model 14?

[ewerman]

hello,
newbie here.

i just purchased my first wheel gun for target shooting.

i think it maybe a model 14/38spl 6" barrel

the serial # is K319758.

i'm hoping a forum member may chime in to help me
to determine the manufacture year and model.

thanks,
ewerman

 

[Willyboy]

Mod 14 DOM

Early 1958 for your mod 14 according to the SCSW.

 

[Speedo2]

Well, if it looks sorta like this one, then it's probably a pre-14; possibly a first-year M14; 4-screw K38 Target Masterpiece. This one (pictured below) is SM K3024xx; mfg'd in 1957 according to SCSW3. 1957 is when S&w started marking model numbers; mine is not so marked. A couple of crappy inventory photos:

(maybe one of these days, I'll get around to cleaning it)
Hope this helps. -S2

 

[ewerman]

thanks for the posts fellas,

mine is like the photo but without the wood factory grips.

the seller said gun was made in 58. has two side plate screws and one screw in the front of the trigger guard.

thanks for the help.

ewerman

 

[bamabiker]

There should be three side plate screws, one will be under the grip and you can't see it until you take the grip off.

 

[cptdco]

I can't think of a more classic target-shooting revolver then the Smith and Wesson K38 Maasterpiece.

 

[Hawg Rider]

I'm considering picking up a 6" Model 14 from my local gun shop...probably 95%, target stocks, no box/papers/tools...$495. I shoot on a team and they recently dropped the competition from 10-rds/distance to 6-rds so that wheel gunners could shoot, too. Pretty tempting, but I have my fun money set aside for an N-frame. If I don't strike pay dirt at the gun show this weekend, I may have to bring that 14 home.

 

[Jimmymac46]

Get the 14

May I suggest you acquire the Model 14. Getting harder to find, a great shooter, perhaps Smith's best 38, and class in every way. An 'N' frame (what 'N' frame if I can ask) can come later.

 

[Smithboomer]

Hawg Rider, I'd wait for the N-frame.

I have two Model 14s and they are the sweetest target .38 revolvers you will ever see, but I'd sell them both before I parted with my 6" Model 28.

 

[jhvaughan2]

Hard, hard choice. But for me the decision would be what round do you want to shoot. My personal opinion the M14 is the best .38 shooter short of any custom job. I dont know why but it just feels better than my m19.

The m27/28 are very very sweet but are also heaver (and to be slightly less appealing) and it is going to be more expensive in that condition.

On the other hand if I had my heart set on .357 or 44 then I'd go with the N frame. (But I do love my 19)

So to reaffirm the advice you often see on this board "get both"

 

[Hawg Rider]

Sorry Ewerman- I think that I just stole your thread! I normally shoot a S&W 1911 in competition, and I can continue to shoot that sweet .45 auto. However, I thought that I'd try my hand with a revolver. I'm a novice collector, and I've started with N-frames (6" pre-Model 27, 3-1/2" Model 27, 4" Model 28, and a 6" Model 29). I've got fun money set aside for either a 5" Model 27 or a 4" Model 29, or even a 4" Model 57 if I can find one reasonably priced. After awhile I'll pick up a 6" Model 28, and who knows how many more! However, none of these are really suited for competition, that's why I was considering the 6" Model 14. Excellent target revolver, K-frame size and weight, modest recoil with the .38 Spl. cartridge, decent price.

 

[woad_yurt]

Another Model 14 fan here. I have two (4" & 8 3/8") and those triggers are slicker than any other stock K-frames I've ever shot. I'd like to get a 6" one sometime.