as nice for slow fire bullseye shooting as the 6", but for a service weapon it seems about perfect.

 

[KalamazooKid]

I too have one of the 5" ISP revolvers and enjoy it immensely! Hope you do too!

 

[NavySCPO]

Congratulations! The finish on your 5 inch is stunning!

I have one of the 5" models, but 1) Isn't nearly as nice as yours, 2) Was not one of the ISP Revolvers, but still 3) was shipped to Fishman's Sporting Goods Company in Springfield, IL, go figure. Made it to the right state, but as far as I know not into the holster of a State Trooper...having said all that, you just never can be certain.

A bit odd to be sure, but a sweet revolver nonetheless.

To answer your earlier question, my letter says it shipped with Target Stocks, so they went out with both, then again, mine was not destined for the ISP.



Welcome to the Forum!

 

[Truckman]

Hi I'm relatively new to the forum and only own one S&W but why don't they blue their guns like they used to? Is it just a cost thing? They call the black surface blue but it is a poor replacement for what used to be a beautiful finish.

I agree, and the reason boils down to cost every time...Just follow the money......Ben

 

[ispcapt]

I have one of the 5" models, but 1) Isn't nearly as nice as yours, 2) Was not one of the ISP Revolvers, but still 3) was shipped to Fishman's Sporting Goods Company in Springfield, IL, go figure. Made it to the right state, but as far as I know not into the holster of a State Trooper...having said all that, you just never can be certain.

Yours may have very likely gone to an ISP Troop. Prior to going to the Model 39 Troops had to buy their own duty guns. They were not issued equipment. Fishman's was the usual purchase location for all police guns from all agencies in the area.

 

[Entropy]

Yours may have very likely gone to an ISP Troop. Prior to going to the Model 39 Troops had to buy their own duty guns. They were not issued equipment. Fishman's was the usual purchase location for all police guns from all agencies in the area.

Hello again!

I hope your retirement is continuing to go well. A couple more years for me...

 

[ispcapt]

Hello again!
I hope your retirement is continuing to go well. A couple more years for me...

Going very well. Highly recommend it.

 

[NavySCPO]

Yours may have very likely gone to an ISP Troop. Prior to going to the Model 39 Troops had to buy their own duty guns. They were not issued equipment. Fishman's was the usual purchase location for all police guns from all agencies in the area.

Interesting thought...Certainly would explain them buying 40 in the same configuration, and who knows how many in separate orders.

 

[DWFAN]

First fire

Got out between rain showers today to shoot it a bit. 15yds. Nothing spectacular, but it's more user error than anything else. Maybe play around a bit with the loading. This was 4.7gr Unique under a Matt's 158gr LSWC. Hopefully a smiling Trooper in Valhalla today...

That's the first time that gun has been fired in over 20 years. It was in my collection for that long. Enjoy it. I did.

DWFAN

 

[Entropy]

That's the first time that gun has been fired in over 20 years. It was in my collection for that long. Enjoy it. I did.

DWFAN

Thank you. I will be a most conscientious caretaker.

 

[VASCAR2]

The picture of the Troopers on the range looks like the indoor range the Tollway District 15 used in Oakbrook. Several of the Troopers I knew who carried revolvers really liked their Colt Troopers with mostly 4 inch barrels.


I think the previous poster was correct as I don't think the ISP ever issued duty revolvers and the Troopers were expected to supply their own handgun and leather gear. One of the reason ISP adopted the model 39 was so Troopers had a concealable pistol that could be standardized throughout the agency.

 

[GWW]

after seeing the finish on this gun, I understand what it's all about. Except for maybe a SKB O/U skeet gun, I've never owned anything with such deep blueing. It's truly remarkable,

They truly are a thing of beauty, I remember as a kid in machine shop class in school my teacher saying one day, "A thing of beauty is a joy forever." and Smiths are, for sure. You know what it is, it's skilled craftsmanship, it's taking PRIDE in your work. Hat tip S&W, top shelf.

Nice find sir, enjoy it bigly, don't forget the range report with pics! ;-)