Should I get a M14?

armybass

armybass

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OK, I am addicted to S&W Revolvers...I like older P&R (but will buy non P&R vintage Smiths) and I have never had a M14. My collection doesn't have any particular theme and my local shop has a collection of older M14's that I think they may deal on. I like to think that I buy practical carry guns but that is not true. There are a few other Smiths in the case at my local shop that I am interested in too, but they are all non P&R Smiths. Are there any M14 fanatics here that can tell me how super cool a M14 is and how my collection should not be without one? :0)
 
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I'm not a 14 fanatic and don't own one "yet".
If one had an oddball barrel length I'd be all over it.
Or really nice stocks....LOL
They are target masterpieces after all
 
This place is loaded with model 14 lovers for good reason, accuracy, balance and beauty to name a few. Good groups every time I shoot mine.
 
I bought a M14 no dash off a local forum a few years ago. The revolver has seen thousands of rounds in its lifetime. Still tight, good looking and capable of smile inducing accuracy with just about any 148-158 grain load.

Buy one is my .02 dollars US:D
 
You need a K-38 of some vintage. You need to experience the apex of S&W accuracy in a revolver.

Nuff sed.
 
Iggy said:
You need a K-38 of some vintage. You need to experience the apex of S&W accuracy in a revolver.

Nuff sed.
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There we have it...simply put and well understood. I will make a trip tomorrow and see which one I might put on layaway. Thank you sir!
 
Not all M14's are 6 inch

Should you get an M14?
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By all means! :)

Oh, you mean the revolver? I would if I came across one priced right, but I haven't yet. It's on my list.

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Pilgrim said:
By all means! :)

Oh, you mean the revolver? I would if I came across on priced write, but I haven't yet. It's on my list.

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LOL...my dad was a Marine in the early 60's and hated that weapon. He used to go on and on about what a cheap *** it was. He is the only person I ever heard talk **** about the M14....but then again that is not unusual for my dad. LOL.
 
I saw an 8 3/8 inch Model 14-3 yesterday. It was the first one with a long tube that I had seen. It was pricy at $895, but looked new and had the original box.
 
There are no "vintage" S&W revolvers that don't have pinned barrels. Also, remember that only the magnums and .22's had recessed cylinders. The pinned barrel represents the era of higher quality and craftsmanship at S&W, although opinions vary as to the actual necessity of the barrel pin.
 
Timely thread, I bought a 14-3 yesterday, only difference is I didn't have to ask, I have wanted one for years and just finally got to it.

When I was a kid, Francis E. Sell (you shotgun guys will recognize the name) let me see his. It seemed to have magic balance, I have wanted one ever since.
 
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Even the big ole .45 Colt and .44 special aren't recessed even though the older ones have pinned barrels. Several years ago I let my brother talk me out of my 14-3 with an 8 3/8" barrel. I regretted it as soon as he walked out the door. Last December I found another, along with a nickel 57, and long tube 27 and 25. I kept the 14 and 57 and don't plan on getting rid of either. That 14 is the most accurate revolver I own. You'll like yours. You definitely need an older M&P revolver of some sort. They're not as expensive and are relatively plentiful.
 
armybass said:
Well that I can believe. Someone obviously brought in their personal collection to my local shop. There are easily 5 or 6 in there right now. Hopefully there will be one less in there this week.
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I would buy the one in the best condition,
All other things being equal get the one with the lowest serial number...unless they have a 4" or a 5" Model 14.
 
Having 2 of these, I can speak with some experience.
The Model 14 Target Masterpiece was/is best suited to the classical bullseye game.
When I started in it, in the Army, in the 70s, the 1911s already dominated.
I shoot the m14s occasionally, but rarely in the club games these days.
But, I keep them around as they're just such nice classic revolvers and they can still shoot better than 99% of us (myself included) ever can.
14-2.jpg

14-4.jpg
 
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I can shoot my M14/K38 better then any other .38 spl revolver I have for target shooting.
When I shot NRA Bullseye, it was .22, center fire & .45.
All shot the .38 spl for center fire, mine was a M19 6", wish I had the M14 I have now, would have made Master instead of Expert.

TH, TT.

 
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I don't own a M14 either as I was never too fond of 6" barrels (although I do own 6 or 7 of them). I have a M15, and a Combat Masterpiece as well (pre #'s) which are about the same as the M14 but just have a shorter tube. If you do like the 6" barrel, than the M14 is a fine old Smith and friends that have them love 'em! At one time it was the coveted Target Revolver of its day.
 
You should know better than to ask us a question like that. Of course you should buy a Model 14!

I had a -2 back in the mid-70's, was a great and accurate firearm. I had a modified target grip on it that was sweet to hold.

I used it for varmint hunting on the deserts and in the hills of Utah. Shooting rodents at 50+ yards is a great activity for developing stance and trigger control.

I even carried it on duty for a short while in a swivel holster (no snickering in the back row please, it did not drag on the ground).
 
One of the hazards of buying a Model 14 is that you soon will find the intense desire to have a Model 17 in .22 LR.
Kframes.jpg

Top Model 17 bottom Model 14.

They are the same size, weight, and configuration.
 
OK, my options are a M14-2 with the box and Magnas and a REALLY WIDE trigger or a M14-3 with Target grips and no box. The -2 is in better shape with less wear and they are both $599.00. I think I know which one the crowd will go with. So will I. Hope it is still there on Friday.
 
armybass said:
OK, my options are a M14-2 with the box and Magnas and a REALLY WIDE trigger or a M14-3 with Target grips and no box. The -2 is in better shape with less wear and they are both $599.00. I think I know which one the crowd will go with. So will I. Hope it is still there on Friday.
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Money down to HOLD IT???? :eek: :cool: :)
 
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