Help convince me to buy (or tell me I should walk away!)

N

NateKirk

New member
So today I felt like doing a little shooting and headed down to the local indoor range. Once I was through I decided to look at what they had in stock.
Normally I lean toward automatics, and have never owned a revolver (I have used them though.) Lately I've had an itch to add one to the collection, and I found one that would fit what I had in mind perfectly.

It's a S&W 14-2, not sure of the year. I was looking for a 6 shot full sized revolver in .38 special for the range and the occasional camping trip. And it shouted out to me from the case. Has anyone ever owned one of these?

Also I'm fairly certain that these old smiths hold their value, but in the case that I get bored of it would I be able to to sell it for what I paid for it ($500) a few years down the line?
 
I love the old K frames but wonder if limiting yourself to 38 Special for your ONLY revolver is wise when for about the same money you could get a 357/38. Of course it might be another brand. I bought a 19-3 in 1976 and always was glad I didn't save a few bucks going with 38 Special only. (It was my only revolver for 25 years.)
 
Another vote for looking around a little bit more.

A nice .357 magnum can shoot both .38 Specials and .357 magnum rounds and should be available for less than $500. Check out Rugers as well as S&W, both IMhO will serve you well.

In the S&W camp I'd choose an L frame revolver.
 
if you can, always go foe the 357/38 sp. revolver. The choices for ammo and SD are increased greatly and your options for use are equally greater. This is of course IMHO. I am an "Old Newbie" and feel that The Forum will give you enough answers so you can make a better choice for yourself.
Last thought. GO ON U-TUBE AND FIND STUFF ON EXPERTS WHO WILP SHOW YOU THE DIFFERENCE
Good Luck.
Doc
 
$500 sounds a mite expensive, but it depends on the condition and local market.
Due to the reasons already given, the .357s are much more in demand.
.38s in nice shape seem to top out at around $350 unless it's something special.
But with used ones, condition is everything.
 
The model 14 will hold it's value very, very well. They were the finest target revolver SW ever made. My very first handgun was a model 14 and I bought it based on the advice of a very expereinced shooting instructor and on the advice of the man behind the counter at a very large gun store. After owning it for a while I realized I'd made a mistake. I didn't get it for target shooting, I got it for a carry around gun for when I was out woodchuck hunting, woods walking, etc. I ended up selling it and buying a model 15 (IIRC) which was basically the same gun in 357mag. I think I made a good decision to get the model 15. (All of this happened over forty-five years ago). Unless you're going to get into paper target shooting, forget the model 14. It's a very well made gun but has limited applications. Any good quality .357mag revolver will shoot .38spl loads if you choose, and shoot .357mag loads also. Just my two cents on the subject.
 
It wasn't a Model 15 if it was .357 Magnum,,,

If it was .357 Magnum, it wasn't a Model 15,,,
The Model 15 is a 4" K-frame revolver in .38 Special.

The .357 would more than likely have been a Model 19,,,
Essentially the same as the Model 15,,,
Just chambered for .357 Magnum.

Aarond

.
 
Good Grief!!!

Run, don't walk, back to the store and grab it!

The Model 14 is a classic. THE classic Smith and Wesson 38 caliber revolver with target sights.

If it is in any sort of decent shape, $500 is a very reasonable price for that gun today.

Originally known as the K-38, because it was built on the medium K sized frame and chambered for 38 Special. A companion gun to the K-22 and K-32.

In 1957 when S&W changed over to model names the K-38 became known as the Model 14. The Model 14 had a six inch barrel. The Model 15 was the same gun with a 4" or 2" barrel.

I picked up this almost new in the box Model 14-3, built around 1975, last year for $450. That price was a steal!

model14-3box02_zps33983522.jpg


If you want a 38, then get a 38. You don't have to buy a 357 Mag if you don't want one. The Model 14-2 was made from 1961 until 1967 when it was replace by the Model 14-3.

If it wuz me, I would have grabbed it in a heartbeat.
 
Nooo keep that baby. 14's are awesome!!!! Rule #1 never ever sell you Smith's unless its to get a better one.
$500 is not bad for a 14. I think I paid $460 for mine and would have to be a big issue for me to ever sell it.

100_9670_zpsa1d7d9b3.jpg


100_9675_zps20ab8140.jpg
 
If I was planning on carrying it I would definitely hold out for a .357 but this would be almost exclusively for target shooting (it has a 6 inch barrel)
 
Get it! Since you said you lean toward semi autos (so do I), I'm guessing you've got your EDC and home guns already with those.

I own a bunch of semi autos, and two older Model 10's. They are for range use, & .38spl is a soft shooter. For me, shooting those revolvers is a more relaxing range trip -- kinda like a watching a baseball game with a slower pace. (Semi's are more like a watching a football game, or a basketball game if you really step up the pace)
 
Thanks for the input guys. I actually just went and got it this morning. I would have looked for a .357, but since I already have a carry gun that I love it's not a big deal.
 
:DYou made the right choice!:D

In fact, my local pawn shop has got one for $349.00 right now that I have been agonizing over, but it's about 75% blue.
 
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Around here, $500.00 is about the going price for a K-14, one of the finest target revolvers S&W ever made. You're going to enjoy that one.

Congratulations.
 
In fact, my local pawn shop has got one for $349.00 right now that I have been agonizing over, but it's about 75% blue.
Click to expand...


Grab it. $349 would be a good price around here for a K-38 or Model 14 with some honest wear on it.

The K-38 with the fake stag grips on it shipped in 1957. The other one shipped in 1949.

Neither one of them are 'like new'.

2k38s02_zps0886d89f.jpg
 
I'm glad you decided to get that model 14. If it is in good condition it would be difficult to find a better range gun in 38 Special only. The model was so good that during the 1960s to early 1970s the model 14 was the issued handgun for the LAPD. In the early 1970s they switched to the 4" barrel model 15 from what I understand. Is $500 a good price or not, as long as you are satisfied with it who cares. Personally I think you did very well.
 
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