I have the opportunity to buy a S&W .38 Special and would like some more info about it. I don't have enough info for good ID, but it has one feature I've never seen. It has a barrel that is flat on the sides and round top and bottom. Like what Browning calls "slab side" on some of their pistols. The note I have says it is a Model 14 and the serial starts with K. What can you tell me about it from this limited description? And a thought about value would be helpful too. Thanks for your help.
Help with ID of a S&W revolver.
- Thread starter Sniper66
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Mike C2
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the model 14 is S&W .38 Masterpiece target revolver. Would have had a 6” barrel and adjustable sites. Sounds like the one you are looking at is a modified PPC gun with aftermarket slab sided barrel. Model numbers were added around 1957. -1 guns were made for about a year approximately 1961. -2 guns until ‘66? -3 ‘67-77? -4 guns through ‘83? This is all from memory so dates may be slightly off. Barrels would have been pinned through the -4 guns.
This sounds exactly right. When I first saw it, the structure looks like a target pistol. Also, the owner ( now deceased) glued some strips of velcro-like material on the slab sides, so it will require some rehab. I'm at a loss as to what to offer the widow and want to be as fair as I can. I won't be able to handle the gun until next month, but am eager to get acquainted with it. My plan would be to restore it the best I can. Thanks for your help.
ontarget
Member
The problem with placing a value on a custom, or modified gun is that it adds value to someone who wants those mods, but detracts value to someone who does not.
Some may pony up for a used Bowen custom, but many will not.
Same with a modified competition gun.
I personally don't shoot PPC so a gun modified for that purpose holds less value to me than a factory stock gun of the same model.
YMMV of course, and that's why it can be difficult to put a value on this one.
Some may pony up for a used Bowen custom, but many will not.
Same with a modified competition gun.
I personally don't shoot PPC so a gun modified for that purpose holds less value to me than a factory stock gun of the same model.
YMMV of course, and that's why it can be difficult to put a value on this one.
buck460XVR
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^^^Yep, and being as it may have been a competition gun, it may have been shot a lot. The Velcro on the barrel is a strange one tho, and hopefully didn't cause anything but maybe a bit of bluing damage.
^^^This, especially in the case of giving a value estimate. Condition is everything.
bangswitch
Member
If you'll post the SN, or at least the first two or three numbers after the K, we can get a general idea of the gun's age and give you a better guess at value; does the gun have a pinned barrel? That would put it older than 1982 Does it have a full underlug on the barrel? That would put it 1991 or later. If you can handle the gun, open the cylinder and look in the yoke cut, if 1957 or later it will have the model number and engineering series (dash number). I would assume it is a double action revolver, there was a single action only variant. PPC work sometimes includes a trigger job, even a bobbed hammer at times. The velcro that used to be on the sides of the barrel was used to hold the gun in a break-front holster most likely, those allowed for a very fast draw to aim. A 1982 or earlier gun in original factory configuration in Good condition is worth about $400.
I won't get to handle the gun until February. The serial is K394*** One site I visited says it was manufactured 1960. I would say this gun is in fair condition. The gun was neglected, but no rust, I'm told. Your comment about a bobbed hammer may be accurate. The widow said there is hole in her living room wall where her husband tried to "uncock it" and it went off accidentally. I'm eager to assess this pistol.
JJFitch
Member
If the hammer has the spur removed it could be a DA only modification. PPC Open Class revolvers may have barrels for "Mid Range Ammo" which may have specifications for 148 Grain Lead Wad Cutter Ammo and may not be optimum for other ammo!
Your offer may include re-barreling back to original. As mentioned above a PPC shooter could be willing to pay more!
Smiles,
Your offer may include re-barreling back to original. As mentioned above a PPC shooter could be willing to pay more!
Smiles,
Driftwood Johnson
Member
Howdy
This is what a Smith and Wesson Model 14 should look like.
This one is a Model 14-3 that left the factory in 1974. The six inch barrel was standard.
The Model Number will be stamped onto the frame under the cylinder yoke (the hinge the cylinder swings out on).
This one is in almost new condition with almost no wear to the blue at all. I got it for a steal a few years ago at $500. I ran as fast as I could up to the cashier with my credit card in hand.
This is what a Smith and Wesson Model 14 should look like.
This one is a Model 14-3 that left the factory in 1974. The six inch barrel was standard.
The Model Number will be stamped onto the frame under the cylinder yoke (the hinge the cylinder swings out on).
This one is in almost new condition with almost no wear to the blue at all. I got it for a steal a few years ago at $500. I ran as fast as I could up to the cashier with my credit card in hand.
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