Model 14 Single Action?

[Driftwood Johnson]

Howdy

I have a question about the lockwork of the single action only Model 14s. Were these made by simply deleting the double action sear? Or were there other changes inside to the lockwork? Was the locktime of the single action only versions the same as the standard model?

Thanks

 

[824tsv]

This should answer your question.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-re...39-model-14-3-single-action-only-factory.html

 

[Driftwood Johnson]

Thanks, that explains a lot.

However I am still curious, what did the single action only version offer that the standard Model 14 did not?

One post talks about a lighter trigger. Is that true? Also, did they have a faster lock time than the standard model?

Thanks

 

[H Richard]

A lighter trigger for more consistent accuracy for the 25 yard and 50 yard bullseye competition. The lock time wasn't appreciably changed.

I was just in a bidding situation last Sat. on a 14-1 SAO. It was a nice gun, about 95% but with an incorrect box (for a 14-3). No mention of a SAO. Only by picking the gun up and inspecting it did I discover it was an SAO. I bid up to $650 on it "hoping" it was a factory SAO, but couldn't justify going any higher on a "hope". The other bidders went $700 (and didn't know it was a SAO, and the last bidder went $750 and got it. I spoke to him later and he felt it was factory SAO. I hope he was right.

 

[Driftwood Johnson]

Thanks

That's what I wanted to know.

 

[Tired Gunsmith]

Single action only K-38 revolvers used a totally different Hammer and Rebound Spring than those used in 'standard' revolvers.
These parts were available from the parts department as well.
Only true determination on an "SA" only revolver is the factory letter.

 

[bananaman]

I personally would not go looking for a single action 14. Certainly would not turn down a nice 1 at a decent price. 14's are just cool guns. I have a 14-3. One of my best buys. Bob

 

[model3sw]

On a factory SAO, test by TRIPLE checking the gun is empty.

Only after you check for the 4th time that the cylinder is empty, close the cylinder, point in a safe direction then pull the trigger ( with the hammer down, naturally) On a factory SAO, the hammer dips FORWARD and the cylinder will index smoothly and easily. Very smooth, light trigger pull. Do that several times to make sure it's smooth. A K-38 with the factory SA kit will do EXACTLY the same, if installed properly e.g. without short cutting the process. THEN, of course, try it by manually pulling the hammer back to dry fire a few times. Last, with the hammer back, press both your thumbs behind the hammer spur. Push forward. If the hammer / sear is in excellent condtion, the hammer will not "push off". If it pushes off, put it down and find another one.

Most home-done SA conversions, (done without buying the SA parts) will not act the same way. Once you've handled a few you can almost sense the difference as soon as you pick it up.

To me, the deciding factor is that hammer dipping FORWARD when the trigger is pulled with the hammer down.

Years ago, I happened upon one by sheer coincidence. Since I already like the K-38s ( early postwar pre-model number, plus a few pre war M&P Target sight configuration .38s) I figured ... why not ? I had no idea how scare they were or were not, only that though it was not an ordinary K-38. I find it much nicer to shoot. Most of them manufactured in the 1970s at a time when the factory quality took a big dive for awhile, this was an exception.

I have 3 SA K-38s , one with a 8+3/8" barrel. I've only seen them in the 14-1 to 14-3 models. Not saying that is all there is, but rather, that's all I've seen.

The factory blister pack for the K series Single Action conversion is getting pretty difficult to find over the past 20 years. Years ago you could find them quite easily.

If you're ever tempted to purchase a factory K series SA conversion kit (works on most K's of the 1960s to 1980s except the K-22) do NOT buy an open package no matter what the seller guarantees it is.

I have 2 sealed K-38 SA conversion kits. I will be dead before they are worth big collectors money ... so ... if anyone is interested please use the e-mail option from my profile on this forum.

 

[rct269]

Methinks of varying shades of horse hockey here! Of course, I could be wrong. I'm not always right, but never in doubt. And that's because I have (pretty much always) heard of these things referred to as "short action single action K-38's"---so much so I came to believe it--without even measuring anything. So I got out one of my trusty rulers.

I measured from the tip of the firing pin (cocked) to the rear of the sight---on one of them there "short action single action" guns------which letters as "single action only"-----.4". Then I did the same thing with a plain vanilla K-38----.5" Time for some figurin'.

So, given the hammer has 20% less distance to go, it seems like maybe it's going to get where it's going some quicker. Of course, I could be wrong----maybe the firing pin's longer---didn't look no longer---didn't measure no longer---neither.

Ralph Tremaine

 

[model3sw]

Methinks of varying shades of horse hockey here! Of course, I could be wrong. I'm not always right, but never in doubt. And that's because I have (pretty much always) heard of these things referred to as "short action single action K-38's"---so much so I came to believe it--without even measuring anything. So I got out one of my trusty rulers.

I measured from the tip of the firing pin (cocked) to the rear of the sight---on one of them there "short action single action" guns------which letters as "single action only"-----.4". Then I did the same thing with a plain vanilla K-38----.5" Time for some figurin'.

So, given the hammer has 20% less distance to go, it seems like maybe it's going to get where it's going some quicker. Of course, I could be wrong----maybe the firing pin's longer---didn't look no longer---didn't measure no longer---neither.

Ralph Tremaine

Ralph. Just for clarification ... you measured 2, post-war K-38s (one DA/SA and one SAO) of the 1970s-1980s time frame, measuring .4" and .5" respectively from the tip of the firing pin to the rear sight ??

 

[elpac3]

SAO were available from the factory and used to be seen occassionally on th efiring line at bullseye matches back when revolvers dominated the compatition in the late 50's and early 60's.

I have a DAO 1955/45 and a 38/44 outdoorsman target with DAO from a former BE shooter.

 

[model3sw]

SAO were available from the factory and used to be seen occassionally on th efiring line at bullseye matches back when revolvers dominated the compatition in the late 50's and early 60's.

I have a DAO 1955/45 and a 38/44 outdoorsman target with DAO from a former BE shooter.

DAO ? Did you mean SAO ? In those years usually defense guns were customized to DAOs with lighter springs and easy trigger pull. Usually with a bobbed hammer and sometimes with a cut-away front trigger guard.

Bullseye shooters were more likely to have SAOs, I think.

 

[gmborkovic]

Originality of a Factory shipped SAO (not DAO) MOD14 can only be ascertained by the Factory Historian to pull the invoice. Letters do not indicate it or a box end label. And kits were available from the factory
to change it to SAO. Still have a sealed kit in the shop. No it is not for sale.
Im not an FFL dealer anymore. Best

 

[rct269]

Yes, Sal---I measured a post-war K-38 (My collection doesn't include a pre-war K-38---- they seem EXTREMELY difficult to come by.), and a Model 14-3 (much as I hate to admit to owning a model number revolver) #3K62552, shipped November 6, 1972, which is (and letters as) "single action only".

It perhaps should be noted I did my very best to find a non-model number SAO K-38---which I've been told exist. (I don't KNOW whether they do or not. I had one, back in the day, when I was punching many holes in many pieces of paper---but I cheated. I made it myself (with a kit from the factory)----back when they called it "short action single action".)

Ralph Tremaine