Possible Unicorn model 14-3 357 1972

[Jamsystems]

Local gun shop has a model 14-3 357 made in 1972
It is stamped 14-3 but is def a 357 4”

Called smith and they have no record of such a gun.

I don’t have pics or a serial number yet

Help?

 

[Sevens]

First thing we wanna know is what the front sight and the ejector shroud look like.

The most likely answer is that it is a simple mis-stamp.

 

[JP@AK]

Is the extractor rod shrouded? If so, it is a Model 19, assuming it really is a K frame with an adjustable rear sight.

 

[hkcavalier]

Friday afternoon, thinking about which pitcher of beer you're gonna get down at the local watering hole after a long week at S&W stamping guns...I'm with Sevens' and JP@AK's educated hypotheses.

If a bird looks and quacks like a duck, stamping "CHICKEN" on its neck won't change much of consequence.

 

[JP@AK]

If a bird looks and quacks like a duck, stamping "CHICKEN" on its neck won't change much of consequence.

It will still be able to swim . . .

 

[Rob613]

I had a 19-3 that was stamped 18-3, .22 didn’t work well in those big holes.

 

[Jamsystems]

I’ll have pics in the am

Is something like this worth much? I have berettas and any type of mis mark etc make they valuable to collectors

 

[Engine49guy]

Mismarked guns don't add value unless there is someone out there that collects mismarked guns.

Of course if mismarking a SW added value people would place an order for a Model 19 and ask them to stamp it as a 14-9.

If it's a Model 14 that has a 357 barrel and cylinder swapped I'd pass.
They way to tell is if the ejector rod shroud overhang the frame in the yoke cut because Model 19 frames are longer there to mate to the shroud but 14 frames were not until the 14-5 revision which had a full underlug barrel.

 

[stansdds]

Local gun shop has a model 14-3 357 made in 1972
It is stamped 14-3 but is def a 357 4”

Called smith and they have no record of such a gun.

I don’t have pics or a serial number yet

Help?

One of two possibilities here. An incorrect model stamping at the factory or someone converted a Model 14 to .357 Magnum.

 

[Jamsystems]

Does this help?

 

[JP@AK]

Does this help?

Yes. It proves two things (at least):

1. The frame was produced in 1972 as a K-38 Masterpiece Model 14-3, chambered for the .38 Special.

2. Someone subsequently fitted a Model 19 Combat Magnum barrel and extractor shroud to the frame. From what you have told us, they also fitted a Model 19 cylinder as well.

What you found is a Frankengun.

 

[Jamsystems]

Thx guys, thought I had something special or a unicorn like a 1 off

 

[StrawHat]

Thx guys, thought I had something special or a unicorn like a 1 off

It is, just not from the factory.

Kevin

 

[stansdds]

Thx guys, thought I had something special or a unicorn like a 1 off

It's special, but not a factory special.

 

[hkcavalier]

They're only bad if you only go for all-original factory made guns. My last S&W was a Model 17 converted to .17HMR, probably one of one. I've also seen some interesting old sleeve jobs on S&Ws and Colts that could only have been special order, like .218 Bee.

But the lack of graceful barrel to frame fit on the OP's gun would make me turn away...there are plenty of actual 19s out there.

 

[Lance Boyle]

They're only bad if you only go for all-original factory made guns. My last S&W was a Model 17 converted to .17HMR, probably one of one. I've also seen some interesting old sleeve jobs on S&Ws and Colts that could only have been special order, like .218 Bee.

But the lack of graceful barrel to frame fit on the OP's gun would make me turn away...there are plenty of actual 19s out there.

It’s a perfect candidate though for the Green Frog conversion!

 

[45NUTT]

Bubba had no money & wanted a 357 mag and had some spare parts laying around the shack and plenty of time and.......................