Model 14 - Correct grips?

[C Broad Arrow]

Can anyone tell me if these are the correct grips for this Model 14?
It has a target trigger and hammer. But I think the grips are aftermarket.
Thanks

 

[JP@AK]

I think the grips are aftermarket

They are. They look like Pachmayr.
Depending on which Model 14 you have, the correct stocks will look like one of these:

The second pair down are service stocks from the early 1930s, but the rest would be correct for various K-38 Masterpiece revolvers like yours.
The first, third, fourth and fifth are Magna stocks. The bottom two are targets.
Give us the serial number of your K-38 and we can get more specific.
Jack

 

[hardcase60]

Jack,

Nice collection!! We really need an envy button.

hardcase60

 

[C Broad Arrow]

Thanks Jack...That is, as Tony the Tiger would say a "GRRRRRREAT" answer!. What a very nice collection you have! For the Model 14 are the grips numbered to the gun?

 

[azmick]

The originals would have been numbered if it was made before S&W stopped numbering them (part of the manufacturing process). With the target sights, hammer and trigger, I would guess it came with target stocks.

 

[JP@AK]

For the Model 14 are the grips numbered to the gun?

Magna stocks would have been numbered until sometime in the mid-to-late 1970s. Target stocks were never numbered to the gun (with a few very early exceptions on the Combat Masterpiece, and all of those were unrelieved).
Target stocks with size and part numbers stamped in ink on the inside are factory replacements. Target stocks that shipped on guns were unmarked.
I suspect your example shipped with Target stocks. Again, if you give us the serial number, we can tell you which style Targets to look for if you want stocks that are period correct.
Jack

 

[Engine49guy]

As the others have stated serial number will dictate the Proper' style grips as even the unnumbered target grips changed every 5 or so years so a Pre 14 from 1950 would have different style diamond targets than a 14 no dash that shipped in 1960.

If I dont have the serial numbered Magnas on a post 1950 S&W my next choice is period correct targets .

 

[C Broad Arrow]

Magna stocks would have been numbered until sometime in the mid-to-late 1970s. Target stocks were never numbered to the gun (with a few very early exceptions on the Combat Masterpiece, and all of those were unrelieved).
Target stocks with size and part numbers stamped in ink on the inside are factory replacements. Target stocks that shipped on guns were unmarked.
I suspect your example shipped with Target stocks. Again, if you give us the serial number, we can tell you which style Targets to look for if you want stocks that are period correct.
Jack

Thanks Jack, so if they the stocks were not numbered to the gun then the acquisition of stocks of that vintage via here or eBay would restore the gun (depending upon serial number) to its factory state?

 

[JP@AK]

C Broad Arrow
I'm not sure if I understand your question. So let me answer it this way:
The only way to "restore" your gun to its "factory state" would be to find the exact pair of stocks that bear the serial number for your gun - if it shipped with Magnas, which I doubt. Or, if it shipped with Target stocks, to find the exact pair that left the factory with your gun. That would be impossible to do, since there is no way of identifying those stocks.
So, what you can do is find and purchase stocks that are period correct. Then your gun will look as close as it possibly can to what it looked like when it originally shipped.
Now again, for the third and last time, we need to know the serial number before we can tell you what stocks to look for. They morphed over the years.
Jack

 

[C Broad Arrow]

The serial number on the 14 is … 6K66xxx. Any info or suggestions regarding grips would be appreciated.

 

[DGNY]

If not mentioned earlier, another possible way to determine the original grip configuration is to examine the sides of the frame, for any tell-tale lines or changes in coloration that may hint at one sort of grip or another, especially by indicating the top line of a former grip. Rubber grips are notable for this, especially for trapping moisture, with consequent surface deterioration.

Obviously, such a line may not be determinative, as owners change grips all the time. Yet worth a look.

Regards,

Dyson

 

[Jaymo]

JP@AK, wow, what a collection of 14s.

Did any of the 14s come with PC magnas?
My 15-3 has PC magnas and they look to be original.

 

[JP@AK]

Hi Jaymo
I've never seen a Model 14 that shipped with the PC Magnas. That does not mean it didn't happen. My impression is that those stocks are much more common on the M&P revolver series.
Jack

 

[JP@AK]

The serial number on the 14 is … 6K66xxx.

Okay. Thanks.
This indicates a shipping date of 1975. I think your revolver would have shipped with Target stocks and they most likely had the "football" relief with no diamond around the screw holes. Here is a photo:

This is actually a Model 15 Combat Masterpiece, but the stock style would be correct except for the diamond.
Jack

 

[Engine49guy]

Football relieved non diamond targets like the middle gun,

Many people purchased the fancier Goncalvo Alves (GA's) or Rosewood target grips after purchase as they were OEM on the 357 Combat magnum,
IMO Walnut targets are the proper style for factory equipped Model 14's and 17's.

Also factory football cut targets have either black or Stainless steel washers inside them,
For your gun SS is period correct not the older black ones.

 

[JP@AK]

Okay, fine, Engine49guy. I can show three Model 14s also. Again, the middle revolver is wearing the correct stocks for your revolver, C Broad Arrow. And I agree with Engine49guy, you want walnut, not Goncalo Alves.

 

[usnrigger]

This is my 14-2 from around 1967 - K7634XX Mine was shipped with TT, TH, and Target Stocks as box states. As stated TS are not serialized to gun, but I with condition and original receipt in box im sure they are correct. They also shipped with Magna Grips depending. Just caught the 6K serial start not a K7 - so they would be later none diamonds, what dash was it?

 

[Engine49guy]

Hi Jaymo
I've never seen a Model 14 that shipped with the PC Magnas. That does not mean it didn't happen. My impression is that those stocks are much more common on the M&P revolver series.
Jack

PC's did occasionally come on various other models but are most common on M&P snubs .

Middle gun in pic is a Model 14-2 that shipped with the PC Magnas.

 

[C Broad Arrow]

Okay. Thanks.
This indicates a shipping date of 1975. I think your revolver would have shipped with Target stocks and they most likely had the "football" relief with no diamond around the screw holes. Here is a photo:

This is actually a Model 15 Combat Masterpiece, but the stock style would be correct except for the diamond.
Jack

Thanks Jack...I have been trying to figure out in which direction to take my collection. The truth of the matter is that any old S&W is worth collecting as the new stuff, although well made for the most part - and I mean stuff from all manufacturers - just does not have the soul that older revolvers have. The hand machining, fitting, materials, workmanship etc. (and again not all of the old stuff is good) just speaks to me and I suspect others as opposed to a G17 fresh in the plastic case.

I came across this Model 14 last year and it has languished in my safe as work took over my life and it wasn't until the Christmas break I was able to revisit the firearm. I love shooting the 38 special. Its fun, pleasurable and non-punishing. I took the 14 up to the range and it was like love for the first time.

I can now appreciate what the others have said about this model. So much now that I think this is an area of S&W collecting that I will spend more time looking into. I have another one I am looking at serial number K312XXX. The owner, not a S&W collector, says he thinks it has , in his words, been "reworked". Meaning refinished or re-blued.

Everything has been done via email and I am sure he is an honourable man based on the exchanged we have had. Any idea of the age of this one? It looks right to me. I have asked for a picture with the grips off.

Your thoughts, as well as the other amazing contributors to this thread are most welcome. I thank you all in advance.

 

[Engine49guy]

Serial puts it around 1957 which is a 4 screw , probably a non model marked gun but could be marked Mod 14 in that time frame also.

Grips look correct but I am hesitant to comment on condition from one blurry side shot,

 

[Sebago Son]

Stocks...

JP@AK, wow, what a collection of 14s.

Did any of the 14s come with PC magnas?
My 15-3 has PC magnas and they look to be original.

The earliest used, correct factory nominclature for this stock pattern is "Modified Magna".



In the 1952 Centennial Catalog, where these stocks were annouced, it is indicated that any model could be ordered with Modifieds.





However, if we are discussing the standard bill of materails, the "Modifieds" were standard on the fixed sighted, M&P-types such as the 10, 12, 13, 64, 65, etc. "Origional" (square edged) Magnas were standard for the target sighted guns when not shipped with Oversized Targets.



Drew

 

[C Broad Arrow]

Just caught the 6K serial start not a K7 - so they would be later none diamonds, what dash was it?

Hi there... It is a Model 14-3

 

[Cloewen]

Hello
I know this is an old post. Hopefully someone sees it and responds.
I have a S&W pre 14, s/n 100271, serial number is stamped on butt, on the cylinder, and bottom side of the barrel under the ejection rod.
Seems to have been born in 1951.
Can someone send pics of the correct stocks and correct box type?
Thank you
Charles

 

[JP@AK]

Hi Charles

I have a S&W pre 14, s/n 100271

First, the full serial number would be K100271. The K is part of the serial number even if it is spaced away from the digits.

Note: The correct name for your revolver is K-38 Masterpiece.

Seems to have been born in 1951

That would be a very good guess. I know of three units in the K99000 range that shipped in December, 1950.

Can someone send pics of the correct stocks and correct box type?

Correct stocks would be diamond Magna with the sharp shoulder, illustrated on the bottom gun in this picture:

The box would be the gold one. Even though this one is for a K-22, it would look like this:

 

[austintexas]

Reblued or not

This is not foolproof but I usually check the ejector rod end, Evidently the cylinder was fitted last after bluing, when it was fitted the end of the ejector button was turned to fit. This removed the bluing. Most times when a revolver was reblued the person doing the reblue doesn't remove the blue from the ejector button. Just my guess but it seems to work for me.
SWCA 892