Engraved Smith & Wesson S&W Model 14-3 K-38 Masterpiece .38 Spl 6″ Revolver
SOLD FOR: $4024
LSB#: 220308CS003
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: Custom Engraved 14-3, The K-38 Target Masterpiece
Serial Number: 17K9058
Year of Manufacture: 1977
Caliber: .38 Special
Action Type: 6-Shot, Double / Single Action, Swing-Out Cylinder Hand Ejector Revolver.
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON”. The yoke cut is marked with the serial number and model number “17K9058 / MOD. 14-3” and the yoke is marked with inspection marks. The right side of the barrel is marked “38 S.&W. SPECIAL CTG.”. The right side of the frame is marked with the four-line “Marcas Registradas” address. The butt of the grip is marked with the serial number “17K9058”. The sides of the grip frame are marked with inspection marks. The frame, barrel, yoke, and cylinder all have relief engraving with an oak leaf motif. The sideplate is engraved with a scene of a fox standing on a log in a wooded area.
Barrel Length: 6” Pinned
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Patridge-style blade on an elevated base. There is an S&W micrometer click square notch rear sight adjustable for windage and elevation. The rib is serrated to reduce glare.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are aftermarket two-piece checkered mother of pearl grips. There are a few scattered light marks and general handling wear. There is the tiniest of losses on the interior of the right panel at the bottom front corner. The grips are shy at the tops and proud at the bottoms. The checkering is strong. Overall, the grips are in about Fine Plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished at time of engraving.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. There are some scattered light handling marks. There are a few spots of dark discoloration from previous oxidation, the most noticeable are on the cylinder behind one of the flutes and on the trigger. The cylinder has a slightly plumish hue. The screwheads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Fine-Excellent condition as Custom.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder lockup produces hardly any side-to-side play on each chamber with the trigger depressed. The double-action trigger is smooth. The single-action is crisp. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is a custom display case with a fitted purple interior and a cartridge tray. One of the clasps is missing.
Our Assessment: For anyone looking for a quality target revolver the gun just about sells itself. When it comes to revolvers Smith & Wessons of this era have never disappointed and this is certainly no exception. Smith & Wesson weren’t just bragging when they called this model the “Masterpiece”, the 6″ barrel, adjustable sights and smooth action all promise to make this a tackdriver. This revolver has had custom relief engraving applied and a pair of nice mother of pearl grips installed. It looks good and is certainly in good enough condition to add to a S&W collection and it would also make a fine revolver to pass down through the generations. Please see our photos and good luck!