S&W 14-5 Full lug

[18DAI]

I saw a photo of a 4" barrel, full lug, model 14. It was referred to as a "Roper" gun. I assume this means that the distributor was named Roper.

Anyone own one of these? Any pics?

 

[rcmodel]

No idea who Roper was in 1991 when the 14-5 full lug model was introduced.

Walter Roper was an old time target shooter who designed a line of highly thought of target grips. They were made in from 1932 - 1952 by first Roper, then a guy named Gange, and his son.

http://www.sackpeterson.com/blog/?p=7

At any rate, a 4" K-38 made in 1991 had nothing to do with Walter Roper or his grips.

rc

 

[Oro]

+1, what I think they must mean is the gun has Roper style grips on it, but that is not an "official" variant of the model. Some of these 14-5 models I have seen actually came stock with the factory square-butt smooth combat grips in Goncalo Alves wood. Perhaps the seller is looking at the grips and mid-identifying them?

 

[Walkalong]

Here is a 14-5. As far as I know it is original, but it has had different grips on it at sometime. You can see the wear line it caused. It is a good shooter.

 

[Radagast]

From the Standard Catalog of S&W: the model 14 was discontinued in 1982 and reintroduced as the 14-5 with a full lug barrel was introduced in 1991 with an initial production run of 2000 units. In 1992 the full lug barrel became a standard production item. In 1994 the 14-5 was replaced by the 14-6 with synthetic grips and a drilled and tapped top strap. This was replaced by the 14-7 in 1997. The model 14 was discontinued in November 1999.

 

[jhco]

thats a purdy smith

 

[18DAI]

Walkalong that is a beautiful model 14!!

Thanks for all the responses. Yes, I'm very familiar with Roper grips. I have them on several of my K-frame magnums. Great grips!

This "Roper" 4" model 14 though is not associated with the grips or grip maker. I recieved a message last night, and this is the info I've uncovered.

In 1995 the company RS Roper Supply, in Picayune Mississippi contracted with S&W for 4" barrel full lug model 14's. These were shipped with 4" reset crown barrels with Patridge sights, Uncle Mikes rubber grips on a square butt, and black blade rear sights.

The Performance Center produced these "Roper" revolvers, although there are no PC markings. Between 1995 and 2000 approximately 100 to 125 of these Roper model 14's were produced, using 14-5 and 14-6 frames. These revolvers sold for less than $500. The product code is 170154.

So, does anyone own one of these? Want to trade it for a nice PC 19-7 K-comp?

 

[Walkalong]

approximately 100 to 125 of these Roper model 14's were produced

SO..... I guess the odds of me stumbling onto a 4" 14-5 to keep my 6" 14-5 company isn't too good.

And I have been keeping an eye out. It would balance so well........

 

[Landpimp]

just depends on how lucky you are......this was NIB(frrom an old S&W dealer, in local ad for $300.....no brainer





been offered a very good price for it.....but even so, what could I replace it with?

the S&W Combat grips are correrect for this gun

have 3-4 other K38's, best is from the 50's, worn bit but a tack drive and the best trigger

 

[Landpimp]

whoops, missed the 4" part.....very cool, must now find one

 

[18DAI]

Very nice Landpimp! Mine is identical. It is a 14-5. A tack driving sweet shooter.

I had mine alongside one of the new knock off 14's this past weekend. I let the owner shoot mine. He was even more disgusted with his after that.

 

[Jim Watson]

When I first saw the type on the S&W board, it was thought there were as many as 350 made, now we see <125. One greedy sort on that board had three of them.

Too bad, I think it would be a fine IDPA SSR, maybe better than the 686 they sell under that designation.