Farewell to Mod. 14

[Jonah71]

Gave my old S&W 1958 4" bbl. Mod.14 to a very good friend yesterday. I haven't really been shooting it much anyway and he always looked at it like I once did my first wife. I have no family that really enjoy handguns, and he said he'd pass it on to his son keep it in their family. His son said the same. I doubt if I could have sold it for much more than $450 (if that). I've seen what happens to guns at estate sales after someone dies and I'd much rather give it to a friend than have it go at auction for $150 to a stranger. I also know how little dealers are willing to give for trade ins. I couldn't bring myself to do that either. And besides that.....when I'm really in the mood to shoot it, all I have to do is ask. In the long run....it was the right thing to do.

 

[BCRider]

Right on all counts. At some point such things aren't about the money anymore. I think you did the right thing and at least you get to see it being truly appreciated.

 

[rcmodel]

S&W 1958 4" bbl. Mod.14

A 4" Model 14 is indeed a very rare bird!!

A 4" would almost always have been a Model 15.
Same gun as a Model 14 with a shorter barrel and ramp front sight.

Almost all Model 14's were 6", with a few 8 3/8" thrown in.

rc

 

[oldbear]

Johan, you sir are indeed a good friend. I'm in somewhat the same position none of my family cares much for handguns, and none of them IMHO deserve to get my limited collection. I have made plans to leave all of my firearms to a very good friend, who enjoys shooting with all three of his kids.

 

[gym]

Your a good guy. It will come back to you in another form.

 

[JellyJar]

Can I be your friend?

 

[FROGO207]

Definitely a High Road decision. A tip of my hat to you sir.

 

[420Stainless]

That was a wonderful thing to do. I hope your friend receives tremendous enjoyment from it. I've given many things I don't use anymore to friends, but the attachment to guns is a hard thing to overcome.

 

[Bush Pilot]

Things don't always work out as well. A few years ago a friend mentioned several times he wanted to get started in reloading but didn't have the money. I kind of felt sorry him and I went down to a local dealer and purchased a press, scales, dies, etc... All good equipment. As a thanks I saw an ad in the local paper two weeks later with all the stuff listed and his phone number. I never did mention to him I'd seen the ad. After that whenever he mentioned anything to do with guns I'd turn and walk away.

 

[Jonah71]

None of us know how long we are going to be here. And we're certainly not going to take anything with us when we go. The only thing of real value we leave behind are good memories.

 

[Jonah71]

I think S&W made some Mod. 14's with a 4" bbl specifically for the Airforce. I honestly don't remember where I read this, or if it's true. (could have been on THR lol).

 

[EmbarkChief]

Not so many years ago my fathers best friend was diagnosed with terminal cancer. He was a firearms enthusiast, reloader, and all around good guy. His family did not share his enjoyment of our hobby and he knew it. When the time came he asked my father which guns we were interested in, we made our choices and after he passed his wife presented them to us. I will always cherish his BHP and old beater Montgomery Wards 12 Ga.

 

[jetrecbn]

You are a good Battle Buddy Jonah71. A toast to you, Sir.