S&W Model 14 questions....

[woad_yurt]

Hi. Does anyone here know the changes of the Model 14 regarding the dash-number significances? For example, I know a 64-3 is MIM-safe but some of the later 64-4s aren't and all 64-5s use some MIM parts.

I'm looking to get a 6" Model 14; what are the quality changes I should know? For the Model 14, what dash number signifies the introduction of MIM* parts or other cost-cutting moves? Thank you.

* This stuff I want to avoid the most.

 

[18DAI]

I don't have my SCSW handy, but my 14-5 6" full lug is MIM free. IIRC the 14-6 started the incorporation of MIM. Regards 18DAI.

 

[FlyFish]

According to SCSW, the Mod. 14 began to incorporate MIM parts in 1997, which is the same year the 14-7 was introduced. Although it's not 100% clear, it appears that MIM parts (thumbpiece and trigger) were used on the last part of the 14-6 production and that the 14-7 added the MIM hammer along with a few other changes.

 

[carguychris]

It should be pointed out that the M14 was dropped from the catalog fairly soon after the introduction of the M14-7. M14 sales were slow by this point because its thunder had been stolen by the 6" L frame .357s. The vast majority of M14s on the used market are pre-1997 and therefore pre-MIM.

At the risk of starting a thread hijack, IMHO the later full-underlug M14 barrel is overweight for a .38Spl-only gun, and makes it feel too similar to the M586/M686. The earlier M14 barrel offers 6" sight radius in a more svelte, easy-to-carry package.

 

[laytonj1]

K-38 Target Masterpiece (pre model 14) 1946 to 1957.
14 (1957) Stamping of model number.
14-1 (1959) Change extractor rod from right hand to left hand thread.
14-2 (1961) Cylinder stop changed, delete trigger guard screw.
14-3 (1967) Relocationof rear sight leaf screw.
14-4 (1977) Change gas ring from yoke to cylinder.
14-5 (1991) New yoke retention system and initial run of 2000 guns with full lug barrel.
(1992) Standard production of full underlug barrel.
14-6 (1994) Synthetic grips, drill and tap frame, change extractor, change rear sight leaf.
(1995/96) Delete square butt.
(1997) Change to MIM thumbpiece and trigger.
14-7 (1997) Cylinder stop stud eliminated, eliminate serrated tangs, change
to MIM hammer with floating firing pin.
(1999) Model 14 discontinued.

Jim

 

[kle]

IMHO the later full-underlug M14 barrel is overweight for a .38Spl-only gun, and makes it feel too similar to the M586/M686.

When I bought my 14-6, that's exactly what I wanted--muzzle-heavy, sorta like the 586, but chambered for .38 Special and in the slightly smaller/more svelte K-frame. I don't carry mine, though; I use it strictly for the Distinguished Revolver/Conventional Pistol competitions, where the balance and feel of the heavy barrel really do help keep the gun on target compared to the lighter 14-0 through 14-4s.