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February 11, 2009
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I decided to buy a revolver for my first gun, primarily for home protection. I was on a budget so my choices were very limited. I found this revolver at a pawn shop and paid $200 for it. I do not Know much about guns, so i have been doing some research to find out what model it is. I share some of the frustration a previous member of this forum talked about in that i don't know all the jargon to be able to identify my gun. I do know that it was made in Monson. the serial # is 66708 and it has a fixed sight in front of the hammer. I guess this means it is a service model. It has a 3 1/4″ barrel. I really want to know:
1. What model is it exactly?
2. Was $200 a good deal?
3. Will it really hurt to use 38 Sp. +P cartridges ( A manual on DW .357 says it's not recommended)
4. Can an adj. sight be added? THANKS IN ADVANCE!!!!!
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January 24, 2009
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First off, welcome aboard!
It looks like you have a small frame model 14 service revolver. From what I can see of it's condition, I think you did pretty well on the price. It should have a removeable barrel (can't make out a barrel nut on this crappy monitor), so you should be able to swap barrels. The only downside is that if you use a barrel that's designed for interchangeable sights, it may throw your aim off when shooting. Due to the fixed rear sight.
At the very top of this page, there's some tabs (articles, files, history, etc.) that will have loads of info for you.
I haven't heard it's bad to shoot .38 Sp bullets in these...unless I've been totally missing something. Wait for more folks to throw in some opinions on the matter.
Again, welcome to the site.
December 17, 2008
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Howdy Houston and welcome to the forum, great to have you as a member.
Excellent choice for that first revolver. IMHO, it is more reliable than an automatic and will go bang every time you pull the trigger.
I'll answer the questions I know and let the other member's chip in on the rest:
What you have is a post 1974 Model 14-2. As you noted, it is the Service model not the target model. -->better for concealed carry with the fixed sights.
It's a nice looking gun from your pic! If the bore is clean & the gun is tight, you got a very good deal at $200. I see them on gunbroker usually ~$300 or more.
Barrels are interchangable & are meant to be changed! You need a barrel wrench to take that nut off the muzzle, then the "shroud" around the barrel slides off and the barrel itself unscrews easily from the body. To put it back together or change barrel / shrouds, you'll need a feeler gauge to set the gap between the barrel and cylinder. Factory spec. is .006, but I think most folks run them a little tighter ~.003 or .004 depending on how parallel the barrel and cylinder face are (as it rotates). Wrench and gauge frequently on GB and also available from DW for $43 + shipping.
You can use barrels & shrouds from any model 14-2 or a target model (15-2). However, with the interchangable front blades on a model 15, you must use "blank blades" from the factory and file them down. The model 14 fixed front sight is lower than the interchangable blades. See this post on the topic: https://www.danwessonforum.com/?page_id=3/revolvers/front-sight-heights&value=model%14%25front%25sight%252&search=2&ret=all Additionally, Model 14's were "Satin Blue" finish & 15's were "Brite Blue" finish, so they won't be a perfect match.
I don't know the answer on the +P or if you can add adj. sights.
Also, if I have made any errors guys, please correct me or add detail.
February 11, 2009
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What makes it a Model 14 instead of a 15? It does have a barrel nut and it looks like fixed barrels are not only hard to find but made in Palmer not Monson.
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November 17, 2008
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Welcome to the group. looks like you snagged a good deal. The only issue with shooting 38's in a 357, that I know of, is if you don't keep the cylinders clean it will become hard to put 357's in due to the buildup. I personally shoot 38s all the time and have never had a issue, just clean the cylinders when they need it. Keep banging away and let us know how she does.
Wisdom is merely the realization of how little one knows, therefore I am wise.
December 17, 2008
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The differences between the M14 and M15 are the sights and the options offered for the shrouds.
M14: fixed sights (machined rear, ramp front) and only the standard shroud - meaning it is not available in the "Heavy" target config with the full underlug & the top rail is only available "standard" - no vent.
M15: adjustable target sights rear, interchangable colored blade front. Shrouds available in numerous configurations.
- 15-2: no underlug, no vent (std.)
- 15-2H: with underlug, no vent
- 15-2V: no underlug, w/ vented rib
- 15-2VH: with underlug, w/ vented rib
Check this brochure under the files tab:
https://www.danwessonforum.com/wp-content/uploads/1978_Pistol_Pac_Brochure.pdf
February 11, 2009
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THanks for The info!!! GREAT FORUM!!!
February 7, 2009
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Model 14-2 with a 4" barrel. At $200 I'd say you did very well. I actually can't tell from the pic if it's blued or stainless, looks dull grey on my monitor. Stainless would be a model 714
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