38 S&W Special CTG

[CD.]

Need info on a 38 S&W Special CTG that was my grandfathers who served on the USS Hunter Liggett driving a higgins boat. Found a number inside 14K2051

[MikeH1]

a serial number would be on the butt of the gun, and possibly a model # would be visible on the frame when the cylinder is opened.

[Mr. Beretta]

We'd like to help but could please provide more details?

Any other markings on the gun?
Year of your grandfather's service ?
Blue finish ?
6 shot ?
Wood grips ?
Barrel length ?
Clear pics would be great!

Thanks!

[CD.]

These are the numbers stamped on the frame when I open the cylinder

14K2051
MOD14-3
03363

5 inch Barrel
Blued Finish
Wood Grips with little gold SW Emblem
6 Shot

Smith and Wesson stamped on left side of Barrel
38 S&W Special CTG stamped on right side of Barrel

I will get pictures up tonight when I get home

Thanks in advance to all members providing help

[shootin' nuke]

Sounds like a good old Model 14. The -3 indicates the engineering change. Great revolver, especially since you have some history on it.

[MikeH1]

it would definitely be worth the $50 to get a Letter of Authentication from S&W

http://www.smith-wesson.com/wcsstore/SmWesson/upload/other/LOA.pdf

[kurac]

Its probably a 6", the barrel length is measured end to end not up until it hits the frame.

[Gryff]

According to http://www.handloads.com/misc/Smith.Model.Changes.asp, it was produced in the 1967-77 timeframe.

I have the same gun I inherited from my grandfather, but it was produced in the early 1950s when they called it the K-38 Masterpiece. I love shooting that gun.

By the way, the caliber is usually called the .38 Special today. You can buy ammo for it just about everywhere that sells ammo. Stay away from ammo that is rated "+P" because that is higher pressure/higher velocity ammo more designed for law enforcement or self defense use. I can't say your model 14 is not strong enough to use it, but there is no need to put the strain on a family heirloom if you are just using it for target shooting.

[CD.]

Here a picture to assist in identification.

[CD.]

Here is a better picture gentleman.

[gunboat]

I don't think the weapon is old enough -- Hunter liggett, ex S.S. Pan American, was an army transport 39-41 then navy ap-27 41-46 manned by a coast guard crew -- I think the model 14 was 1950's or perhaps even later -- Quite common for coasties to be manning the higgins boats -- It was not common to have your own personal weapon ---not unheard of but not usual ---- Only common carriers of 38 spl revolvers were naval aviators --

[CD.]

This weapon would have been purchased after his service in the war, Higgins Boat drivers were not armed.

[gunboat]

Cox'n, if you please -- not driver --