S&W 14-3

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Carrier

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I'm looking at pictures of a couple of 14-3 with 8 inch barrels and considering buying one of them. I've never had anything longer than a 6 inch barrel and was looking some advise on these.
It will only be used for target shooting.
Is a 8 inch barrel an advantage or disadvantage?
 
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I enjoy long barrels and have a few as well. We have friendly challenges at some pretty good distances. We also try some of the same distances with some "K&L" frame snubbies. That's a blast too.
I know of no disadvantage with long tubes. I don't really holster at the range except for defensive training. And that's a whole different pistol altogether.
Get it...you'll have fun.
 
I had one and let a friend have it because I holster everything, and that is probably the only disadvantage. It was/is a very accurate revolver and my friend is real happy with it. I went and found a 6" M14 and don't see that it shoots any different for me than the long tube did, but it fits easily on my belt. :)

Dan
 
I wouldn't recommend one for conceal carry. But when shooting something that long sight line is nice.
 
Buy it and enjoy it. I "STUPIDLY" passed on a 8incher a couple years ago at a pawn shop that was super nice with box,papers,and cleaning kit but no screwdriver for 600 bucks.
 
If you shoot one with a 6'' and then the one with the 8'',you'll see that it is an animal of a different breed.The Long Tom is a lot more forgiving and thus much easier to hit with at longer ranges.All in all,a new experience.
Qc
 
I've got long tube S&W's all the way from .22 to .44 mag. and really enjoy shooting them, however my hand does get kind of tired after a while. They are a lot of fun and usually get a lot of looks. It's amazing the amount of shooters who have never seen a long barreled revolver before.

Don't be afraid to buy it and don't forget to choot it a lot.
 
I have had a few threads on here about model 14's and in one I directly tried to compare accuracy from a 6 inch with an 8 inch. I found no noticable difference except with the 8 inch having a longer sight radius allows a person to shoot one off hand slightly better. I own a 14-3 8 inch and love it!! Total of model 14's for me is now 4 because they are so great.I only shoot target with them and love them all. I say if you can get one for a fairly good price buy it no matter the barrel length. You can never have too many 14's. If you decide to buy it, please show us some pics and let us know how you like it (I'm sure you will)
 
The best one will be in the mid $500 range and does not come with anything else. But looks to be in very very good condition. It will be a few days before we can come to an agreement. I don't like buying without having it in my hand but that's the way it is.
It looks pretty much like the one daddio202 posted above but stocks slightly different.
 
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I think it may depend more on the individual revolver and the individual shooter. The longer barrel does have softer recoil.
 
Threads like this remind me that I chose a Model 28 at 200 dollars over a long barrel (as I recall they are actually 8 3/8 inch). I was making 440 dollars a month and the extra 25 bucks they wanted for the Model 14 was important. The fact is I only shot one box of .357 ammo through the 28.
I doubt you will regret buying one of those guns, I am pretty sure you will regret not buying one.
 
damascusdave said:
Threads like this remind me that I chose a Model 28 at 200 dollars over a long barrel (as I recall they are actually 8 3/8 inch). I was making 440 dollars a month and the extra 25 bucks they wanted for the Model 14 was important. The fact is I only shot one box of .357 ammo through the 28.
I doubt you will regret buying one of those guns, I am pretty sure you will regret not buying one.
Click to expand...

I just bought a 28-3 with 6 inch barrel last week should be in my mail box this week.
 
Oh boy! You are going to love it when it finally arrives. I will be in the front row waiting to see a pic and hear about how great it shot for you at the range. Keep us updated!!
 
Well I should be getting it in a week so will post picture when I do.
 
Carrier said:
I'm looking at pictures of a couple of 14-3 with 8 inch barrels and considering buying one of them. I've never had anything longer than a 6 inch barrel and was looking some advise on these.
It will only be used for target shooting.
Is a 8 inch barrel an advantage or disadvantage?
Click to expand...

Many of us are fond of long barrels.

Those I've seen are actually 8+3/8" barrel and they are a joy. The 6" barrels should measure as 5+7/8". (S&W exaggerates at time. A 2" Chief's Special had been 1+7/8" as long as I can remember.

I have 2, 8+3/8" barrel .38 Masterpieces, a 14-3 Double Action and a 14-1 in Single Action Only.

If you find a real nice one for under $1000, grab it.

The long barrel Double Action is not encountered as often as the 6". The long barrel Single Action Only variation is getting even tougher to find.
 
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