Everybody has opinions and other attributes. So, I will give you mine. As Stinger says, there are 14,14-1 porkchops. Also model 11s. Those are fixed sight guns. The 11 (up to serial number 10,000), 14 (up to serial  number ~25,000), and the unofficial 14-1(up to Ser number 50,000).The Adjustible sight models are 12,15 and 15-1. There are also 38 Special model 8 and 9. They are absolutely identical except only chamber 38 Spec. They are all called porkchops.

   Are the later, more attractive - 2s better? They are better looking for sure. But in my opinion they are not as robust and perhaps not as accurate. Let's look at the 11 and 12. Exterior 12 sided nut was odd looking but the reputation for accuracy was established by those guns. Early gun articles claimed the barrels were choked by a thousandth of an inch like a Python. I cannot verify that but later - 2s were definately not. The shroud and front sight were located by a nipple on the crane that fit into a dimple on the shroud porkchop extension. The - 2s have a roll pin in a hole in the frame that fits into a hole in the shroud. Because of the longer radius of the locating pin/nipple of a porkchop I believe it  lends itself to more accuracy. A other attribute is that when the shroud is off the cylinder assemble slides right off for easy cleaning. No side plate removal is necessary.

  The models 11 and 14 have rear sights that are drift adjustable. The 14-1 has a cut in the top strap as does the 14-2. The 11 and 14 have correspondingly taller front sights. I like that. The low front sight on the 14-1 and 14-2  is not easily  visible.

  Okay, that is the visual difference. As far as mechanical, the 11 and 12 have a hand spring that wraps around the hand and it rubs against the sideplate, leading to failure. Later models have a slot in the hand that the spring fits into. If you have an 11 or 12 I would replace the hand and spring with the later version. The 14 and 15 have the modern type. When DW debuted, it had the fastest hammer fall of any  revolver. There was a problem with light strikes. Starting around serial number 25,000 ( by the way, the 6 digit number on the box is meaningless. Probably a dealers stock number),DW changed the trigger  by creating a tiny ledge on the trigger where the trigger spring contacted the trigger. Maybe a 1/16" ledge but it lengthened the hammer fall(and power) by about 1/4". The shorter hammer fall of the of the prior model meant more accuracy. Manurhins have also an extremely short hammer fall and are considered perhaps the most accurate production revolver made. Of course, Dans, Registered Magnums, Korths and others are also so reputed. Other features such as front lockup and barrel and shroud also contribute to accuracy.

  I have well over 150 Dans of most models,including many porkchops. I wish - 2s were as robust and accurate as the porkchops. As long as folks keep keep spurning them I will keep  buying them for a discount. Although my DWAS is somewhat in remission. I have embraced other makes.  Mulhouse Manurhins, Prewar Smiths, and my new love affair, Scandium N frame and 32 mag S&Ws.

 So CT, jump on the 14 before someone snaps it up. Before you buy any more Barrel assemblies be aware that you want 14-1 shrouds. The earlier shrouds will not shoot to point of aim. Check back here before buying any. 

Share on TwitterShare on FacebookShare on WhatsAppShare on LinkedInShare on Pinterest