Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Handguns Preference in S&W K frame

I decided since I have S&W revolvers in J, L, and N frames that I needed a K frame. Is there any special collector value in a Model 14-3 vs a 14-4?

Not really other than being older quality smiths... the nicer it is the more it is worth

I llike M-19s

I think both are pinned and recessed. I’m not sure what changes S&W made from one to the next. I have a K Frame 38 with sights similar to the 14’s bought by my uncle in ‘52.

As for me, I would buy the model 14-3 or 14-4 that’s in better condition.

All K-frames are great in my book. From the K-22 .22LR through the M19 .357, there is much to like in the K-frames.

I like most of them, they are THE 38 special sized revolver and it’s a great fit. They also make great 22s and 32s. The 19s are lighter and more trim than the L frames, and though the forcing cone issue with 357s is real an average guy probably isn’t going to shoot enough hot 125s through one to have a problem.

For K38s my preference would be one of the full lug LAPD guns but I haven’t found one yet I could get bought. Someday.

Yep. And Model 66’s !

In my book, a 2.5” or 3” barreled Model 19 or 66 is the best carry model revolver S&W ever built.
Next would be their 4” barreled N Frame Mountain Guns.

According to the Standard Catalog of S&W, the -3 to -4 production change was in 1977, the only change made was to move the gas ring from the cylinder to the yoke, then in 1982 they deleted the pinned barrel.

S&W made a whole bunch of Model 14's and the -3 and -4 are very common so there isn't a lot of "collector" value. NIB with all the original paperwork and sealed tools would have definite collector value and the 3 T's - target trigger, target hammer and target stocks would increase value.

Mostly they are just very good shooters so overall condition is really the main factor in market value.

Overall demand and prices are down a good bit from a couple of years ago so it's a good time to shop for one; a 14-3 in 95% condition recently sold on gunbroker for $562.

Yep

Early 66's over 19's

Me, too.

Recently acquired this six inch -2.



I also have a snubby -2 in similar shape, and a four inch -3 in similar shape.

I know, I bought it!
Thanks for the info.

My ideal K-Frame is an early P & R M/66 4", followed closely by a P & R 4" M/18.

Yep. I would like to come across one of the 4" Dayton revolvers, but the standard 14-2 like this one below work just fine. It sounds like you purchased a nice one at $562.00. Prices have come down.

There's a factory made 5" Mod 14 on GB. That being about the neatest 14 I can think of. It's only $2K

There were two auctions ending within minutes of each other on GB and I ended up winning both a 14-3 and a 14-4. I haven't received them yet, but will probably just keep one of them. That's why I was curious if one variation was more desirable than the other.

That's definitely the way to make decisions - get both!

Congrats, that's a good buy on that 14-3.

Wrong, the best carry revolver was .38 Special K with alloy frame commonly known as Model 12 Airweight. From what I have seen 4" RB are least common in this model.

Zero bid proposition. That site is full of 🤩 Geezers cluless about gun market or what sells. The fact that Colt makes da/sa revolvers escapes them completely and that long barrel is of little advantage in .38 Special, .44 Special or .45 Colt is beyond their level of comprehension.
Most looking for steel K-frame want .357 despite the fact they will only shoot .38 Specials through them.

This from the Dipschitt Diaper Wearing Troll Maser who wouldn’t know a real revolver from a water gun.
Especially since Airsoft “guns” are the only ones he owns.
Being a Fake Internet Preacher, he’s probably a convicted Pedophyle, too, and the reason he can’t own ANY guns.
Is the State of California still hunting you down for failing to pay child support on your welfare supported spawn ?

🥵🤪🤯?

Mr. "in my book" did you know that used new production 3" Python can be had for about $1100? You will be able to practice with and carry .357 loads.