S&W model14

M

matt.45

Inactive
HI there, a friend of mine just showed up at my door with model 14 .38special(serial # k365xxx if that does any good) he bought at an auction. I would appreciate some info on this model if anyone has any.

P.S. Now I know why everyone raves about these older Smiths.
The blueing was wonderful and it handled great compared with my underluged models.

Thank you for you input.
 
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Your m-14 was made in '59. What size barrel?
I just got back from the range with mine(thanks Rog.) Yes, they do handle well-just wait until he lets you fire it!
 
thanks Joelno. I think it has a six inch barrel. A friend of mine had a model that was almost identical but with a very short tube; maybe a 2 inch. That was a great shooter. I wish they still blued the production guns like that.
 
That critter was made when Smith & Wesson was still family owned and their product showed pride in quality and workmanship.

They are now under their fifth set of owners and show little of the old craftsmanship.

Sam
 
matt.45

I agree that the blued models are beautiful. Luckily there are still many available at good prices.
C.R. *a* - Let's PLEASE not turn this into yet another anti-Smith & Wesson rant.
 
First centerfire handgun I owned that would plop all six shots repeatedly into an inch or less at 25 yards. And this was with a beginners handloads.

dfm
 
Matt, just a suggestion. It's considered best when posting serial numbers to always "X" out the last three digits (i.e. K365XXX).

Their is a little scam people can run on insurance companies with a serial number that can land the valid owner of a gun in some trouble till it's straigtened out. This can happen if it's ever run for any reason or reported stolen by the real owner. You can use your edit button to change your post if you wish.
 
About a month ago I fired one belonging to the fellow in the next range lane: I'd forgotten how S-W-E-E-T those old 14s are. Your friend is fortunate.
 
I've never seen a M14 that wasn't a real good shooter. Even the full underlugged versions.

I don't own an underlugged M14, but I'd like to.
 
OSHA ? ? ? Who else ?

The east coast S&W sales mgr. told me that OSHA made them dump the tanks and quit doing the 'ole process as it was BEYOND caustic ! ( He said sometime in the '602 ). Thanks Uncle Sam.....dewey
 
I sincerely doubt that OSHA made them quit, as just about any manufacturing process can be used, IF the proper safety steps are taken to ensure workers' safety.

If companies were made to quit manufacturing processes simply because the process was caustic or corrosive, much of the metals mining and paper industries in this country would have been shut down years ago.

What is true, though, is that S&W's grounds were, in places, an enormous toxic and hazardous waste nightmare. S&W was on the Superfund Site List, but the property has, to the best of my knowledge, been remediated.

Superfund status, though, is not uncommon for any industrial venture that's been on a single site for more than 20 years.
 
A properly blued, finely finished gun is much more expensive to produce than a plastic or stainless one.

Much highly skilled hand labor involved in the metal finishing and prep for blueing.

OHSHA and EPA rules are stringint, but do not preclude plating or blueing. They just make it more expensive if you are compliant.

Tis a double headed marketing ploy. Convince the customers that stainless is better. Then make a higher profit margin on the product.

Sam
 
Your pistol may like the lead sized to .358, as the older versions have a slightly wider throat and land diameter.
 
joelno . . .

With respect, my buddy C R Sam has (in 10,000+ posts):
a) Demonstrated a firearms -- especially revolver -- knowledge that is truly expert; he has forgotten more than I shall ever learn.
b) Never “ranted or raved”, always being polite, respectful and gently mentoring youngsters (like me at 56).
c) Devoted untold time and energy to our sport, this TFL community, preserving Second Amendment freedom, and so forth.

If I were you, I would keep all this -- and more -- in mind before I posted a potentially critical note.
 
My Model 14 was among the first centerfire revolvers I owned. It has a 6 inch barrel, and the fantastic blue finish is still as pretty today as it was when I was in High School. I won many a NRA pistol match with this K-38, and it shoots as well today.
 
There is no such company as *&*. Never was.

It is time to move forward. That crap should end. Either spell out SMITH AND WESSON, or abbreviate with S&W.

The whole thing was lame from the get-go. I suppose when speaking about the Taliban, we should all write T*l*b*n.

Number of posts means nothing, except that someone has been around a while.

Back to M14's......every one I've handled has had an extraordinarily smooth action.
 
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