K38 Masterpiece gets a roommate, 14-4

[bikemutt]

Having committed to leaving the 1950 K38 I snagged last week in its natural state (thanks to the great advice of my fellow THR members), I decided it'd be much better to just buy a pretty one to keep it company.

Found this 1977 14-4 and bought it today, private sale. This is the full target variant in excellent shape, not flawless but pretty darn close. Even came with the original box and manual. It was great to meet the original owner who bought it back in '78 or '79 when he was a young man stationed in the San Diego area. Then to hear some of his fond memories packing it in the woods, priceless. He seemed genuinely happy that it went to a good home.

It officially reports for duty tomorrow at 11:00 range time

 

[Walkalong]

Very nice. Hard to beat em.

 

[skidder]

I'd be a proud daddy. Nice lookin weapon! My first handgun was a k38 and I sure miss it. Let us know how the first mission turns out.

 

[Jim NE]

Having committed to leaving the 1950 K38 I snagged last week in its natural state (thanks to the great advice of my fellow THR members)....

WOW! That's great to hear!!

I have a late '50's K-38 (4 screw model 14 no dash) and a '70's 14-3 as well. They're sort of the backbone of my revolver collection. To me, they represent the pinnacle of what S&W produced. Just my opinion. Believe it or not, I kind of like my '70's 14 better.

Your 14-4 looks cool. Great shape. Glad you found it!!

Do your guns have target triggers or hammers? (Wider than standard)

 

[bannockburn]

bikemutt

Well you certainly are on a roll here! First the K-38 and now a very sweet looking Model 14. I can hardly wait to see what the next undiscovered treasure will be. Keep up the good work.

 

[Salmoneye]

Very nice gun!

Here is one that my Sister inherited from Dad...It also is a 14-4 from 1977...
The grips are Magna 'style' that I did out of Ash for her...

 

[bikemutt]

Do your guns have target triggers or hammers? (Wider than standard)

Jim NE, yes this is the full target model, trigger, hammer and grips. I like the feel of these grips a lot more than the stock ones on the K38, I think those are called Service Grips, no? Or maybe Magnas, not sure the difference.

 

[bikemutt]

The grips are Magna 'style' that I did out of Ash for her...

Wish I could just make my own grips out of anything, those are beautiful Salmoneye, I'm envious.

 

[bikemutt]

One flaw, fix?

I noticed one bare dot on the cylinder, about the size of a pen tip, but it's bright and I'm guessing happened recently. The appearance doesn't bother me but having it turn into a rust pit does. It's not deep, barely discernible to a fingernail.

Do I just keep it oiled, blueing pen, gun wax, or...?

 

[bannockburn]

bikemutt

I would try a bluing pen first or maybe some bluing solution on the end of a Q-tip. If that doesn't work then maybe just use gun wax on it to protect it from rust.

 

[robctwo]

I inadvertently went the opposite direction. i bought a 14-3 last year, then ran across a 1948 K38 from a fellow forum member. They are both shooters. The 14-3 is single action only, target hammer and trigger.. The K38 has the service trigger and hammer.

These guns shoot lights out with light target loads 125 rnfp or 158 gr swc lead.

I like the Ahrends retro combat grips.



K38 top 14-3 bottom