Value of Model 14-3?

[Checkpoint Charlie]

Spotted a nice blued 14-3 for sale at local gun shop/range today. I'm a member there, know the owner pretty well, and he let me shoot it. Nice smooth trigger. I'm no expert, but would say condition of the gun is very good. A little blue worn off at muzzle crown. Gun has target grips that fit my hand perfect. I'm a shooter, not a collector. He's asking $550, which to me is a little high, even though prices here in the People's Republic of Maryland are inflated. What do you guys think? Any thoughts or opinions are welcomed.




"Fast is fine, but accuracy is everything." ---- Wyatt Earp

 

[Buttercup]

Does it have the box and papers? Is it 550.00 out the door? With box and such at 550.00 out the door I would do it. Without box I would want more like 475.00 out the door. But if you loved it when you shot it and it felt right then don't lose it over 50.00 bucks.

 

[pharmer]

I paid $193 for a model 19-3 new in 1977. Inflation calculator says that would equal $763 today. Let's say that gun was $175 around the same time, that's $688 today. Knock off a hundred for wear, just about right. I like Model 14's. Joe

 

[YeshuaIsa53]

What rounds did you use? Bore clean?

 

[fyimo]

Up until about 3 years ago there wasn't much love out there for the Model 14 because it only shoots 38 special and people wanted a 357 magnum that would shoot both. These laid on tables at gun shows and didn't sell in near mint condition for $400 to $450. That was then and this is now and they have gone up in price like all P&R S&W revolvers and it may be a little bit high but it's not out of the park high.

 

[bananaman]

I picked up my 1st 14-3 (1977) less than a week ago from my FFL. I have $410 into it shipped and insured. The bluing is VERY good. Hardly a turn line. Grips had a few issues(easy fix) No box or extras. It is a LOOKER! Now to the range for "The rest of the story." G.B. find. Bob

 

[raylan007]

I own a recently purchased M14-3 and wouldn't think of selling it to you for $550. It came with no box or extras but condition overall is at 95-98% I would guess. As someone else commented is it really worth passing up for $50 and while your inflating your older purchases don't forget to devalue what your $50 bucks is worth in spite of how sometimes it seems so tough to come by.
Key words in your post, it fit my hands perfectly. Buy it and you won't regret it. A year in good condition Smiths can make a difference, When I go back to some posts 2-3 years old to do a little research I am always amazed how revolvers in general are in demand.
Good Luck

 

[pownal55]

I think the model 14's are still under priced a bit and now is the time to buy one. With model 17's bringing 700.00 to 800.00 it's only a matter of time before the K38 takes a jump in price.

 

[pharmer]

With model 17's bringing 700.00 to 800.00 it's only a matter of time before the K38 takes a jump in price.

Especially with factory .38spl around $.35/rd and .22's getting there fast. Joe

 

[JP@AK]

$550 is a perfectly reasonable price for a Model 14-3 in the condition you described. You are not going to get hurt at that price level. Buy it. This is among the very best .38 Special target revolvers ever made. Don't pass up a good opportunity to own one. Prices are only going to rise.

 

[bananaman]

It seems that many shooters want plastic autos. (I only have 1) The shooters that want revolvers respect them, value them, shoot them, and many revolver shooters will pay high dollar for the right one. I do like my 5906, & my 1911's. Today we went to the range with a 625JM, 67 no dash, & 14-3 (1st time for it) Sorry for going on. I thought that I paid too much before for some guns..... now I don't. Bob

 

[Checkpoint Charlie]

Guys,
Thanks to everyone for your input and knowledge. I'm going back tomorrow to take a second look.

Charlie

 

[Lobster Picnic]

I paid $620 recently for my 14-3 and have been very happy with it. No box or papers, just a fine revolver in excellent condition that shoots like a dream.

 

[cookie42]

I just pick-up this 14-3

You guys are talking about prices and value. I bought mine on a hunch. Picked it up from my FFL and I am feeling pretty good now that I know I got a very sweet deal.
Say, where do you get those nice blond oversize grips?

 

[69HEMI-R/T]

Get on your Computer and go to Ebay. Look for S & W K/L frame grips! Should be lots of choices.

 

[bananaman]

You guys are talking about prices and value. I bought mine on a hunch. Picked it up from my FFL and I am feeling pretty good now that I know I got a very sweet deal.
Say, where do you get those nice blond oversize grips?

I do believe, you are referring to target grips. Some 14's and many others came from the factory that way. I received my 14-3 a couple of weeks ago. It had targets on it. It is a beauty, especially for the purchase price. ALL of my Smith revolvers have target grips. They work for me. Bob

By the way COOKIE.... Welcome to the Forum!