Model 14-3 - Single Action Only - $699???

[HWayne]

I was at a gun show this past weekend and saw a pretty nice looking 14-3 with some moderate holster wear around the muzzle and some other minor wear marks, but it looked pretty good overall. What really caught my attention was that is was advertised as 'single action only'. I understand that these were pretty rare, and I didn't think they were made as late as the -3 model. The seller wanted $699 and I was tempted, but had just purchased a Remington Model 870 Magnum, so I had spent my budget for the day. Did I pass on a real gem at a fair price? What do you think?

 

[gunlovingirl]

I can't comment on the value, as I haven't seen any sell recently. But if I recall, all the model 14 single actions I've seen have been 14-3. Someone will be along with a lot more knowledge than me to give you a value.

 

[murphydog]

That may be a fair price for a NIB factory SAO model 14, but I don't think you missed out at the asking price. Also, this is an easy conversion, so without a factory letter its history would be unclear.

 

[pharmer]

Top 14-3, 12K ser# is SAO. I'm sure lots less shipped this way. S&W customer service is unable to verify if shipped in that configuration. Nice guy said Jinks letter is only way. HTH Joe

 

[paplinker]

I ran across a 14-3 with sao written on the box in the past

 

[shep854]

By 'SAO' do you mean the hammer has to be manually cocked* (as with the S&W Russian or Colt SAA), or that it cannot be thumb-cocked**??

*The classical meaning of 'single-action': The trigger only has one function; to release the hammer to fire the gun

**Known mainly as 'Double-Action Only' (DAO), since the trigger performs the two actions of cocking and firing the gun.

 

[mtgianni]

SAO the target K's were made with a single action hammer for manuall cocking only. The hammer was easily replaced for DA if you wished. Some thought there was an advantage for PPC with a SA hammer.

 

[shep854]

SAO the target K's were made with a single action hammer for manuall cocking only. The hammer was easily replaced for DA if you wished. Some thought there was an advantage for PPC with a SA hammer.

Thank you! I thought that might be the case, but still...