S&W 14-4

[Tinguely]

Hi there!

I recently bought a S&W 14-4 as a gift to my father, and was hoping to get more information on it.
I do not have any knowledge on revolvers, and have only shot a few so far.

My old man was telling me a few days ago how he missed shooting a 38’, and that for him pistols were not as much fun.

I had recently ordered two other guns, and during collection day I asked the store if they had any revolvers at a fair price.
After trying to sell me some Korth (had never heard about the brand so far, and clearly not on my definition of a fair price), he showed me the S&W that I ended up buying for 695 with two cases of ammunition included.

The box it came with seems to be from a model 29 based on the papers I found underneath the insert, but even not fitting perfectly, it’s nicer than no box, specially for a gift.

The serial is K71xx that based on what I could find so far would place production at 1948. (Could someone please confirm?)

Any info that can be shared would be much appreciated.



Thanks!

 

[Jim Watson]

Good catch, good buy, looks pristine.

The serial is K71xx that based on what I could find so far would place production at 1948. (Could someone please confirm?)

Can't do that, though. That is a much later gun, the 14-4 was made 1977-1982. Where did you see that number? The serial number is on the butt, now covered by target stocks.

 

[UncleEd]

Unless some mechanical problem exists that you haven't
discovered, you have a very fine revolver and the price you
paid is exceedingly good.

The wooden box and tools alone bring an extra premium in
value.

Yes, a 14-4 is 1977-1982 production model. I see it has
a target trigger and target hammer along with target stocks,
all adding to the gun's value as premium items.

It's best not to leave the firearm in the box if it is well oiled
as those oils will destroy the interior of the box.

Your father should be well, well pleased.

 

[Tinguely]

Good catch, good buy, looks pristine.



Can't do that, though. That is a much later gun, the 14-4 was made 1977-1982. Where did you see that number? The serial number is on the butt, now covered by target stocks.

Thank you!

I saw this on a table at the Smith & Wesson Forums:

 

[Tinguely]

Unless some mechanical problem exists that you haven't
discovered, you have a very fine revolver and the price you
paid is exceedingly good.

The wooden box and tools alone bring an extra premium in
value.

Yes, a 14-4 is 1977-1982 production model. I see it has
a target trigger and target hammer along with target stocks,
all adding to the gun's value as premium items.

It's best not to leave the firearm in the box if it is well oiled
as those oils will destroy the interior of the box.

Your father should be well, well pleased.

Thanks for the tip concerning the box. Had not thought about this.

Also good to know about the features you described, was not aware of them.

I do hope he will be pleased.

 

[Jim Watson]

Maybe I wasn't clear, where did you see that number ON THE GUN?
Pictures are helpful.

I can't agree that a box for another model is a big dollar value add, but Dad will like it.

The "Three Ts", target hammer, target trigger, target stocks are positives, especially if Dad will be shooting it single action.

 

[Tinguely]

Maybe I wasn't clear, where did you see that number ON THE GUN?
Pictures are helpful.

I can't agree that a box for another model is a big dollar value add, but Dad will like it.

The "Three Ts", target hammer, target trigger, target stocks are positives, especially if Dad will be shooting it single action.

Sorry for the confusion, the number I mentioned is on the frame, behind the drum (It’s now gift wrapped, so no pictures until he opens it).

I agree with you, don’t think the box adds value to it, but I’d does make it a nicer “package”.

I just checked the invoice, and it’s mentioned 34K7xxx.

 

[Jim Watson]

drum

Revolvers don't have "drums", submachine guns have drums, revolvers have cylinders.
The included literature, even though for a different model, will help with terminology.

Also, a revolver has one cylinder, it is not an engine block, the holes where you put the cartridges are chambers or in some usage, charge holes.

I just checked the invoice, and it’s mentioned 34K7xxx.

Ah, HA! Now we have the serial number, not just part of it. That is from 1978 or 1979.

 

[red rick]

Nice find , a 14 with the 3 T’s in what appears to be in excellent condition . Your dad will be very happy . IMO one of the best 38’s made .

 

[J-Bar]

Well done Sir, you are a good son!

 

[Tinguely]

Revolvers don't have "drums", submachine guns have drums, revolvers have cylinders.
The included literature, even though for a different model, will help with terminology.

Also, a revolver has one cylinder, it is not an engine block, the holes where you put the cartridges are chambers or in some usage, charge holes.

Ah, HA! Now we have the serial number, not just part of it. That is from 1978 or 1979.

In German the cylinder is called “Trommel”, which would translate into drum… Lesson learned

 

[Walkalong]

Unless some mechanical problem exists that you haven't
discovered, you have a very fine revolver and the price you
paid is exceedingly good.

The wooden box and tools alone bring an extra premium in
value.

Yep, congrats on a fine revolver.

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

A kingly gift indeed, beautiful!

 

[Jim Watson]

In German the cylinder is called “Trommel”, which would translate into drum… Lesson learned

Yeah wold, man; I didn't know you were in the Old Country.

 

[UncleEd]

I can't agree that a box for another model is a big dollar value add, but Dad will like it.

"Big dollar add" are your words. Any S&W presentation box is of value
even by itself. A market for them and inserts exist as does one
for the tools.

Oh, regarding the cylinder, will you allow me to call it a wheel?

 

[UncleEd]

Yeah wold, man; I didn't know you were in the Old Country.

What's this word "wold?" Did you mean a piece of high ground? Or did
you mean "wohl?"

 

[Jim Watson]

Southron pronunciation of Jawohl. Kind of like Parley voo Francais, you all?

Oh, regarding the cylinder, will you allow me to call it a wheel?

'Long as you don't put beans in your wheel, that is just contrived CAS talk. BTDT.
And you shouldn't call your projectiles "boolits" unless you cast them over a buffalo chip campfire.

 

[Dave DeLaurant]

I hope you had a close look at the Korth (the 'h' is silent, so pronounced kort), even if it's price places owners in a pretty high tax bracket. I'd still be curious about the function, fit and finish of a revolver selling new for north of $4K.

 

[DR505]

You can certainly sell the Model 29 box, papers, and tools over on the Smith and Wesson boards...people will buy them for a decent amount. Looking at what you have I would offer it for $250 or so and see what happens.

 

[film495]

If he's going to be shooting it, nothing wrong with having a gunsmith go over it and tune it up and check it over.

 

[Barbaroja]

If he's going to be shooting it, nothing wrong with having a gunsmith go over it and tune it up and check it over.

Prehaps, also unnecessary in my opinion.

 

[Reinz]

These are great guns!

Though mine is newer than the chart shows at 14K22XX, it is a sweet shooter. I’m sure your dad will love it.

 

[Driftwood Johnson]

The serial is K71xx that based on what I could find so far would place production at 1948. (Could someone please confirm?)

Something does not compute.

The Model 14 did not exist yet in 1948.

The K-38 Target Masterpiece was introduced in 1948. In 1957, when S&W went over to a model numbering system, the K-38 Target Masterpiece became the Model 14. The 'dashes' represent major engineering changes. In 1959 the extractor rod thread was changed from right hand thread to left hand thread with the Model 14-1. In 1967 the cylinder stop was changed and the screw in front of the trigger guard was done away with for the Model 14-2. In 1967 the location of the rear sight leaf screw was changed with the Model 14-3. 1977 brought the change of location of the gas ring from yoke to cylinder with the Model 14-4. The model 14 was discontinued for a while until it was reintroduced as the Model 14-5, with a full lug barrel (the structure underneath the barrel) in 1991. More engineering changes after that, but that is beyond the scope of this discussion.

The Serial number of record on your revolver is on the bottom of the butt, underneath the grips. It may also be stamped on the frame under the cylinder yoke (the hinge piece that allows the cylinder to swing out of the frame). The Model number, along with any dash numbers should also be marked on the frame under the yoke. It will be written like this: MOD 14, or MOD 14-1, or MOD 14-2, etc.

Be sure you are listing the correct number of digits, I think you are one shy. Production for 1967 was K715997 through K779162, Production for 1968 was K779163 through K848781. These numbers are for the Models 14, 15, 16, 17, 48, 53, 66, 67, 68, and their pre-model number variations.

It appears to me you may actually have a Model 14-3, not a Model 14-4. The 14-3 dates concur better with what you have.

Take another look at the serial number on the bottom of the butt under the grips. And, what does it say for Model # on the frame under the yoke?

If you want to post the serial number again, you are right on the cusp between 1966 and 1967.

This is a Model 14-3 that shipped in 1974. This is also the correct box that it shipped with. By this time S&W had introduced a new numbering scheme, this particular one is 5K235XX. (I always substitute Xs for the last two digits of the serial number.







I always argue about the value of boxes. A lot of members of this board think the original box will increase the value of the revolver. This one is one of many I have bought with the original box. After we had agreed on a price the dealer said, "I think I have the box out back." Clearly the fact that he had the box out back did not figure into our negotiations over the price.

Regardless, the incorrect box that came with your Model 14 will not increase its value at all, because it is the incorrect box.Yes, you can sell the box separately, you might even get $100 for it, but it will not increase the value of your Model 14.

P.S. You might actually have a K-38 there. Remove the grips and flip the gun over. How many screws are there holding down the side plate? If there are 4 screws, including one up near the hammer, take a look in front of the trigger guard. Is there a screw there? If so you have a Five Screw K-38 Masterpiece, made before the Model 14 existed.

This is a K-38 Masterpiece that left the factory in 1950. The hammer is a different style than yours, but notice the screw up near the hammer. There is another screw hidden under the top corner of the grip, and one more in front of the trigger guard, making this a Five Screw Smith, specifically a K-38 Masterpiece. There is no model number stamped on the frame under the yoke, S&W did not start stamping model numbers there until 1957 with the changeover to model numbers.

 

[Tinguely]

I hope you had a close look at the Korth (the 'h' is silent, so pronounced kort), even if it's price places owners in a pretty high tax bracket. I'd still be curious about the function, fit and finish of a revolver selling new for north of $4K.

Prices started at 3.6K (NATIONAL STANDARD 6"), all the way to 9K (SPORT 6" STS).

They do look amazing, and I’m sure they must be great to shoot, but they were totally out of my budgeted purchase amount.

Maybe one day…

 

[Tinguely]

Something does not compute.

It was my mistake.
It has been cleared in this same thread, and with the correct serial number production should be between 78 and 79.

Your revolver looks like it just came out of the box for the first time, super sweet!