Beautiful S&W 14-4, what's it worth?

[jad0110]

After picking up my new 686, I stopped by a local pawn shop and my jaw dropped at what I saw (sorry, no pics ):

A VERY lightly used S&W 14-4, serial # 76K6931 (BTW, where can I look up this number for future reference?). It looks brand new, with only minor wear on what appear to be the original grips. Not much of a line around the cylinder either. The bluing is very deep and rich. Absolutely stunning! I couldn't stop staring at it. I notice very little wear, call it 99+%. I checked the cylinder lockup, very tight! While in lockup, I checked the timing and it appeared to be spot on, to my untrained eyes anyway. Trigger pull was very nice, among the better ones I've felt. This revolver did have the firing pin on the hammer, not in the frame. I didn't have the right tools to do a proper gap check, but holding it up to the overhead light it looked just fine. Overall a very gorgeous piece. I was so tempted to buy it, but I held off as what I really want is either a M17/K22 Masterpiece or M18/K22 Combat Masterpiece.

Anyway, the price on the gun was $399. No idea whether or not this is a good price.

I welcome your thoughts and comments! Also, what year was this 14-4 manufactured?

 

[steveno]

maybe a little high but I would probably buy it without much thinking. I have one made in 1960 and it is a great revolver. the one you are looking at was made in 1980

 

[SaxonPig]

That serial would be from around 1980 and you have to buy a book to have the reference. The Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson by Nahas & Supica is a "Bible" among S&W collectors.

The 14 is a beautiful revolver. I bought two last year for $165 (1974) and $100 (1970) respectively but both showed significant holster wear and even at that the deals were very good. For a very clean 14 I think $400 is pushing the upper end of the scale. These can be had for $300-$350 without a lot of effort. You have to decide how much you want it and long you're willing to look for a better deal.

Here's my $100 14-3. I sold the other one to a buddy for a tad more than I paid for it (still a good price and he was happy). Notice it shows quite a bit a bluing wear but functions perfectly. Just the way I like my guns because this makes then cheap to buy.

 

[Ohen Cepel]

Saxon,
You paid $100 for that?!?! Nice find! I don't see boat anchors for $100 around here.

Jad- price isn't bad (around here it would be pretty good). I would still haggle some though. When you think what a new revolver of the same quality would cost it's a very nice bargain.

 

[JoeHatley]

$400 asking price sounds a little high. I paid $275 for this 14-4, but that was about 3 years ago.


Nice shooters...

Joe

 

[jad0110]

Thank you for all the good info. The gun I saw is in like new condition. I'd think $325 would be a fair price for it. However, at this point what I really should be spending my hard earned $ on is a .22LR replacement for my POS Taurus 94, so I'll pass on this and keep looking for a nice S&W 17 or 18.

Thanks again for all your help. One day when I find that .22 I'll be back!