S&W 14-4 with 8-3/8" barrel

[wrs840]

How rare is a 14-4 with the 8-3/8" barrel?

I'm trying to research a potential purchase of one that I'd say is 95%+. Best I can tell, this one was manufactured in 1978. It's consigned at a local shop for $499. Knowing that the shop owner routinely dickers, I think could probably get it for $450. Comes with original papers and original blue cardboard box.

Thanks for any input!
Les

 

[bluetopper]

It's not a steal but it certainly is not a bad price either. If my local shop had it, it would be a lot higher than that.

If you want it and can do without the money my advice would be to get it.

The enjoyment and pride of owning it will be long lived and the price will be quickly forgotten. Also it will do nothing but go up in value. They're not making any firing pin on hammers, pinned barrels, or no lock guns ANY more.

I have a 14-4 long barrel too although mine came with nothing.
They are sweet.

 

[wrs840]

Thanks for the input. I'm just trying to talk myself into it.

Les

 

[woad_yurt]

I have the same gun, an 8 3/8" 14-4. It is a sweet, sweet gun. I'd spend $450 on one, easy. It benefits hugely from a grip change. It's a very refined, very accurate revolver. I only bought mine because it was cheap but now it goes to the range with me every time.

 

[Walkalong]

I have a 14-3 no lug (like the 14-4) & a 14-5 full lug, both 6" guns. The 14-3 is an especially excellent revolver. You might spend less, but you won't find a better gun in .38 Spl.

 

[dispatch]

If it's not a steal, it is close to petty larceny! Do it.

 

[wrs840]

Thank you. The one I'm looking at is 14-4 s.n. 34K87XX, and I'm confused that it does not have a counterbored cylinder.

Post #2 in this excellent thread:

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=356710

seems to indicate that it should have a counterbored cylinder. Post #6 seems to date the manufacture to 1978-1979 though, and I don't know of a reliable date for when the counterbore went away on the Model 14. One guy told me 1977 (?)

Any help or clarification would be very much appreciated.

Regards,
Les

 

[Walkalong]

My 14-3 is not recessed. Pinned, but not recessed.

 

[Brian Williams]

38 specials were never recessed. That is a good price, not glorious but good.

 

[earplug]

I have one 14-3 and enjoy it. Depending on what you like to do with the Revolver, A six inch might be a better gun.
If your just getting it as a range gun, and enjoy shooting targets have fun.
I have found that drawing and shooting from a holster wrecks my shoulder! The eight inch barrel is a pain to carry as some cases won't fit it and a normal six inch cleaning rod won't work.
Is it drilled and tapped ? If you ever want to mount a red dot sight that will cost more to have done.

 

[PattonTime]

14-4 Smith

I just bought the same gun on Auction Arms for $450.00
The best part about it was it came in a Presentation box. I have never owned or even seen a K-Frame in such a box. I thought it was an N-Frame thing as I have seen many 27's and 29's in boxes.
I jumped on mine and would do the same without the presentation box.
Im also fully intend to shoot the hell out of it, unfired or not , fancy box or not.
And the best part is I have two other 14's a 14-5 full lug and a pre 14 Target masterpiece from 1948. I also had a somewhat beat up 14-1 or straight 14 that I sold
to a buddy.
I really like Smith and Colt 38 Special's !!!

 

[woad_yurt]

This thread inspired me to do something.

I just paid for this one today, a 4" 14-2. And now, I wait....

​

 

[BADSBSNF81]

If you can get it OTD for that price, do it.

 

[Walkalong]

I have two other 14's a 14-5 full lug

A 4" 14-5 or 6" 14-5? I have a 6" 14-5. It is a nice shooter. A 4" would balance so nicely I think.

Here is a pic of my 14-3. It is a great shooter.

 

[bluetopper]

Those 14-5 and later dashes are handsome 38's. That full lug just does something for me.

I recently sold a 14-3 in fair shape but I still have a nice 14-3 6" and a like new 14-4 8 3/8.

They are so very enjoyable and cheap to shoot with cast lead reloads.

Heck nowadays you can shoot 38 reloads for the price you can buy good .22 ammo.

 

[wrs840]

Well, I made a $400 offer on it and haven't heard back. (The shop owner left a message on the consigner's phone and no response yet.)

If I get it, I'll get to work on figuring out if I can re-remember how to post a jpeg desktop photo from a Mac on here.

Thanks again for the input!

Les