S&W model 14 info request

[YosemiteSam357]

Ever since missing out on one in a local gs I've been jonesing for a model 14. My interest was recently rekindled, and I started poking around, only to find an array of models and prices.

Can you guys give me the skinny on what changes came with the "dash" revisions, where the Target Masterpiece comes into play, and some other basic model history? I'm primarily looking for a model old enough to have a pinned barrel but not so old as to have huge collector value (ie, no pre-war, "pre model 14", etc).

I have a 4" nickel p&r model 19-3 of a similar era as what I'm looking for in a model 14, as well as an 8.3" model 27-2. I know I can't get recessed in the non-magnums, but I would like something of a similar vintage.

Thanks in advance for any info,

-- Sam

 

[Canuck-IL]

Here are the dash changes as summarized on Handloader.com
Model 14,15,16,17,18,48,53 (all start without dash in 1957)
-1 1959 Change to LH extractor rod thread
-2 1961 Cylinder stop changed, hole in front of trigger guard eliminated
-3 1967 Relocation of rear sight leaf screw
-4 1977 Changed gas ring from yoke to cylinder
19 All of the above changes and
-5 1982 Eliminate cylinder counterbore
/Bryan

 

[PzGren]

I have shot a few M-14s and own a 14-2 since 1985. It has the target features; wide target trigger, hammer, and the adjustable trigger stop.

It is my favorite centerfire target revolver! I would not hesitate to get one for my sons.

 

[SaxonPig]

The 14 never was counter-bored. None of the 38 Special models were.

Most of the engineering changes over the years were modifications that aren't all that perceptible by the shooters. A 14-3 would be indistinguishable for the most part from a 14-4 from a shooting standpoint.

 

[jwr_747]

I have a 14-4 with the single action only option,a pure joy to shoot.wish I could shoot as well as the revolver does. jwr

 

[YosemiteSam357]

Ok, here's another angle: What exactly is the difference between a model 14 and a model 15?

I found a decent model 15-2, 6", target hammer & trigger, adjustable sights (which I think is standard on the 15). It even has the red front sight insert.

My goal is to get a .38 only, tt*h, with a pinned barrel. I'm really so concerned that it be a "model 14", as long as it meets my needs.

More general: I understand that a model 15 is a model 10 with adjustable sights, and a 19 is a 15 in .357 mag trim. What makes a 13 a 13, a 14 a 14, etc? How can a "K38 Masterpiece" be a model 15 as well as a model 14?

Thanks in advance for any light anyone can shed.

-- Sam

 

[SaxonPig]

A 15-2 should not have a 6" barrel.

The 14s were traditionally offered in 6 and 8" barrel lengths with the Patridge front sight (square in back for target use). The 15 was more of a holster or duty pistol with 4 or 2" barrels and a ramped front sights. The 15s were offered in nickel while this is a very rare special order for the 14.

Other than the barrels (and front sights) the 14 and 15 are identical.

In later years the two models were merged and variations abound. I speak of the pre-1980s revolvers.

This is a 14-3. Note the 6" barrel and Patridge sight.





This is a 15-3 (in nickel). See the commonly encountered 4" barrel and ramp sight.

 

[earplug]

I own a 8 3/8 14-3 and a 4" 15-3. The barrel on the 14 has a wider rib then the 15-3. And the front sight on the 14 is pinned while the 15 is machined with the barrel. The 15's barrel is slightly reduced in weight tapered, while th 14 is less tapered.
I shoot bullseye with the 14, I have mounted a Ultradot sight on it and its a tack driver. The 15 is tuned for DA shooting only. I suspect the accuracy on both are close to equal but it would take better eyes then mine to prove.

 

[nelson133]

I have a 14-4 with the 6 inch barrel and it is truly a shooter. My favorite revolvers are .44 and .45 caliber, but this one has found a home.

 

[bluetopper]

I've found no greater pleasure in shooting and less money spent than shooting my own cast lead reloads in my pair of 14-3's.

 

[YosemiteSam357]

I've found no greater pleasure in shooting and less money spent than shooting my own cast lead reloads in my pair of 14-3's.

Well, I haven't quite gotten to the point of smelting and casting yet, but I'm reloading for .45 Colt, .45 ACP, .44 mag, and .243 now, and I've got the .38/.357 dies on order. Oh, and I'm shooting a lot of .22, too.

Thanks for all the replies, and the offline help, SaxonPig!

-- Sam