M14 or K14 What is correct?

[eksund]

Hi folks!

Here in Sweden we normally call a caliber .38 special Smith&Wesson revolver - K 14.
That is from the model 14 on a K frame.

But should it be called M 14? Or is there any difference between the M 14 and K 14?

In early days S&W change it from K-38 to Model 14. When did it became K 14? Or is that an "unofficial" name of the revolver.

Any clarifications are welcome.

 

[jjfitch]

Not sure I've heard of the K38 or M14 referred to as the M38 or K14!
M38 or K14 not listed in the Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson but ??

Smiles,

 

[Alk8944]

Hi folks!

Here in Sweden we normally call a caliber .38 special Smith&Wesson revolver - K 14.
That is from the model 14 on a K frame.

But should it be called M 14? Or is there any difference between the M 14 and K 14?

In early days S&W change it from K-38 to Model 14. When did it became K 14? Or is that an "unofficial" name of the revolver.

Any clarifications are welcome.

Really either is correct, for exactly the reason you cite and I have bolded! This is just not "commonly used" terminology in the US, and is actually redundant since by definition a model 14 is a .38 Special K Frame revolver. S&W designates the K Frame with adjustable sights as a KT, for K Target.

The order to add model numbers dates to 1957.

 

[stansdds]

Back before S&W instituted model numbers, you could have a Target Masterpiece revolver chambered in 22LR, 32 S&W Long, or 38 Special. They were referred to as K-22, K-32, or K-38 Masterpieces, "K" indicating the frame size, the numbers indicating caliber. When S&W started the model number system, the K-22 became the Model 17, the K-32 became the Model 16, and the K-38 became the Model 14, but the old names and "K-caliber" just sort of stuck with the new models numbers, even in S&W advertisements.

 

[Hawg Rider]

S&W began using model numbers in 1957 for all its revolvers. That's when the K38 Target Masterpiece became the Model 14.

 

[Green Frog]

Friend stansdds gave the answer I was thinking of. Locally, all sorts of common names are added, just like with plants and animals (yes, I’m a recovering Biologist) but for widest understanding, the factory-originated names carry the info the best.

Just as a FYI, the M by itself to signify Model isn’t used here very often, usually it’s Mod or Model, written out all the way. You’d always be safe calling even a later one a K38 (assuming it’s a target model 38 built on the K frame) and calling even an early example a Model 14 will probably get your meaning across. Of course if it doesn’t have adjustable sights, it’s a M&P (Military & Police) or a Model 10!

OTOH, the phrase “when in Rome…” applies here, so among your local fellow aficionados it might be more productive to use the locally acceptable designations… just save that for “home” and use the more widely accepted designations in international communications.

Regards from Virginia, USA!
Green Frog

 

[cmansguns]

I recall a significant difference

Hello Sweden and USA.

Drawing back to my personal "olden days" below is a pic of me and my M14 circa early 1966 freezing my you know what off, M14 at sling arms on guard against comrade gaining access to our ammo dump somewhere in the Fulda Gap.

Other pics are of my K38 with long tube that I probably should have added sling swivels too.

My opinion (far anyone that cares) is that K38 or Model 14 is acceptable for the Smith & Wesson K38 Masterpiece revolver, but M14 will always carry a different meaning for me.