Model 14-3 Single Action

[Herb686]

Just shot a friends 14-3 (TH and TT with 6" barrel), about 15 years old. Would only fire single action. When trying to fire double action, the trigger would fully cycle but the hammer move back maybe 1/8" then dropped forward. I Had a Model 14 (K38 Masterpiece from the 70's but it fired double and single action - I let it go several years ago). What goes with my friend's revolver????

 

[kennyb]

many of the model 14's were shipped to fire only in single action mode...they are matched in weight with k-22 masterpiece and k-32 masterpiece and were offered as a matching companion target competition gun...a slight premium is attached to the single action only variation...the 14-3 was produced between 1967-1977 the single action extended into 1982

 

[Dale53]

It has been converted to "single action only". That was a fairly popular conversion when revolvers ruled Bullseye matches. It was believed that the trigger pull was "just a bit" better and the "cocking stroke" was shorter on the hammer making rapid fire somewhat easier. The shorter stroke also gave a shorter hammer fall with quicker lock time.

FWIW
Dale53

 

[Herb686]

Thanks!

Appreciate the info - I shot BE many years ago but not with a revolver. 5 shots in 10 seconds with a revolver wasn't my game!

 

[Bullet Bob]

In addition to S&W shipping them that way from the factory, you could also buy a trigger kit to install one yourself in your DA K38. As far as I know, only a factory letter will tell you for sure which way one came, unless it's a dash variation way after S&W quit shipping complete K38 SA's on a regular basis, then it's mostly like from the factory kit..

I have several K38 Masterpieces; it's the gun that got me into pistol shooting in the early 70's, and still my favorite. Not too heavy or too light, it's a plinker's delight.

My one example of a SA K38 is easier to cock; I would think that would be appreciated over the course of a match. It's my most accurate one, but with my skills that's not saying much

Really one of the most fun shooters of the classics, or any other generation.

 

[THREEDFLYER]

If a 14-3 was built and shipped at the factory as an SA only, does this add a premium to the value?
Tom

 

[civil1977]

Yes, usually around $100-150.

 

[Mike McLellan]

At the moment, on ebay, there is a single-action-only trigger for sale if you want to see the differences.

 

[45Wheelgun]

Here is a thread on the subject started by Threeflyer which has pictures and details. "Many" is not the word I would use to describe the number of SAO Model 14 shipped. Most SAO Model 14's you will encounter will have had the SAO setup installed after the gun left the factory.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1961-1980/307139-model-14-single-action-only-factory.html

 

[randall k]

sa

Mine is marked on box SA,has tt th and standard grips.Great plinker!! Randall

 

[model3sw]

Hey, guys. I found a few old, related thread on the k38 Single Action. Thought I'd bump them to the top. good stuff in here.