MOD 14 dressed up

[YeshuaIsa53]

I guess the best way to show how much you like an old gun is to dress it up.
Thought to share the pictures, but must give credit to the Signature Grade KSB Target Grips with Medallions to John Culina. I especially liked these grips for the small dark slice showing amongst the birdseyes on these awesome Birdseye Maple Culina grips.

Why do I like the gun? Well, what's not to like about a Model 14? K395xxx is this one's serial number. It most likely was shipped around 1960. It is a no dash, as we call them. The Model 14-1 started shipping in 1959, according to the 3rd edition of the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson. I'm sure they didn't waste anything. I would try not to waste anything.

This is a four screw variation, of course. That is another thing I like about this gun. The way these things cut paper never ceases to amaze me.

You can look, but I do have a question. This gun was wearing non-relieved diamond targets. Who has seen a Model 14 or Model 17 that had those on it when you purchased the gun? According to Jim King in the aforementioned book, 1955 was when the smaller football cut, first reliefs were starting to be used in Walnut. I may be missing the correct grips for this?

Another question: what was the time-frame when the target hammers and triggers started showing up? If you wish to share information, thoughts, or post a picture: please do. Thanks for looking.

 

[Engine49guy]

Purdy stocks,
IIRC Non relieved target stocks and wide target hammer both appear around 1950 although seem to recall the wide target trigger coming a few years later (yours appears to have the standard trigger ?).
Football relieved target stocks appear right around 1955.

A 1960 Model 14 would more likely have shipped with diamond Magnas IMO but targets were an option for a small fee either from the factory or after purchase.

 

[YeshuaIsa53]

Sorry not to mention, but it has the wide target trigger. Thank you for the clarifications.

 

[fyimo]

I love John Culina grips and I have a set of John's Maple Grips and they are on my 28-2 with 4 inch barrel.

 

[rct269]

For openers-----your grips are A LOT prettier than mine (mine being non relieved S&W targets).

Mine too is a Model 14 (no dash). Serial number is K338057, shipped November 12, 1958. It carries the grips noted, TT/TH, all of which were added after the fact (according to the letter).

Speaking of serial numbers, looking at yours compared to mine I'm inclined to bet yours shipped later than 1960---but also inclined to not bet much more than a nickle (given the crazy shipping dates on some of my guns).

As to who's seen non relieved targets on a Model 14 or 17 when we got them(?), me---on this gun, also on its stablemate----a Model 17 #K328349, shipped October 2, 1958. It shipped with TT & TH----the grips added later (per letter). I don't know diddly about model number revolvers/their accessories, my collection stopping with 5 screw examples. These two came to me in settlement of a debt. The valuation was more than fair, and they're like new, so what's not to like?

Ralph Tremaine

 

[Targets Guy]

Beautiful revolvers fellas.

 

[weatherby]

I love John Culina grips and I have a set of John's Maple Grips and they are on my 28-2 with 4 inch barrel.

More from John...

 

[cmansguns]

My 14-3 purchased from the original owners son (original owner deceased). I have not lettered it yet, but the son (who knows absolutely zip about firearms) thought it was bought in 1968 or so, and also thought the grips were original, but as stated....he did not really know, and I bought the gun, not necessarily the story.

Anyway....it is a 14-3 with 8-3/8" heavy Target barrel, Target Trigger, Target Hammer (both .500" wide), and the stocks you see in the photo. It was not wearing these stocks rather an old Mershon (predecessor to Pachmayer) set of rubbers, when I bought it and these in the photo were in the wooden presentation style case, so I don't know if they are original to the gun (no numbers inside grip panels) but will find out when I gather enough loot for a Letter. Appears unfired, haven't shot it myself....still lookin for a rifle bi-pod that fits the barrel to hold the business end up off the ground (I assume you always shoot 8-3/8" barrels from prone position???)

Just addin in to the thread

 

[YeshuaIsa53]

Looking in "The Book, 3rd", your 14-3 may have shipped in 1974 with that 5K serial number. Those grips look about perfect to me from the outside. Hang a bucket of water from those stocks if the front feels that heavy. After a couple of rounds, she may balance a lot better without the bucket of water. Nice dash three.

 

[garander]

I'm about to purchase a 14 no dash #366*** it wears non relieved
Diamond targets , non numbered . The consensus seems they are
Too early for factory issued , but we're probably still readily available
In the late 50s and a common modification for a target gun .
I'm glad to hear of the several no dash guns sporting non relieved diamond targets .

 

[bananaman]

I guess the best way to show how much you like an old gun is to dress it up.
Thought to share the pictures, but must give credit to the Signature Grade KSB Target Grips with Medallions to John Culina. I especially liked these grips for the small dark slice showing amongst the birdseyes on these awesome Birdseye Maple Culina grips.

Why do I like the gun? Well, what's not to like about a Model 14? K395xxx is this one's serial number. It most likely was shipped around 1960. It is a no dash, as we call them. The Model 14-1 started shipping in 1959, according to the 3rd edition of the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson. I'm sure they didn't waste anything. I would try not to waste anything.

This is a four screw variation, of course. That is another thing I like about this gun. The way these things cut paper never ceases to amaze me.

You can look, but I do have a question. This gun was wearing non-relieved diamond targets. Who has seen a Model 14 or Model 17 that had those on it when you purchased the gun? According to Jim King in the aforementioned book, 1955 was when the smaller football cut, first reliefs were starting to be used in Walnut. I may be missing the correct grips for this?

Another question: what was the time-frame when the target hammers and triggers started showing up? If you wish to share information, thoughts, or post a picture: please do. Thanks for looking.

Very NICE! It is hard to beat a 14. I have a -3 (1977) that shoots quite well. Come to think of it, looks good too. Your wood sure offers some nice contrast. Bob

 

[KalamazooKid]

These are classy looking guns!

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