Model 14 - if we do this right it can be an ultimate thread

[ISCS Yoda]

Earlier today I posted a new thread that started like this:

Today's Ampersand had a thread about the Model 14, started in 2010, actually, so I got to thinking, and wondering what they go for these days. I hopped onto an auction site and was amazed at the high dollar amount.

I know a little about Model 14s because I'm a small collector of .38s and .357s but the operative term is "a little". I don't have the collection of some really serious, long term collectors, or the research details and background, but I do my limited best. Anyway, knowing that there was such a thing as a Model 14Target Masterpiece is one thing. Knowing anything about it in real detail is another. When I read that 2010 thread I began to wonder - what am I missing?

I know a lot about a lot of guns because I have a lot guns, and firearms have been my hobby for decades, so I read up on them, study various aspects of the shooting world, etc.

I read Roy Jinks' book for a host of purposes, too, and the SCSW, but I never focused on the Model 14. So I really know nothing about it, except that it exists (or existed - I guess both terms work). So, I am simply going to ask - what was so special about the Model 14 that it has become a collector's dream, the holy grail for some folks, etc.?

I'll enjoy this!!!

Thanks.

***GRJ***

 

[KLYDE]

Had a dash 3 and sold it. Having mostly fixed sight guns I missed the target model and realized that the M 14 is almost mandatory to any respectable .38 Spl collection. I didn't hesitate a second when I saw this dash 2 a month or so back. I feel whole again.

 

[Gun 4 Fun]

I think a lot of the popularity stems from fond memories of days gone by at S&W, internet hype that it's currently one of the guns "to have" so everyone has to have one, and the fact that they are target grade guns which makes punching paper a lot of fun when the gun will shoot tight little clusters.

Here is the 14-1 I just picked up. I didn't need it, but I sure wanted it since it is a dash one.

 

[Xfuzz]

1957 K38 with old Lewis rig.

 

[YeshuaIsa53]

I have mixed emotions about the currently high prices. Remember buying my very first 14-2 4" Dayton bull barrel from a kind gentleman right here on the forum. Still have and cherish the note that came with it, telling me to enjoy this kind of rare Model 14. That note is, to me, part of the gun. Thanks again, Charlie.

I liked the 14 because it was awesome and in my price range almost. First one I ever had was a one hole gun at 25' with 148 grain wadcutters reloaded. Someone jealous poured water into the plastic-coated box. I had a friend who studied under a national champion, so he took the gun and touched off the rust and taught me how to be a better shot. That would be the base or cornerstone of my collection from there on.

I keep learning from guys here, like SmithNut. I think the prices are just keeping up with the rest of the S&Ws. Fine handguns.

Two of my favorites....

 

[bmcgilvray]

Bought this one new in early 1980. It's a really fine, accurate Model 14. This one took a small Texas whitetail buck in the early 1980's.

 

[bgrafsr]

Okay, here we go.

Model 14-5:
http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bgrafsr/media/IMG_0546.jpg.html

Model 14-3:
http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bgrafsr/media/IMG_0404.jpg.html

Model 14-2, Single Action only:
http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bgrafsr/media/IMG_0438.jpg.html

Model 14-1:
http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bgrafsr/media/IMG_0416.jpg.html

1956 K-38 Target Masterpiece:
http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bgrafsr/media/IMG_0123.jpg.html

 

[Fredo Batali]

Here are my three. I sure like me a Model 14.

De Oppresso Liber

 

[pennlineman]

 

[civil1977]

Here is a 14-5 from 1991. One of the first run with the full lug barrel after the 14-4 was discontinued in 1982. There's a decent 14-2 around here somewhere but I don't have a picture.

 

[Checkman]

Picked this one up three years ago in a pawn shop. It's a Pre-Model 14 4 screw K-38. Finish is a little rough, but it shoots like a dream and mechanically it's in great shape. Got it just before the hype started so it was very reasonably priced. At the time it was just a long barreled 38 Special revolver and who wanted one of those?

 

[arjay]

Found this '58 4 screw a few years ago.

Sent from my Dick Tracy 2 way wrist radio.

 

[r3captain]

Here's my collection of 1 Model 14....in 3 different moods. It actually has 4, but I didn't want to subject you to faux stags

 

[steamloco76]

Two Model 14's are part of my collection. The first is a Model 14 no dash dating to 1959. I tried to buy this gun off a floor walker at a gun show for $450 but he said no. A year later I ended up getting it for $375 when he sold it on a local forum. Now wearing a set of Ahrend's Retro target grips. She shoots better than she looks too!

14-3 with TT, TH and Magna stocks with box now wearing fancy Hogue wood. A beauty, however the older no dash is more accurate!

 

[fyimo]

I have at least one or two

 

[mkk41]

14 , 14-1 , 14-2 , 14- whatever! It's still the K-38 Masterpiece and it ruled .38 bullseye shooting competitions (along with the Colt Officers Model Match) for many years!

Here's my oft-posted 'transitional' Model 14-2 4-screw. Serial number K454007 says she was made in 1960. Professionally engraved on the sideplate as a presentation piece from a former county sheriff in 1965.


A subsequent owner scribed his name into the sideplate with a sharp scriber. Perhaps whoever won it?


Oh well , I was looking for a shooter when I fount it with Pachmayrs , trigger shoe and a lot of dirt and lead from .38 specials. But it cleaned up very nicely. A 1960 4-screw 14-2 probably woulda cost a lot more than what I paid without the added artwork.

 

[fletre]

 

[Gun 4 Fun]

14 , 14-1 , 14-2 , 14- whatever! It's still the K-38 Masterpiece and it ruled .38 bullseye shooting competitions (along with the Colt Officers Model Match) for many years!

Here's my oft-posted 'transitional' Model 14-2 4-screw. Serial number K454007 says she was made in 1960. Professionally engraved on the sideplate as a presentation piece from a former county sheriff in 1965. A subsequent owner scribed his name into the sideplate with a sharp scriber.





Oh well , I was looking for a shooter when I fount it with Pachmayrs , trigger shoe and a lot of dirt and lead from .38 specials. But it cleaned up very nicely. A 1960 4-screw 14-2 probably woulda cost a lot more than what I paid without the added artwork.

Interesting, and just goes to show that you never know with S&W, nor when a gun may have shipped vs what the book says about the serial number. My 14-1 has a higher serial number than your -2, and it shipped in May '62. I see yours has the -2 ejector rod, while mine has a -1 rod and four screws.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

Delicious. I'll have to have one some day soon. A single action would be perfect for me as a cowboy action shooter. We'll see!

Excellent responses!

***GRJ***

 

[Old cop]

Can anyone tell me the difference between the Model 14 & the Model 15? I was issued a M15 four inch way back when and it too was a tack-driver, shot better than I did.