Opinions on Model 14 with 8-3/8th barrel

[Ranger81]

I am considering purchasing a 70's era model 14-3, with the 8-3/8th barrel. I think it would make for a really fun range gun, however I have never handled a revolver with this particular barrel length.

I have some concerns about the gun being too muzzle heavy, and/or too heavy in general. I have a 4-inch barrel GP100 which weighs 38 oz. After a long range session, it starts to feel really heavy. I'm hoping the model 14 with long barrel isn't much heavier than this.

Is the 14-3 very muzzle heavy with the 8-3/8th barrel?

Thanks,

 

[Sevens]

I find it not at all muzzle heavy.

Obviously, this is a very subjective thing. However let me say it this way… I feel like my 6-inch Model 686 is outrageously muzzle heavy and just plain GANGLY by the end of a 50-round box.

My 8-3/8" Model 14-3 feels svelte in comparison.

 

[lrrifleman]

Expect the 8.375" barrel to be heavier. IIRC, the 6" K22, K32, and K38s were all manufactured to be 38 ounces. In this manner, the target revolvers were the same approximate empty weight as a 1911 Gold Cup.

 

[Ranger81]

Thanks for the replies. If the 6 inch version is 38 oz, would a good guesstimate be a few ounces more for the 8-3/8th version? 42ish oz. maybe? I guess the partial underlug helps keep it from being too muzzle heavy.

 

[GypsmJim]

When I search for new Smiths to add to my collection 8 3/8" is ALL I look for.

 

[22hipower]

I don't have a 8 3/8 14 but I do have that barrel length in 48s, 27s, 29s, 57s and perhaps a few others. I don't think you'll find the 14 to be muzzle heavy, I use to hunt woodchucks with one of my 27s decades ago. The only thing I didn't like, and wouldn't today either, is carrying that barrel length in the field, which I assume won't be an issue for you using it at the range. Enjoy it.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[sceva]

I had an 8 3/8" Mod 14 many years ago. I could never warm up to the long barrel. It just didn't feel right in my hand. I found I liked 4" N-frames and 6" Masterpieces better.

 

[madmikeb]

I'm a big fan of the long tubes, I have several including a 14 and I think they're great. They balance fine and the long sight radius makes them easier to shoot. I don't know if I can say that it's my favorite barrel length, but they're right up there!

 

[Shotguncoach]

As others have said they are difficult to carry afield in a holster but they make awesome range guns. Mine does not feel muzzle heavy at all and it only gets shot classic one-hand bullseye style.

 

[YeshuaIsa53]

99% Model 14 with long tube at decent price is coming home.
97% Model 14 with 6" tube at decent price? The condition outranks the length to me.

 

[Chuck24]

Most of my collection are long barrels and I love them

 

[.38SuperMan]

I just picked up a 99% 14-4 8-3/8's last week. I've not had a chance to shoot it thanks to rain but will have it at the range Monday. I also have a 6" 14 and the longer barrel doesn't feel any more front heavy than the 6". To me the balance feels very natural.

I owned and shot quite a bit with a 10.5" Ruger Super Blackhawk. The barrel was a little long for my needs but as far as balance it was very well balanced as well.

Edit: The grips on my 6" had to go. I need to make a new photo of it with the new target grips.

 

[Dave.357]

Nothing wrong with 8-3/8 s guns.
I have a few and like them.
I find no advantage in Accuracy ,
There may be a slight advantage to
long range shooting from a rest do to
Sight Radius.

 

[glenwolde]

I shot one quite a bit and did not have a problem. I had an 8 3/8 Model 17 to match. I did have a problem with 8" Pythons and heavy barrel Dan Wessons. Way too heavy even for my younger self.

My problem with them is they just don't fit well in most range bags which seem to be barely able to handle 6" revolvers these days. That ended up being a bigger deal than I thought it would. To me. If that doesn't bother you I don't think you'll have a problem.

 

[Roofuss]

Have 3 long barreled guns, a model 14-4, a model 57 no dash, and a model 29-3 silhouette . Love the 8 3/8" and notice no real muzzle heaviness or general heftiness with any of them.... Actually prefer them to shorter barreled guns .

 

[Rpg]

I think of revolvers as handguns for field work.

I have no use for a Kframe 22 with a 8 7/8" barrel: it's simply too large for field use. It fine for range use where you're only carrying it from your car to the firing line, but lugging it around in the field for 8-12 hours isn't something that interests me.

 

[GypsmJim]

Just had another thought. I also have a Ruger Single Six in 9 1/2" and that's also one of my favorites.

 

[austintexas]

8 3/8ths

The only revolver I shoot in 8 3/8s is my M 29. I don't consider the barrel length to be a hindrance.

SWCA 892

 

[GypsmJim]

I think of revolvers as handguns for field work.

I have no use for a Kframe 22 with a 8 7/8" barrel: it's simply too large for field use. It fine for range use where you're only carrying it from your car to the firing line, but lugging it around in the field for 8-12 hours isn't something that interests me.

One of my deer guns is a Ruger .45 Colt Blackhawk with a 7 1/2" barrel. To add insult to injury It also has a 4x Scope on it (not a dinky red dot, but a "real" scope). No real holsters available, so I bought some leather and made my own shoulder holster.

I lug it around day after day and don't even think about it. In contrast, my buddy will only carry plastic with negligible recoil.

Different strokes for different folks.

 

[AveragEd]

Back in the mid-1970s, I stumbled upon a new 8-3/8" Model 14 and bought it for the sum of $144.95. I wanted it for hunting groundhogs on my wife's parents' farm but it shot so flat with 110-grain JHP bullets that I sent it back to S&W. They changed the rear sight blade for me and it was a fun gun for hunting those critters.

Ed