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07-09-2011, 03:47 AM
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Pre-Model 16 K-32 With 3T's **Update: Letter Received**
For some time I have wanted a Model 16 or pre-16 K-32, but with prices in the $2000 - $3500 range I didn't think I would ever find one that I could justify buying. I convinced myself to be content with my 16-4's, using the logic that I could probably buy at least three of those for the price of just one K-32. Then a few days ago I saw a K-32 priced in the usual range, only this time the seller was very negotiable. Long story short, I made a deal I honestly didn't think was possible, and am now the owner of K-32 that dates to 1955.
The unusual thing here is that the gun is equipped with a target trigger, target hammer, and target grips. The numbers match on the barrel, cylinder, and frame, and the grips are not numbered. One of the arguments I used in negotiating the price was that I didn't believe the 3T's were original to the gun. However, after doing some research and asking questions here on the forum, I now know that the target hammer and non-relieved target grips were definitely available as options in 1955, and that the target trigger was probably introduced early that same year. I have also read that target grips, even when original to the gun, were not numbered because they didn't require the same precise fitting as the magnas. So, it now appears possible that the gun may have been shipped from the factory with 3T's after all. I'm already working on a letter request, but in the meantime, what does everybody think?
I just picked up the gun yesterday. I would rate the finish at about 95%, bore, chambers, and mechanical functions are all excellent. I snapped a couple of quick pictures to post, hopefully I'll get more up later today.
Last edited by PMRet; 08-05-2011 at 05:14 PM.
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07-09-2011, 04:58 AM
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I also bidded for this K-32, but I quickly ran out of money(I am trying to slow down my got to buy it now addiction). I am glad it went to a good home!! I was wondering why the seller had not relisted it!!
My wife got me a K-32 1 year ago (first gun she ever bought, met the seller in the Walmart parking lot) and I have not been home long enough to shoot it Mr. Jinks says mine shipped December 1954.
Last edited by peyton; 07-09-2011 at 05:25 AM.
Reason: additional info
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07-09-2011, 11:38 AM
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PMRet
Looks can be deceiving but it sure appears righteous from the photos, congrats on the find. You mentioned getting a good deal and the negotiations but will you give a "Ball Park" figure for the price you ended up having to pay? I know its so tacky to ask this question and I do apologize but some of us are still looking! Again, Congratulations!
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Sam
S&WHF 333 S&WCA 2198
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07-09-2011, 03:24 PM
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Most likely a special order gun so you never know on that factory letter.
Could be some famed Bullseye Shooter. Good luck and nice catch.
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07-09-2011, 04:21 PM
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Oh you lucky guy. All things come to those that wait, and wait....and wait. That's the Queen mother of pre 16s! I bet it's all factory original.
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Jim
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07-09-2011, 04:33 PM
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Whoa! Nice piece.
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07-09-2011, 05:34 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Hondo44
Oh you lucky guy. All things come to those that wait, and wait....and wait. That's the Queen mother of pre 16s! I bet it's all factory original.
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Needless to say I'm very happy with it, and I'm curious to see what the letter says. Hmmm, according to SCSW the serial number dates to 1955, and I was born in 1955, so I wonder...
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07-09-2011, 06:19 PM
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That's a nice specimen. Barring a letter that says something else, I would tend to think that is the original shipping configuration.
Your reference to a "negotiable" owner leads me to think you got it at a really good price. Congratulations.
In my short collecting career, I have always been drawn to guns that chambered a round one size smaller than the frame on which they were built -- .22/32s, .38/44s, and these ".32/38s," though S&W never called them that.
The K-22 was actually a .22/38, if you get right down to it. I regret S&W never made a .32/44. That would have been one fine revolver!
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David Wilson
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07-10-2011, 12:36 AM
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OK-you have made us all jealous, great gun. Post the letter results when they come. Enjoy that fine peice regardless of the letter. Would really like to find a shooter grade K-32.
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Jim
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07-10-2011, 02:18 AM
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Congratulations! You're going to love it man. I just had my 3T 1959 Model 16 no dash at the range this last Thursday and it was a dream. Please do shoot it, at least some, don't let it live it's life completely in a dark safe.
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07-10-2011, 02:40 AM
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Actually, S&W did make a 32-44---------the New Model #3 Target. They didn't make very many of them I grant you, and the ammunition is not found in every little hardware store, but they made it.
Ralph Tremaine
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07-10-2011, 06:28 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BlackSky
Please do shoot it, at least some, don't let it live it's life completely in a dark safe.
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Don't worry, I plan to shoot it, probably a lot. I was looking for a shooter anyway, this one just turned out to be in a little better condition, had just enough use so that it won't bother me to take it to the range. I really like the .32's, here it is with my others.
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07-10-2011, 08:48 AM
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Great collection of 32's!!
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07-11-2011, 09:38 PM
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Very nice .32. I'm in the same boat being happy with my -4 and hoping to fall into a 16 of some sort. Yes, live the dream and enjoy your gun. Larry
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07-11-2011, 09:59 PM
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That one will be hard to top! Well done!
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07-12-2011, 05:13 PM
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Very nice K32. Good to know you will shoot it. Congratulations on finding and buying something you really wanted.
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08-05-2011, 05:13 PM
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Got the letter from Roy in the mail today. According to the letter, the K-32 was shipped on April 16, 1956 and was not shipped with any target accessories. Guess I should be at least a little disappointed that it's not all original, but I''m not. I bought the gun to shoot and enjoy, and it's set up exactly the way I like my target revolvers to be.
This is also another example where the shipping date falls outside of the serial number table in SCSW. The serial number of 255xxx falls well within the 1955 range of 231256 - 266164, but the gun wasn't shipped until April 1956. Probably due to the low demand for the Masterpiece in .32 caliber, which eventually led to it being discontinued after a total production number of only 3630.
Last edited by PMRet; 08-05-2011 at 05:55 PM.
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