Smith & Wesson model 14-4

[da gimp]

RCS, dbl action notch removed from hammer or the front sight? the grips are rare.......how does it letter?

[RCS]

gimp, you are close, they (S&W) never made a single action K-38 with the 8 3/8 inch barrel. Someone did the conversion years ago, the grips were custom made around late 50's. Hammer is also early but not as rare as the registered 357 humpback hammers

[jjrothWA]

Recently called S&W Service Dept.,

to clear some J-frames for +P use.

Basic cut-off is: 1992 or later for any S&W.

So no +P for your 14-4.

Look nice, like mine!, which goes to range once a qurater and ploop "Mid-range target" loads into the X!

[Art]

+P ammo started being commercially loaded as early as the mid 1970s at least by Winchester. I carried both the old Winchester 158gr +P Semi Wadcutters in my 2" bbl S&W Model 15 as early as 1976 and later the hollow point version of that round known originally as the "SPD" (St Louis Police Dept. also known as the "F.B.I. load or Chicago load) in "K" frame .38s for many years, especially my Model 15s. The word from the Winnie people was that it was ok in any .38 Special steel frame revolver, though they recommended moderation in small frame steel snubbies. so for about 20 years after the introduction of +P .38 Special loads there were no actual +P rated revolvers that I knew of.

[Devil Dog]

I called S & W a few years ago regarding shooting +P's in my 14-3.
I was told that a few +P's were okay, but not to make a habit of them. I got the impression that the gun was safe for +P's but too many would loosen things up too much.

[noslack327]

This is from my instruction sheet for a model 49 bodyguard, printed Oct 1978. Basically it says to stay away from LE ammo,so called plus-p-plus and plus-plus p. which were made for the U.S. Treasury department. For shooting in K frame 38 special revolvers, do not shoot it in guns made before 1958 which do not have a model number on the yoke cut out on the frame. It also says do not shoot +p+ out of J frame revolvers. Its old information and likely out of date.

[joem]

"If you reload for him, you're violating federal laws. I know many reloaders make ammo for friends, but legally (for decades) if you reload for others you must have a manufacturer's license."

That's very good advice from this poster. If anyone wants reloads, I tell them to bring their supplies and sit at my bench and use my equipment.

[Former Cav]

I DO NOT reload for anybody. Too much liability. I should have said I was teaching him how to load. He brought his own brass etc.
Besides, personally, I find pulling the lever extremely boring (even though I PAY CLOSE attention).
Why would I want to pull the lever for someone else?
I also teach people how to make beer. NO way am I making it for them. Too MUCH work.
I'm old and retired!