Smith & Wesson Model 14

It is one of three similar models that Smith & Wesson offered, the other two being the very similar K-32 Target Masterpiece (Model 16) chambered for the.32 S&W Long cartridge and, for the "smallbore" or "22" category competition, the K-22 Target Masterpiece (Model 17) chambered for the.22 Long Rifle cartridge. Most K-38 revolvers were fitted with a 6 in or 8+3/8 in barrel. A small batch were made with 4 in barrels, and even fewer were made with 5 in barrels. First produced in 1947 and originally known as the K-38 Target Masterpiece, it was numbered the Model 14 in 1957 when all Smith & Wesson guns were given numerical model numbers. It is built on the same frame as the seminal Smith & Wesson Model 10 ("Military and Police") revolver. Although the K-38 was intended for paper target shooting, it was authorized for duty with the Los Angeles Police Department in the 1960s and early 1970s.

• Name — Smith & Wesson Model 14 • Origin — United States • Type — Revolver • Is Ranged — yes • Production Date — 1947–1982, 1991–1999, 2009–present • Variants — * Model 14 Masterpiece Single-Action • Model 14 Classic • Length — * 4 in • 5 in • 6 in • 8+3/8 in • Caliber —.38 Special • Action — Double-action revolver • Feed — 6-round cylinder • Sights — Adjustable open sights

The Model 14 Masterpiece Single-Action was available in 1961 and 1962. It came with a 6 in barrel and functioned in single-action only. It was otherwise identical to the rest of the Model 14s. Smith & Wesson also released nickel-plated and blued-steel versions of the Model 14 in their "Classics" line. Both versions have been discontinued. Other than the finishes, the revolvers were identical with 6 in barrels, a pinned Patridge front sight, a micro-adjustable rear sight, and wood grips. During the years 1965 - 1968 a serial number range of the Model 14-2 was acquired by the Dayton Gun Headquarters of Dayton, Ohio. Smith and Wesson allowed this gun distributor to block a number of serial numbers for a special run of 14-2 handguns. These handguns were distinctive in that they were all Model 14-2, 4-inch revolvers with a Baughman front sight and a mixture of standard or target hammers, triggers and stocks. The "Dayton" guns are a hybrid involving a shortened Model 14 barrel with a Model 15 sight. The Dayton guns were made in four separate blocks of serial numbers. They are: 1) K623337 - K623737 (401 pieces); 2) K623857 - K624496 (640 pieces); 3) K660288 - K661087 (800 pieces); 4) K661389 - K 661585 (197 pieces) for a total of 2038 pieces; during years 1965–1968. Besides the aforementioned "Dayton Guns" and as noted in the beginning of this article, other 4-inch barreled models were produced. Specifically a group of these revolvers were ordered with 4-inch barrels for the Kansas City, Missouri Police Commission. This information has been verified through Smith and Wesson Archive letters of authenticity. These revolvers were slightly different having a standard barrel thickness as opposed to the heavy barrels displayed on the "Dayton Guns". "Bill Jabin notation"

* • Los Angeles Police Department