Remington Model 14 ½ A .38-40 22” Pump / Slide Action Rifle 1920 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,181.00
LSB#: LSB250802TS108
Make: Remington
Model: 14 ½ A
Serial Number: 86174
Year of Manufacture: 1920 (ON Date Code)
Caliber: .38 W.C.F. or .38-40 Remington
Action Type: Pump Action with Tubular Magazine
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “REMINGTON ARMS–UNION METALLIC CARTRIDGE CO., / REMINGTON WORKS, ILION, N.Y. U.S.A. PEDERSEN’S PATS / OCT. 12. 09.JUL.5.10NOV.19. 12. AUG.26. 13. SEP. 9. 13”. The bottom tang is marked “REMINGTON / UMC / TRADE MARK”. The left of the barrel is marked “Remington / TRADE MARK / 38-40 REM. OR 38 W.C.F.”. The left side of the chamber has an ammunition indicator marked “REM-UMC / .38-40 REM”.
Barrel Length: 22”
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a Marble No. 3 beaded blade dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a v-notch dovetailed to the barrel with an elevation wheel. The top of the receiver is drilled, tapped, and filled for a tang sight (none present).
Stock Configuration and Condition: The stocks are two-piece walnut with round grooved slide handle, smooth semi-pistol grip, Redhead brand vented rubber buttpad. The comb has been shaved down. The LOP measures 13 3/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. There is a small crack on the bottom of the grip at the rear of the bottom tang. The spacer between the stock and the buttpad is cracked in several places. There are scratches, compressions, and nicks. Overall, the stocks are in Good condition as refinished and customized.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 70% of its finish. The balance of the finish shows general operation wear with finish loss on the magtube. The screwheads are sharp with faint tool marks. There is thinning on the leading edges. There is intermittent oxidation throughout. There are scratches and nicks. There are some tool marks on the front of the magtube. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The Remington Model 14 ½ A represents a fascinating branch in the evolution of Remington’s early slide-action rifles—a refinement of John D. Pedersen’s pioneering work that emphasized smooth handling and adaptable chamberings. Introduced in 1913, the Model 14 ½ followed the success of the original Model 14 but was specifically engineered for the Winchester-class revolver cartridges of the day, such as the .38-40 and .44-40. While its predecessor featured Pedersen’s famous spiral-fluted magazine tube, the 14 ½ omitted this element, simplifying the design while maintaining Remington’s hallmark balance, accuracy, and reliability. These rifles quickly became favorites among hunters and ranchers who appreciated their compact size, fast cycling, and the convenience of sharing ammunition with their sidearms—a practical pairing in the early decades of the 20th century.
This example, made in 1920 and chambered in .38-40 Remington (also known as .38 W.C.F.), captures that transitional charm beautifully. Its 22-inch barrel and graceful walnut furniture make it both lively in hand and visually classic, while the crisp barrel legends and bright, sharp bore—rated 10/10—attest to careful maintenance across a century of service. Honest finish wear and a modified comb give it a bit of character without detracting from its appeal. The action remains tight and smooth, and the rifle embodies the durable craftsmanship that made Remington’s pump rifles a standard for sportsmen between the wars. This 14 ½ A stands as a handsome, mechanically sound example of an uncommon model that connects the revolver and rifle traditions of the American field. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – L.S.
