My new S&W Model 14 that wasn't.

[ontarget]

So in a previous thread I asked for opinions on getting a M14, or a M15, or a M19. You all convinced me that the 14 was the better option.
When I went to pick it up, I opened the cylinder to check for empty chambers and what dash number it might be.
To my surprise it was not a 14, but actually a K38. It has a SN of K75xxx which puts it solidly in the 1949 ship date.
It's a 5 screw, with all of the numbers matching, in very good condition.
Exactly what I needed to add to my collection. I haven't fired it yet, but hope to get time this week.
Here are some pics, solo and with its cousin, my 17-2.
Now to score a K32 to complete the trifecta!!!
The one with target grips is the 17.
I happened to pick up some factory target grips a couple of months ago that will be placed on the K38.

 

[JCooperfan1911]

Great guns that really let an FBI load perform well.

Still a very viable defensive handgun to this day.

Train with it and consider yourself well armed. Don’t relegate it to the heap of obsolescence.

 

[Riomouse911]

Excellent find, congratulations on bringing home a great revolver. I can’t wait to hear about how it shoots, be sure to let us know when you get a chance.

As for the K/32, better save your pennies. Those things get pricy, quick.

Stay safe.

 

[Pat Riot]

Congratulations on a really nice find.

If it were mine I would just add a BK grip adapter to go with those service panels. I’ll bet she’s a sweet shooter.

 

[Alex Clayton]

So in a previous thread I asked for opinions on getting a M14, or a M15, or a M19. You all convinced me that the 14 was the better option.
When I went to pick it up, I opened the cylinder to check for empty chambers and what dash number it might be.
To my surprise it was not a 14, but actually a K38. It has a SN of K75xxx which puts it solidly in the 1949 ship date.
It's a 5 screw, with all of the numbers matching, in very good condition.
Exactly what I needed to add to my collection. I haven't fired it yet, but hope to get time this week.
Here are some pics, solo and with its cousin, my 17-2.
Now to score a K32 to complete the trifecta!!!
The one with target grips is the 17.
I happened to pick up some factory target grips a couple of months ago that will be placed on the K38.View attachment 1155130 View attachment 1155131 View attachment 1155132

What a NICE find!!

 

[UncleEd]

Great guns that really let an FBI load perform well..

The gun precedes the introduction of the FBI load which is
a Plus P rated cartridge. The gun is not approved for Plus
P loads by S&W and I would restrict it to the standard
lower pressure .38s.

Have the stocks been checked; the right panel should also
have the corresponding serial number to the rest of the gun
if they are original to the gun.

As Pat Riot suggested, I would just add BK grip adapter
(or a Tyler T if one is handy)..

 

[ontarget]

The gun precedes the introduction of the FBI load which is
a Plus P rated cartridge. The gun is not approved for Plus
P loads by S&W and I would restrict it to the standard
lower pressure .38s.

Have the stocks been checked; the right panel should also
have the corresponding serial number to the rest of the gun
if they are original to the gun.

As Pat Riot suggested, I would just add BK grip adapter
(or a Tyler T if one is handy)..

I have a couple of grip adapters floating around, so maybe I will give that a try.
And no +P for this or any other non carry gun for me. If I want more power at the range, I have bigger guns for that.

 

[Tallball]

NICE! Congratulations. I'm looking forward to your range report.

 

[horsemen61]

Awesome great looking revolver I’d run some 148 grain waddcutters

 

[Jim Watson]

Now to score a K32 to complete the trifecta!!!

Bring money, lots of money; K32 production was very low and the reissue in .32 H&R Magnum did not add a whale of a lot.

 

[cfullgraf]

Bring money, lots of money; K32 production was very low and the reissue in .32 H&R Magnum did not add a whale of a lot.

About 3000 K-32's through Model 16-3 (32S&WL) were produced during the entire production run. About 8000 Model 16-4 (32 H&R Mag) were produced in the 1990's.

16-4's are not as pricy as the 32 S&WL versions but still lots more expensive than more common K-frame guns (22RF, 38 Special and 357 Mag).

 

[ontarget]

Bring money, lots of money; K32 production was very low and the reissue in .32 H&R Magnum did not add a whale of a lot.

If I'm patient, maybe a K32 will fall into my lap at a price that I can live with.
In the mean time, I plan to get to know my new K38 really well.

 

[Riomouse911]

If I'm patient, maybe a K32 will fall into my lap at a price that I can live with.
In the mean time, I plan to get to know my new K38 really well.

You will have an amazing time watching those bullets land in tiny little groups. Like you I don’t want to beat up my older guns so I keep my veteran Colt and S&W .38’s to standard pressure loads as well, 4.5 gr Unique under a 158 gr SWC is about the max I will go.

The only, and I mean only time I have ever been genuinely disappointed by a K frame was the 8 3/8” Model 14-3 I bought from a Houston pawn shop off GB. That gun had a tiny barrel bulge about 1.5” from the muzzle from the consignment seller sticking a wadcutter and firing another shot. It was so slight the shop plausibility claimed they didn’t know and both my FFL and I missed it when it arrived. I figured it out after the ten day waiting period and it was shot. The groups were at best 4” @ 10 yards, so I knew something was up. A tight cleaning patch down the bore revealed the bulge, but it was too late to return. I sent it to Gary Reeder, where the barrel was cut to 5”, he added a replaceable sight, recrowned and reblued it. So now shoots like a champ.

Stay safe.

 

[Pat Riot]

By the way, not trying to be a jerk, but when I saw “M14” in your title I thought “This is the revolver forum…”
The M14 was an American military rifle.

 

[Dave Markowitz]

Bring money, lots of money; K32 production was very low and the reissue in .32 H&R Magnum did not add a whale of a lot.

A 1962 Model 16-2 in the box with papers and tools just sold for about $4,400 on Gunbroker.

I've pretty much given up on finding a nice K-32 / Model 16 for less than what I paid for my 95%+ Mauser C96 with stock. <sigh>

 

[ontarget]

By the way, not trying to be a jerk, but when I saw “M14” in your title I thought “This is the revolver forum…”
The M14 was an American military rifle.

That did cross my mind after I posted it.

 

[ontarget]

A 1962 Model 16-2 in the box with papers and tools just sold for about $4,400 on Gunbroker.

I've pretty much given up on finding a nice K-32 / Model 16 for less than what I paid for my 95%+ Mauser C96 with stock. <sigh>

As I get older my patience seems to get better. Great deals seem to pop up if I wait around long enough. Most of the shops I haunt are geared more towards the Tactical arms, which I have no use for. I stop in to see if they get trade ins. I got a smoking deal on my 17-2 because it was "just a 22 revolver". Just gotta wait for the right deal.

 

[tubeshooter]

That did cross my mind after I posted it.

You could edit the title to "My new Smith model 14..." or similar.
Or request that a mod do it, if it's too late for you to edit.


If it bothers you enough, that is. In the interest of clear communication, I would understand. That being said, I know what you meant.

 

[GooseGestapo]

If I'm patient, maybe a K32 will fall into my lap at a price that I can live with.
In the mean time, I plan to get to know my new K38 really well.

Don’t bet on it!
It was my “grail” gun for a long time. Finally settled for a Taurus M-76 in .32H&R. It’s offended that I just wrote that. It holds its own!
I’d still jump on a K32 for less than 1K…


25yds w/ 100gr Hornady 100gr .312” XTP over 11.2gr H110. Starline .32 H&R brass. CCI spp.

 

[ontarget]

I'm hanging out with my Grand daughter tomorrow so maybe after we do some baking, she will want to do some shooting.
Baking muffins for her great grandpa and I got elected to help her.
No Bud Light here!
Range is in the back yard so maybe I can put a few rounds through the K38.
I also still haven't shot my PPS.
She loves to shoot so I'm hoping....

 

[Biblethumpncop]

Don’t bet on it!
It was my “grail” gun for a long time. Finally settled for a Taurus M-76 in .32H&R. It’s offended that I just wrote that. It holds its own!
I’d still jump on a K32 for less than 1K…
View attachment 1155478 View attachment 1155479

25yds w/ 100gr Hornady 100gr .312” XTP over 11.2gr H110. Starline .32 H&R brass. CCI spp.

I agree! I'd love to have a S&W model 16, but that's unrealistic. I have a Taurus model 761 in 32 H&R magnum which I picked up LNIB last year for $225. It even came with the factory target. I like it!

 

[derek45]

 

[GooseGestapo]

View attachment 1155683

View attachment 1155684

Nice M14 pic’s
But ain’t the same thing!

 

[ontarget]

View attachment 1155683

View attachment 1155684

Yeah, I get it. Buuuuut being the revolver forum, I figured everyone else would too.
My particular M14 by Smith and Wesson isn't an NFA item.....YET!

 

[derek45]

...just having a little fun

7.62NATO style