Model 14 Factory Single Action ?

[Fredo Batali]

I have a Model 14-3 on hold at my LGS until it's "repaired". I know the factory produced some single action only Model 14's. My questions is this. When the trigger is pulled double action, what happens with the hammer? On this revolver the cylinder turns "smartly" and locks up. The hammer only raises about 3/16 to 1/4 inch and falls. The revolver locks up and fires without a hitch in single action mode. The LGS swears it's broken and I'm thinking it's a single action from the factory. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

De Oppresso Liber

 

[jasperbob42]

Many years ago I owned one bought in Spokane, WA.
When the trigger was pulled in double-action mode the cylinder
would turn and the hammer would fall back a bit but not enough
to fire the round. It was a beauty and sorry to have sold it. There was a special kit from S&W wich would return the M-14 to 'normal.' Have fun.

 

[PPCSHOOTER]

THERE IS NO SECONDARY SEAR ON THE HAMMER TO ENGAGE AND CONTINUE THE HAMMER MOVEMENT ON A SINGLE STAGE HAMMER. IF YOU MANUALLY COCK THE GUN TO THE SINGLE ACTION MODE, LOOK DOWN INTO THE HAMMER SLOT. YOU CAN EASILY COMPARE IT TO A STANDARD DA/SA HAMMER TO SEE THE DIFFERENCE. JIM P

HOBBY HELP AT SOME GUNS STORES MAY BE A LITTLE ON THE DIM SIDE.

 

[VM]

THERE IS NO SECONDARY SEAR ON THE HAMMER TO ENGAGE AND CONTINUE THE HAMMER MOVEMENT ON A SINGLE STAGE HAMMER. IF YOU MANUALLY COCK THE GUN TO THE SINGLE ACTION MODE, LOOK DOWN INTO THE HAMMER SLOT. YOU CAN EASILY COMPARE IT TO A STANDARD DA/SA HAMMER TO SEE THE DIFFERENCE. JIM P

HOBBY HELP AT SOME GUNS STORES MAY BE A LITTLE ON THE DIM SIDE.

agreed

F.B. - here's a thread that shows the SA hammer (look at post #7)
http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-ha.../289164-k-38-heavy-5-screw-single-action.html

 

[Gunhacker]

Hope you got the LGS to give you a good price on that "broken" M14 FYI, S&W also sold kits to convert standard M14's to SA only.

 

[Bullet Bob]

Run get that thing back before they "fix" it!

 

[garbler]

Pull your side plate off and look at the hammer. If it looks like the hammer on the right in the attached photo then that is the SA modified hammer S&W made for the K-38/14 for Bullseye shooters. I heard they made one for the early 1950 and 1955/25 45 acp guns also but they were only handed out at Camp Perry and not readily available. Just an unconfirmed rumor.

You will note there is no sear or even pin hole for the sear. There is no true hammer seat to speak of just the SA notch to engage the trigger bevel. So without a sear there is no linkage for moving and loading the hammer to DA. I don't see how anybody could have a hammer cock or even move without a sear. I don't own anymore of these guns but as I recall when you pulled the trigger nothing happened at all. What you did get was a shorter cocking range on the hammer — not a lot though.

Don't let that gunsmith pull that out and walk off with it. They are worth a bit these days

 

[Fredo Batali]

Thanks for the replies and information. I plan to purchase this revolver but want to be sure it's what I think it is. I'll go by there this week and confirm what it is. You guys are a great resource.

De Oppresso Liber

 

[Juedoo]

These are all great replies about the S&W model 14. I too recently purchased a model 14-4 that is in nice condition. The guy only wanted $175 for the pistol. At the pickup location I checked the tightness, timing, overall condition. Once I got home, I realized that the hammer on the gun would not go very far back while pulling the trigger in the double action mode. Thinking I let the good price cloud my judgement and possibly got a lemon, I decided to do some researching on line before I did anything dumb and found this info on the SA model 14's. One guy told me to check the tension screw under the grip to make sure it hadn't backed out. It was ok. That's when I started doing more research. I've not taken the sideplate off and don't guess I really need to? These threads have been very helpful. Not only in this instance but others. I just got into the S&W revolvers about 3 years ago. The fever is really addicting. Just go tired of the all the polymer weapons and since I'm old school anyway at 62, I just liked the feel and craftsmanship of the older, pre hole models. Always looking for another buy on one. Wife will croak if she ever finds out what I've got invested in them.