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January 16, 2022
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Hello, new member here. I just took possession of a gorgeous .357 mag duty pistol, but I’m not certain what I really have. It has a straight shroud (not the pork chop), so from what I’ve been able to piece together, it could be a 14-2. It is a Monson build. I think 14-2 began in 1975 and the last year for Monson was 1975. Are these correct assumptions? So, that would make my pistol a 1975 build? I think what has me puzzled is the 5 digit serial number. Would that indicate an even earlier build? Here are some pics, and assistance y’all can offer would be greatly appreciated. S# 51838
DWF Supporters
July 12, 2020
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Welcome aboard from PA!! I'm not as versed on the revolvers as others here but I'm sure one of the professors will be along to square you away.
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Dans Club
March 25, 2013
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Yup, a 14-2. The 14-2 and 15-2s were ready by late 1974. Whether they sold in 74 or 75 I do not know. 50,000 was the start so your gun was one of the very first made. Monson was closed in 1991. After that small frame guns were made in Palmer. Large frame and Supermags were made in Palmer but role marked Monson starting with the 44 mag in 1980. They too were marked Palmer in 1991 after Monson was closed. The Palmer made shrouds had one line roll marks whereas the Monson shrouds had 2 lines. Frames made in Monson days but sold after Monson was closed had a Monson roll marked frame and a Palmer one line shroud.
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DWF Supporters
June 11, 2016
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Welcome to the Forum from Wisconsin.
Dans Club
December 5, 2008
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Welcome to the Forum!
Dans Club
February 24, 2013
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To the 
from central IL !!
October 17, 2017
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You indeed have a very early 14-2. My 15-2 is of a similar vintage (1975). There are a couple of things that are different from the later 15-2’s. A subtle change in the hammer profile along with a change to the crane arrangement occurred around 1977. Also the cylinder collar is removable on these early guns, and it rests directly on the frame much like the Colts revolvers since 1966 to the present day. Your grips look original to me. I have a grip that looks similar, but is made of “powerwood” (plastic made to closely resemble wood). Are yours plastic or wood; just curious.
October 17, 2017
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Here is a photo of my 15-1 wearing the powerwood grips. Notice the smallish medallions are the same as on your grips.
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Dans Club
March 25, 2013
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Both are Powerwood. Grumpy's are more typical I think.
October 17, 2017
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A back view of my powerwood grip. Does yours have the ribbing like this?
Dans Club
February 24, 2013
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Ribbed for your pleasure? LOL Sorry, I couldn’t resist.
Dans Club
December 5, 2008
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October 17, 2017
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No wonder I like shooting this revolver so much; never thought about the ribbed effect!! LOL
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