S&W 14-3 Target Masterpiece???

[pharmer]

Nice thing about 14's, they are almost never beat up. All bought used: 14-3 SA # 12Kxxxx, 14-3 SA/DA smooth targets #1Kxxxx, 14-5 from about 25 years later. Joe

 

[DVD]

Here are my K-38 mod 14 and K-22 mod 17. Great shooters and show and tell. Enjoy them.

 

[DVD]

Another pose.
http://i891.photobucket.com/albums/ac115/dvdimzoff/PICT0086-1.jpg

 

[Pirateer2007]

The sights on my 14-3 are all black. No orange on the front and no white outline on the rear. Is that normal/correct?

 

[steamloco76]

The sights on my 14-3 are all black. No orange on the front and no white outline on the rear. Is that normal/correct?

The red on the previous poster's guns was added - either paint, stick on dots or drill and glue inserts. The white outline sight blade is a factory option that can be easily added later by changing just the sight blade. I often put a dab of bright orange/red paint on my Patridge type front sights to make them stand out on a black target center.

I think you will grow to really love your model 14 as it is one of the best .38 Special revolvers ever manufactured. I have a 14 no dash from 1959 and it just plain shoots! Great guns.

 

[fyimo]

I have a K38, Model 14-3 with 6 inch barrel and a Model 14-4 with 8 3/8 and they are all awesome shooters.

 

[.45mtngun]

I have a pre-model 14 5-screw from 1954 which is very accurate!! As mentioned, they are usually in very good shape. With the proper loads they can very accurate. Yours will probibly need some proper lubing once you get the side plate off which will slick it up even more. You have a fine gun, enjoy it!

 

[Retired W4]

I don't know if the inner-workings of the pistol have been worked on due to the fact that I couldn't get the side plate off even after removing the 3 screws on the side, but the trigger pull in DA is a smooth 2-2.5lbs. Does that sound normal for a K38 or is that too light? If this is the factory trigger and pull, it is better than any other factory trigger I've ever felt!

2-2.5 DA sounds really light to me. I doubt that it came from S&W like that. My stock 14-3 measures 7.5 DA. Do you get 100% ignition?

 

[Pirateer2007]

2-2.5 DA sounds really light to me. I doubt that it came from S&W like that. My stock 14-3 measures 7.5 DA. Do you get 100% ignition?

Yes. 100% ignition all day long. I just used my buddies digital scale for checking trigger pull and in DA it spiked at 3lbs. In SA it was a very consistent 18-19oz. How difficult is it to adjust the trigger pull? Is it just the screw on the bottom of the grip that puts tension on the main spring?
Sorry for my novice questions.
Also, a very big "Thank You!" to everyone who has shared info on this thread! I am a much more well equipped S&W collector now because of it!!

 

[ruffbird]

These 6" guns are fun shooters. My Model 14-4 & a want-to-be model 16 S&W which is a Taurus model 76 chambered in the .32 S&W Long cartridge.

The K-38 is indeed a classic....

 

[Retired W4]

Yes. 100% ignition all day long. I just used my buddies digital scale for checking trigger pull and in DA it spiked at 3lbs. In SA it was a very consistent 18-19oz. How difficult is it to adjust the trigger pull? Is it just the screw on the bottom of the grip that puts tension on the main spring?
Sorry for my novice questions.
Also, a very big "Thank You!" to everyone who has shared info on this thread! I am a much more well equipped S&W collector now because of it!!

I don't think S&W intended the strain screw, as they call it to adjust trigger pull, although many do. Jerry Miculek advises with his spring kit to grind the screw down to achieve 7 lbs DA (or is it 7.5, I can't remember) after installation. That provides optimum trigger in balance with his return spring (part of the kit). 3 lbs/18 oz put it in the target/range catagory only, which is what the gun was designed for in the first place. JM also advises that the gun should be used only on the range after installation, and not a carry piece. I have used his kit on a few of my Smiths and have a 7.5/2.5 trigger. Plenty light for me. Enjoy that .38. I know I enjoy shooting mine.

 

[fyimo]

Greatn revolvers and I love mine
14-4 8 3/8 barrel

14-3 6 inch barrel

K38 pre 14 with 6 inch barrel

 

[bryan282011]

can anyone tell me the year my 14-3 was made searil number 3k61***

 

[fyimo]

can anyone tell me the year my 14-3 was made searil number 3k61***

1972 is the year your gun was born

 

[deanodog]

I love model 14s in any form.
Shooter grade 14-2

Model 14-3

 

[WDF]

target masterpiece

Someone mentioned that the 38 and 22 weigh the same. My understanding is that some (normal) 38 had the same width barrel rib as the 22 which would make it lighter (bigger holes, less weight). Mine (1949) has a little wider rib to compensate so they were actually same weight. Seems to me there is a name given for this but do not remember what it is. Let me know if I'm wrong about this. Unfortunately I got rid of both my K22's long ago, too soon old, too late smart.

 

[bananaman]

Were the factory triggers on k38s extremely smooth and the pull in double action super light?

Also, does anyone know where I can find original target or magna grips?

That gun could have shipped with magna or target grips. It doesn't matter which you use. You DO need to figure which style feels good in your hand. Once you do, go for it! Grips, obviously easy to change. I have found nice used sets on ebay. (prices have been going up) You will need K/L square butt grips.
Look carefully, read descriptions, & ask questions if need be.
I got my 14-3 early August. It came with target grips. A tiny bit beat up.(grips only) I put smooth targets on it for a few weeks while I did a refinish job. Originals are on now looking pretty darn sharp.
So anyway, make sure that you tell us about the 36-1. Bob

 

[mdkill]

My new S&W 14-3

Last Friday I made our 14-3 family larger. I found out one Target materpiece in my town and now is in my small hands. Excellent condition, almost not used, just few shots, blue surface 99% and great SA/DA trigger.