How many K-32's were produced prior to the model 16 number being assigned?

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Doug

Approximately 3,500.

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Guy
SWHF #474 SWCA LM#2629

^^^^
So there were only about 150 model marked revolvers?

130, if you read the SCSW, 4th Edition literally.

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Guy
SWHF #474 SWCA LM#2629

Wiregrassguy, thanks. I have a 16-3 but didn’t realize that so few were produced (demand so low) after they went to the model number system.

The K-32 variation numbers are broken down by Jim Fisher are estimated as follows:
K-32 Narrow Rib: 400
K-32 Wide Rib: 2030
K-32 4-Screw: 400
K-32 Model: 16-2: 300
K-32 Model 16-3: 500

I have one of each variation. These are my pride and joys of my Masterpiece collection. To include a K32 5 Screw, K32 4 Screw no model number, K32 4 Screw Model 16, No 16-1 produced, K32 3 Screw Model 16-2 and finely the K32 3 Screw Model 16-3.

Attached Images

4X6A2219.jpg (41.1 KB, 120 views)

You are very fortunate, or perhaps prescient, person! Thanks for showing this fine collection.

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Some collect art; I shoot it!

I believe that was a total that included the model numbered pieces.

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Doug

Probably. That number in the SCSW, 4th Ed. is given in the Named Model section. Then there are different numbers given in the Numbered Model section. It would have been fortuitous if Jim Fisher's breakdown was published in the SCSW.

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Guy
SWHF #474 SWCA LM#2629

The only thing I wish, Jim Fisher provided this K-32 4-Screw: 400; I wish that I could find out how many 4 Screw with and without model number, as I have both types. I would love to go through the S&W log books and research the exact numbers across the board.

6That is a hard question to answer, have a good idea of the number of five screws (approx 2430). Then the hard part, for the four screws there were some without model numbers and then some with model 16 stamping, never seen a number for with/without on the four screws.

Then there is the question of how many 16-3s overstamped on 14 that left the factory.

Every 16-3 I've seen in person (3 of them) was an overstamped model 14 frame, including one that I owned for a short time.

The shortest and most precise answer is NOT ENOUGH! if they had thought about how many of us in the 21st Century would want one, they would have made an order of magnitude more of them back then, but if they had, perverse beings that we are, we wouldn’t have one of those “common” things.

They were then and remain now a gun for the extreme enthususiast and as such they satisfied demand without making very large numbers at all. I was amazed to hear recently that many of the Model 16-4s sat around unsold for a long time when they were originally on the market. I thought they disappeared faster than a bag of munchies in a head shop.

Froggie

My 16-3 is not an over stamped 14 frame. It was a special order, as it has a ramp front sight and white outlined rear sight. The only deviation on the gun from the historical letter, is the fact the letter indicates a red ramp, but it is only a ramp. I have looked very closely at the gun and there is no indication on the gun of it being replaced. Also no stamping on the frame indicating it was returned to the factory for changes. But at any case, it is an original 16.

I also have what was considered by the selling auction house to be a K32 Masterpiece, 5 screw. When I received the gun there were questions raised by missing serial numbers from places one would expect to find them on a 5 screw, upon receiving the factory letter, it was originally shipped from the factory as a K38 Masterpiece. So someone got a barrel and cylinder and converted the gun. Now I have documentation and a writeup on the gun, so hopefully no one gets it in the future without knowing the history.