Howdy
I came across this like new in the box Model 14-3 on the used shelf of a local store a few years ago. It left the factory in 1974. Asking price was $550. I asked if they would take $500. The gun was on consignment so they would have to get back to me. I was amazed when they said the consignor would take $500. I can't tell you how quick I ran back to pick it up. It even came with the box for that price. A lot of folks don't like the Bangor Punta era guns, but I can tell you this one is terrific inside and out.
Do not expect to get a deal like that on a terrific old Model 14 like this, it was just dumb luck of being in the right place at the right time.
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I picked up this K 38 Combat Masterpiece, the precursor to the Model 15 a couple of years ago. It left the factory in 1953. I paid $800 for it, which I thought was a fair price.
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A couple of K-38s. The one at the top with the funky grips and altered front sight left the factory in 1957, the one at the bottom left the factory in 1950. I don't have the prices handy, but I probably paid around $500 for each of them.
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At the far end of the spectrum was the 38 Military and Police Target Model, the precursor to the K-38. This one left the factory in 1917. I paid $650 for it. I really don't recommend this model unless you like old guns. It still shoots great, and the action is as smooth as when it left the factory, however this model had the old fashioned rear target sights with two tiny screws on either side. To adjust for windage you back off the screw on one side, then use the screw on the other side to push the sight where you want it, then snug up the first screw. The system works fine, but you need a very small screwdriver to adjust the rear sight. That is why S&W put the modern click adjustable rear sights on the K-38 starting in 1946. One big screw on the right side of the gun. You don't need a fancy screw driver to adjust it, most normal screw drivers will do. And there are clicks you can count as you adjust the sight.
A lot of modern shooters probably would not like the original service grips on this model, but I like to keep the original grips on my revolvers whenever possible.
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