Model 14 advice needed-

[MarTay6]

Not a regular on here, but right now, I need some advice!
I am looking for a high-quality .38 target revolver, I don't need .357 capability. I love the checkered target hammer/grooved target trigger of the model 14's or K-38's... want the trigger that S&W is famous for... Ruger .357's don't meet the above requirements- nor do Dan Wesson's... or any other brand- Sooooo... the choices are quite obvious!
I know that S&W's are a world unto their own... and there are hundreds of variations- and things to be wary of- so as to not get ripped off.
High condition (98% or better) and suitability for wadcutters, 25/50 yard target shooting are what I'm looking for. Not really familar with the variations in the model 14's (-2, -3, etc). Not interested in the 'collectibility' or rarity.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated- to help keep me from making a foollish purchase.
Thanks-
Wes

 

[DWalt]

If you're interested only in shootability and not collectibility, just make the best deal you can on any K-38 that appears to be in good condition and feels right to you. Don't worry about the dashes or age, all are pretty good.

 

[ken158]

Looks like you got it figured out. K-38 aka model 14 and you are good to go. Usually, the better condition of bluing and grips dictate overall gun condition.

 

[Smith357]

You really can't go wrong with any of the Model 14 variants, I have never shot one that could not out shoot me. The only real differences between the dash numbers is minor production differences and they don't impact the overall accuracy. They are called The Masterpiece for a very good reason. The biggest production change was when they went to a full under-lug barrel, I think that was the -5 but don't quote me on that, nothing wrong with the full lug versions it just may or may not appeal to you.

 

[JP@AK]

I have to agree with most of what has already been said. You figured matters correctly - for your purposes a K-38, whether a Model 14 or an earlier K-38 Masterpiece will more than satisfy your needs.
My suggestion would be to look for a Model 14-3 or 14-4. These are the most often seen variants at reasonable prices. These two variants are also frequently found with target trigger and stocks. Since functionality and not collectibility is your basic criterion, either of those will suit your purpose perfectly. I own several of each of them (two of my 14-3s are factory SAO) and they can all outshoot me.
Good luck, and let us know what you end up with.

 

[MarTay6]

Thanks!!

Well, I greatly appreciate all the responses and support here... very nice to find!
HOW-SOME-EVER... my plans may have gotten delayed a few days.... I just found a single shot black powder pistol on here I've been searching for a looooong time!!!
May just have to dig a little deeper into the bank account!!
Again, thanks for backing up my research.
Wes

 

[DWalt]

Just for informational purposes, the heyday of Bullseye target shooting was in the post-WWII years, through the early 1980s. Competitive Bullseye shooters usually used the S&W K-38 or several corresponding versions of Colt target revolvers, also in .38 Special, in the "Any Centerfire Caliber" stage. Gradually, these shooters adopted the use of the .45 Government autopistol for both .45 and "any Centerfire" stages. I suppose a few diehards continued the use of .38 Special revolvers, but that's a rare practice today. In fact, the great sport of 25 yard and 50 yard Bullseye target shooting is a dim shadow of what it formerly was. Now, everyone wants to shoot Glocks in the various types of "combat-style" shooting matches that are so common now. That's why you see lots of K-38s for sale, as many are from former Bullseye shooters of 30+ years ago that have little further use for them. Not to take anything away from the K-38 and the old Colt target revolvers, but the sport for which they were created is simply not very popular at present. But maybe sometime in the future, competitive Bullseye shooting will return to its former glory - but probably not in my lifetime.

 

[MarTay6]

DWalt-
I was one of those Bullseye shooters- on a Navy pistol team in the early '70's... that's why I still love the guns! None of us on my team used a .38- we all used our .45's for both the .38/.45 stages. I had my own guns, even though the Navy would have provided. I had a Colt MK IV a gunners mate built up for me- I provided the parts and a case of beer! We had an FFL in the club that the team belonged to- at NAS Pensacola- so the gun- purchased new from Gil Hebard- along with the sights, trigger, bushing, etc. cost me a whopping $135 plus the beer for the GM to build the gun! Also had a High Standard Supermatic Citation Military Model 107 that to this day I rue having to sell when I transferred to Bermuda- and couldn't take any of my guns.
I simply want to enjoy shooting .38 wadcutters at 25/50 yards- out of a delightfully accurate pistol- with a great trigger!! Retiring to Maine in a few months- hoping to have enough property to do it in my backyard!
Wes

 

[Lobster Picnic]

The K-38 will be perfect for your needs. I don't know how popular the "sport" is anymore, but hitting what you aim at will never go out of style. My 14-3 is like a short rifle.

 

[DWalt]

DWalt-
I was one of those Bullseye shooters- on a Navy pistol team in the early '70's... that's why I still love the guns! None of us on my team used a .38- we all used our .45's for both the .38/.45 stages. I had my own guns, even though the Navy would have provided. I had a Colt MK IV a gunners mate built up for me- I provided the parts and a case of beer! We had an FFL in the club that the team belonged to- at NAS Pensacola- so the gun- purchased new from Gil Hebard- along with the sights, trigger, bushing, etc. cost me a whopping $135 plus the beer for the GM to build the gun! Also had a High Standard Supermatic Citation Military Model 107 that to this day I rue having to sell when I transferred to Bermuda- and couldn't take any of my guns.
I simply want to enjoy shooting .38 wadcutters at 25/50 yards- out of a delightfully accurate pistol- with a great trigger!! Retiring to Maine in a few months- hoping to have enough property to do it in my backyard!
Wes

I shot Bullseye off and on from the mid-1960s through the early 80s. I had a Colt Match Woodsman for the .22 Stage, an accurized M1911 (yes, a real 1911) for .45, and I actually did use a K-38 in the centerfire stage. I still have the K-38 and the M1911. I wish I still had the Colt Match Woodsman. Due to shoulder problems, my Bullseye days are long behind me. The only way I can shoot a handgun now is from a bench rest or by using two hands.

 

[MarTay6]

...understand..

Getting hard to hold a pistol with one hand here, too!
Wes

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

hitting what you aim at will never go out of style

Can't argue with that.

Retiring to Maine in a few months

Congrats! Hope you find a nice piece of land with a natural shooting berm, a good shade tree, and deaf (or very distant) neighbors.

 

[schmeg]

DWalt-
I was one of those Bullseye shooters- on a Navy pistol team in the early '70's... that's why I still love the guns! None of us on my team used a .38- we all used our .45's for both the .38/.45 stages. I had my own guns, even though the Navy would have provided. I had a Colt MK IV a gunners mate built up for me- I provided the parts and a case of beer! We had an FFL in the club that the team belonged to- at NAS Pensacola- so the gun- purchased new from Gil Hebard- along with the sights, trigger, bushing, etc. cost me a whopping $135 plus the beer for the GM to build the gun! Also had a High Standard Supermatic Citation Military Model 107 that to this day I rue having to sell when I transferred to Bermuda- and couldn't take any of my guns.
I simply want to enjoy shooting .38 wadcutters at 25/50 yards- out of a delightfully accurate pistol- with a great trigger!! Retiring to Maine in a few months- hoping to have enough property to do it in my backyard!
Wes

Bring your Bullseye guns to Maine with you! I shoot in a club just outside Bangor that does winter leagues and a club down in Scarboro (near Portland) is seriously into 1800 and 2700 matches. Larry Guns is also located in state. Jay.

 

[tlay]

When I shot bullseye I used a K22, K38, and a Springfield 45. If you want a target only K38 they make a long barrel version, 8 3/8". It can be used for target or small game.

 

[OKFC05]

But maybe sometime in the future, competitive Bullseye shooting will return to its former glory - but probably not in my lifetime.

As long as our youth gets most of its attitude toward shooting with video games and action movies, I'm afraid "spray and pray" is KING and precision shooting with a revolver is just another funny old story grandpa tells...

I held a special bullseye competition "just for fun" and half the new shooters refused to even TRY to shoot at a 50 yd target one-handed. "Why is the target so far away? Nobody can hit THAT"

 

[pharmer]

I like 14's. Top is a S/A 14-3 in the 12 K ser range. I wouldn't buy one in this configuration but it came to me in payment of a small debt from a friend who got it for free. The middle is a 14-3 in the 1K ser range. It came with magna grips #'d to it but the targets fit better. The 14-5 is front heavy, hard to find and not worth the premium usually charged. They are all very accurate with most loads although folks recommend wadcutters. Joe

 

[MarTay6]

Took the plunge today!!

Thanks for all the advice and encouragement, guys- I appreciate it! Looks like this is just gonna have to be a 2-gun week!
I have been looking at Gunbroker and Gunsamerica for several weeks, and recently this forum... started bookmarking possible candidates, then copying the ads onto one document- to make it easier to compare/keep track of.
One had been continually catching my eye, and today- after 2 calls to the dealer in Iowa, I put a 99% 14-3 on hold. Target trigger/hammer/pinned, all necessities. Looks like the top one in the picture of 3 of Pharmers- same grips.
I had to laugh at the comments about "grandpa's old tales"!! Funny you couldn't get anyone to shoot against you at 50 yards! My local shooting range goes all the way out to- hold your breath, fellas- 15 yards!!! Wowie!! Have been shooting there for a couple of years- since getting back into shooting simply because its the closest one, and usually take my wife- a new shooter, who is only used to the closer distances... like 7-10 yards!
Hoping when we go to Maine later this year to have enough land to shoot on out my back door. Or- perhaps an indoor range in a barn!!
Thanks again for all the input and conversation!
Wes
BTW- the serial # is K854xxx... anyone got the book to date this gun??? I'd sure appreciate knowing... Thanks!

 

[JP@AK]

I haven't shown these pictures in a while, so I guess it is time to drag them out again. I do love the K-38, on both sides of the model number divide! Here's a sampling of those that live with me.
Two 14-4s on top and one 14-3 SAO (lettered) below:

A 4 screw K-38 from 1956; a dash 2; three dash 3s (two are factory SAO); two dash 4s.

Good luck, Wes. You will love the K-38 - I hope as much as I do!

 

[MarTay6]

the serial # is K854xxx... anyone got the book to date this gun??? I'd sure appreciate knowing... Thanks!

 

[selmerfan]

I was in your same shoes a few weeks ago and looking for the same gun. I picked up a shooter grade K-38 from 1948 (first year of production) with all matching numbers. I've been shooting it daily since I picked it up earlier this week. Very, very pleased with the gun and I'm starting to figure this revolver shooting thing out. And I now understand why pistol shooters use progressive presses...