$500 Model 14

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dashootist

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Just saw a $500 S&W Model 14 (38 spl) at a gun shop. I checked it out, and everything seems nice and tight except for one thing. The front cylinder gap is quite large, like 0.010-0.012 by my guesstimate. I didn't have a feeler gauge with me; just used my eye ball. This M14's gap is much larger than my 686's, which is about 0.005. Question one is: does the large gap matter much if I'm only interested in shooting PPC with it and occasional USPSA? Question two is: how much would a gunsmith charge to reduce the gap?

P.s. The gunshop also has a case full of Model 10. So I randomly looked at a few, and they all had large cylinder gap. Maybe it's ok?
 
You should not find a large sampling of older S&W revolvers with that large a cylinder gap. Either the guns were on the ragged edge of acceptable when built, have been shot loose, or you are mis-measuring them.

You also have to factor in end play, checking both static and with any appreciable end play included.
 
If the gun has endshake, that needs to be corrected before the barrel/cylinder gap - and headspace at the other end - can be accurately evaluated. My gunsmith charges $25 to correct endshake. If the b/c gap is .008 or larger after endshake has been removed, performance will begin to degrade but the gun will most likely remain usable. Correcting the b/c gap will require setting the barrel back one turn, which is not something that just any gunsmith is qualified to do. Cylinder & Slide lists a charge of $175 for that on their web site.
 
To be certain, I'd stop by a hardware or auto parts store and pick up a set of feeler gauges. They only cost a few bucks, they are worth every penny.

I remember when I picked up my 14-4 in late '06 for $350. My how things have changed. I sure wish I had been into S&W revolvers 5 or more years ago, a lot of deals have passed me by. Sigh. :(

I do count myself lucky to own this Model 14 though. This one is as tight as a bank vault, with a b/c gap of around .005/.006.


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$500.00 for a Model 14 is just too much money in my mind, especially if there are issues with it, like a a larger than normal cylinder gap. For that money I would want a box, papers, tools and the piece in 98% condition or I would balk at it and go elsewhere. Lets face it, those revolvers were great when Bullseye matches, slowfire leagues were common. Today few people use the k-38 in Bullseye. If you do not use them for competition, you simply have a long heavy .38 special, they would do fine for small game and plinking, but why not simply find a used 586 in .357 magnum, which shoot .38s very well. I think you would do better to pass on it, unless he really lowers the price to about $350.00 OTD.
 
$500.00 for a Model 14 is just too much money in my mind
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I thought the same thing watching a used 95% S&W M17 on GB that the seller started at $475.00. Since it had no bids I was thinking about waiting to the last and buying. When the last bid fell it was around $735.00. If you find a M14 for $350.00 it's only because the seller has had for a number of years and doesn't realize how much prices has gone up!
 
For me shooting paper, a 357 is overkill. I have a 686 chambered in 357; it's also heavy and unwieldy. The instant I picked up that M14, I knew I wanted one. It's just perfect size and balance for my size hand.
 
500 is way too much.

400 is probably pushing it as well.

300-350 is all I would be willing to pay.

Of course the one I own I got for 250.
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Where I live, and in many other places throughout the country, $500 is the starting price for a good Model 14 these days. $250 was basically the price where I live 5 years ago. In that time, most used S&W wheel guns have doubled in price.

If they still sell for $300 or less in GA, you are one lucky guy!
 
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