[roccobamonti]

I searched for the past 2 days and have found myself here. I think I'm finally in the right place to get some answers.

I'm looking for the production date of a .38 caliber model 14-4 that has a serial number showing 31K4523. The best information I've been able to find is that it was manufactured between 1968 - 1977. I hope someone can help me narrow down the production date for this wonderful old K-frame.

 

[FlaRon]

Welcome to the forum. Your Model 14 was made between 1978-79 The serial numbers for those two years runs 25K0001-56K9999.
What barrel length is your K-38 Target Masterpiece. Some lengths bring a premium.

Regards,

FlaRon

 

[K22]

Welcome to the forum.

welcome01

 

[blazermark]

welcome y'all..

 

[roccobamonti]

The barrel length is 8-3/8".

 

[roccobamonti]

Thank you!

 

[FlaRon]

The 8 3/8" ribbed barrel was available in later production and was standard along with the 6".
The premium barrels were the 4" and 5" ones as not many were produced.
Your gun weighs 42.5 oz.
You have a great gun there rocco.
We like photos on the forum.

Regards,

FlaRon

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass!

 

[K22]

Any photos?

 

[roccobamonti]

I'll see if I can get some photos of my friend's uncle's Model 14 to show you all this nice old piece. In my opinion, one thing that would make it even better is a set of original grips. I think it currently has Pachmyr grips installed.

Thanks for your interest and this information, Ron. I'm pleased that I stumbled onto this forum and the swift responses with great information. I'll work on those photographs to share, but it's snowing here now so it might take me a couple/few days to return with the payload.

 

[ArkieVol]

Welcome to the forum from Arkansas!

It's a sin to put rubber grips on a classic gun like that Mod 14, aka K-38 Target Masterpiece. You may be able to find some correct grips, or stocks as S&W calls them, on Gun Broker.

The correct grips/stocks look like these, no diamond around screw hole:

Looking forward to pictures...

 

[lump1991]

14-4 year

Hey guys, I'm new to the S&W family as of about an hour ago. Just picked up a 14-4 and I was hoping someone could help me out with a birthday on it. SN: 22K2712. Thanks for having me!

 

[Iggy]

K Series K Frames (Adjustable Sight Models)

K101 – K614……………......1946
K615 – K18,731…………....1947
K18,732 – K73,121……..…1948
K73,122 – K84,149……..…1949
K84,150 – K104,047…...1950
K104,048 – K136,690...1951
K136,691 – K175,637...1952
K175,638 – K210,095...1953
K210,096 – K231,255...1954
K231,256 – K266,154...1955
K266,155 – K288,988...1956
K288,989 – K317,822...1957
K317,823 – K350,547...1958
K350,548 – K386,804...1959
K386,805 – K429,894...1960
K429,895 – K468,098...1961
K468,099 – K515,478...1962
K515,479 – K553,999....1963
K555,000 – K605.877....1964
K605,878 – K658.986....1965
K658,987 – K715,996....1966
K715,997 – K779.162....1967
K779,163 – K848,781....1968
K848,782 – K946,391....1969
K946,382 – K999,999....1970
1K1 – 1K39,500.........1970
2K1 – 2K22.037.........1970
1K39,501 – 1K999,999...1971
2K22,038 – 2K55,996....1971
3K1 – 3K73,962.........1971
2K55,997 – 2K99,999....1972
3K31,280 – 5K6,616.....1972
4K1 – 4K1,627..........1972
4K1,628 – 4K54,104.....1973
5K6,617 – 5K73,962.....1973
4K54,105 – 4K99,999....1974
5K73,963 – 6K58,917....1974
7K1 – 7K26,043.........1974
7K26,044 – 7K70,577....1975
6K98,918 – 8K20,763....1975
8K20,764 – 9K1.........1975
8K20,000 – 9K100,000...1975
9K1,001 – 9K99,999.....1976
10K001 – 24K9,999......1977
25K001 – 56K9,999......1978 – 79
57K001 – 91K6,800......1980
91K6,801 – 124K000.....1981
125K000 – 269K9,999....1982
270K000 – 311K273......1983

1980 Three-Letter Prefix Series Begins at AAA000

 

[K22]

K Series K Frames (Adjustable Sight Models)

K101 – K614……………......1946
K615 – K18,731…………....1947
K18,732 – K73,121……..…1948
K73,122 – K84,149……..…1949
K84,150 – K104,047…...1950
K104,048 – K136,690...1951
K136,691 – K175,637...1952
K175,638 – K210,095...1953
K210,096 – K231,255...1954
K231,256 – K266,154...1955
K266,155 – K288,988...1956
K288,989 – K317,822...1957
K317,823 – K350,547...1958
K350,548 – K386,804...1959
K386,805 – K429,894...1960
K429,895 – K468,098...1961
K468,099 – K515,478...1962
K515,479 – K553,999....1963
K555,000 – K605.877....1964
K605,878 – K658.986....1965
K658,987 – K715,996....1966
K715,997 – K779.162....1967
K779,163 – K848,781....1968
K848,782 – K946,391....1969
K946,382 – K999,999....1970
1K1 – 1K39,500.........1970
2K1 – 2K22.037.........1970
1K39,501 – 1K999,999...1971
2K22,038 – 2K55,996....1971
3K1 – 3K73,962.........1971
2K55,997 – 2K99,999....1972
3K31,280 – 5K6,616.....1972
4K1 – 4K1,627..........1972
4K1,628 – 4K54,104.....1973
5K6,617 – 5K73,962.....1973
4K54,105 – 4K99,999....1974
5K73,963 – 6K58,917....1974
7K1 – 7K26,043.........1974
7K26,044 – 7K70,577....1975
6K98,918 – 8K20,763....1975
8K20,764 – 9K1.........1975
8K20,000 – 9K100,000...1975
9K1,001 – 9K99,999.....1976
10K001 – 24K9,999......1977
25K001 – 56K9,999......1978 – 79
57K001 – 91K6,800......1980
91K6,801 – 124K000.....1981
125K000 – 269K9,999....1982
270K000 – 311K273......1983

1980 Three-Letter Prefix Series Begins at AAA000

Where my K-22 is and K-38 is respectively.

 

[lump1991]

Thanks guys. I picked up a 14-4 in pristine condition with an extra set of rosewood grips. I'm starting to feel like I did alright!

 

[Injunbro]

Thanks guys. I picked up a 14-4 in pristine condition with an extra set of rosewood grips. I'm starting to feel like I did alright!

A Model 14 is one of the finest shooting guns ever made. You did well.

 

[lump1991]

Yeah the guy only wanted $350 so I figured I would buy it and flip it for a quick buck, but now I'm thinking I'll just hold onto it for a while..or forever.

 

[Injunbro]

Yeah the guy only wanted $350 so I figured I would buy it and flip it for a quick buck, but now I'm thinking I'll just hold onto it for a while..or forever.

In good shape it would sell for twice that around here but you couldn't buy anything anywhere near as good for $700.

 

[Cporath51882]

I have a S&W 38 special that I can't seem to find an age or value too. It was my granfathers and I shoot it regularly......

 

[45acp230]

Pictures and a, at least, partial serial number would help the experts! I ain’t one of those, but some additional info would help narrow the range somewhat.