By "original grip plates" I am going to assume you mean the wood panels otherwise known as "stocks" or, less accurately, "grips."
It is difficult to know whether your K-32 Masterpiece originally shipped with Magna or Target style stocks, unless you have the original box (the label would tell you).
If it shipped with Magna stocks, they would look like this:
If it came with Target stocks, they would look more or less like these:
Both of the stock types shown in my pictures would be correct for the period 1961-1966, when the Model 16-2 was in production.
Welcome also. Jack has good information above as usual - just to add, your revolver was made in the era when the stock panels were individually fitted to each grip frame and stamped with the SN to indicate this. You will find original "style" stocks easily, but 'the' originals not so much.
Also, you probably realize the model 16-2 is a rare gun. It is a .32 S & W Long revolver, not a .22 LR, correct? We need photos! Hope this is helpful.
By "original grip plates" I am going to assume you mean the wood panels otherwise known as "stocks" or, less accurately, "grips."
It is difficult to know whether your K-32 Masterpiece originally shipped with Magna or Target style stocks, unless you have the original box (the label would tell you).
If it shipped with Magna stocks, they would look like this:
If it came with Target stocks, they would look more or less like these:
Both of the stock types shown in my pictures would be correct for the period 1961-1966, when the Model 16-2 was in production.
Thank you. Yes I mean original stocks or as original kind of grips as possible but it's very hard to found those. Unfortunately I don't have box and previous owner didn't had original grips anymore...
By "original grip plates" I am going to assume you mean the wood panels otherwise known as "stocks" or, less accurately, "grips."
It is difficult to know whether your K-32 Masterpiece originally shipped with Magna or Target style stocks, unless you have the original box (the label would tell you).
If it shipped with Magna stocks, they would look like this:
If it came with Target stocks, they would look more or less like these:
Both of the stock types shown in my pictures would be correct for the period 1961-1966, when the Model 16-2 was in production.
Thank you. Yes I mean original stocks or as original kind of grips as possible but it's very hard to found those. Unfortunately I don't have box and previous owner didn't had original grips anymore...
Welcome also. Jack has good information above as usual - just to add, your revolver was made in the era when the stock panels were individually fitted to each grip frame and stamped with the SN to indicate this. You will find original "style" stocks easily, but 'the' originals not so much.
Also, you probably realize the model 16-2 is a rare gun. It is a .32 S & W Long revolver, not a .22 LR, correct? We need photos! Hope this is helpful.
Thank you. Yes I have found finding stocks pretty challenging... Yes it's really .32 S&W Long caliber and I noticed it's pretty rare when I tried to found those stocks.
I guess S&W made something like 4000 pcs. of 16-2's, right? I just wonder how many of those are still in good or similar condition (ie. not damaged or destroyed...).
I'll try to find some time to take and post couple of photos soon.
Although model 16·2 are rare, it isa K frame and K frames are not rare. The stocks from any square butt K frame of the same era should fit. Models 10, 14,15,,17,18,,19 are all K frames
[...] If it came with Target stocks, they would look more or less like these:
[...]
That's great looking Model 15 Jack! While Targets could have been special ordered in harder woods like your Model 15's goncalo alves wouldn't S&W usually have installed lower priced walnut Targets on 16-2s the same as they did on 17-2s?
The Model 16 was cataloged with Magna stocks made of American walnut and it most likely shipped with that style of stocks. Like steelslaver posted above, any pair of period correct Magnas should work pretty well. Magna stocks with the diamond around the escutcheon and escutcheon nut were phased out beginning in 1966, so whether or not your 16-2 would have diamond Magnas or plain Magnas depends on when it was made and shipped.
Although model 16·2 are rare, it isa K frame and K frames are not rare. The stocks from any square butt K frame of the same era should fit. Models 10, 14,15,,17,18,,19 are all K frames
Thanks. This is very useful information. At least there will be more spare parts available if Models 10, 14,15,,17,18,,19 are more or less compatible with 16.
The Model 16 was cataloged with Magna stocks made of American walnut and it most likely shipped with that style of stocks. Like steelslaver posted above, any pair of period correct Magnas should work pretty well. Magna stocks with the diamond around the escutcheon and escutcheon nut were phased out beginning in 1966, so whether or not your 16-2 would have diamond Magnas or plain Magnas depends on when it was made and shipped.
Bill
Thanks. Great detailed info! Now I can start to chase Magna grip made for models 10, 14, 15, 17, 18 and 19. Probably 15 or 17 K frame Magna grip would be the first choice.
Does anyone knows good shops and places to look for original spare parts? I have found couple places, but they don't ship parts to Europe which is a problem at the moment.
While Targets could have been special ordered in harder woods like your Model 15's goncalo alves wouldn't S&W usually have installed lower priced walnut Targets on 16-2s the same as they did on 17-2s?
Yes. That's why I wrote, "they would look more or less like these."
It was the best pic I had available of K frame diamond targets, even though they are GA.
Thank you! It was a gift years ago from my late father. It is a gem and is among a small group of my most treasured S&W revolvers. It is promised to my daughter when I pass away.
Magna stocks of the type you need are sold on this forum quite often and on ebay. If you post part of the serial number of your 16-2 ( like K123XXX) we may be able to tell you if you want diamond Magnas or plain Magnas.
Here are two pictures. Grip is not original. I just installed it as a temporary fix. I also asked (almost begged actually) previous owner to check again if he could find the original stocks.
Nice gun you have there st0ne!! Those are the type of grips I would have on it to shoot (I prefer targets). Then I would put the magnas in the gun box or with any paperwork for that gun to keep all together. I know how you feel wanting originals, I am about to pick up a K-frame myself with upgraded grips on it- and plan on asking for the rubber ones he took off as I think those were the originals it shipped with.
It's a nice example of the model 16. The production number of 4,000 you quoted would be close to 'all' K-32/model 16 production; I would be surprised if more than a few hundred model stamped guns (post-1957) were made, or exist. Yours has a replaced front sight blade that is easy to swap back to original. This is similar to saying your supermodel wife has a pimple.
If you look at the stock panel in the photo you posted in #21, you will see the upper rear corner comes to a fairly sharp point. If you look at Jack's photo in post #2 that corner is more rounded, which is correct for your gun. If you find a set of stocks stamped with a number fairly close to yours they will be the correct style. Enjoy!
It's a nice example of the model 16. The production number of 4,000 you quoted would be close to 'all' K-32/model 16 production; I would be surprised if more than a few hundred model stamped guns (post-1957) were made, or exist. Yours has a replaced front sight blade that is easy to swap back to original. This is similar to saying your supermodel wife has a pimple.
Thanks. OK. Even I don't have supermodel as a wife I see your point.
Quote:
Originally Posted by murphydog
If you look at the stock panel in the photo you posted in #21, you will see the upper rear corner comes to a fairly sharp point. If you look at Jack's photo in post #2 that corner is more rounded, which is correct for your gun. If you find a set of stocks stamped with a number fairly close to yours they will be the correct style. Enjoy!
OK. Thanks again. I am so blind for these minor details.
I just found this old advertisement. It clearly shows that the front sight plate is different. Even I can see it now. It seems to describe original stocks pretty well also.
Stone, I know the sad problem about the shipments overseas from USA. Nevertheless, I often buy rare grips there and I "use" an american friend as "pusher".
However here in Italy it's easy to find magna stocks (with or without diamond) at a good price, and if you like I can find a set for you. I don't know where you are, but in EU we don't have any issue about shipments.
Stone, I know the sad problem about the shipments overseas from USA. Nevertheless, I often buy rare grips there and I "use" an american friend as "pusher".
However here in Italy it's easy to find magna stocks (with or without diamond) at a good price, and if you like I can find a set for you. I don't know where you are, but in EU we don't have any issue about shipments.
I guess you can ask around if you want. It would be great if those magna stocks are stamped with serial number near K485xxx and with diamonds and escutcheons.
I was able to find these in a webshop, which is shipping parts to my country also. There is no diamonds in these. But what you experts think about these? Are these close enough original stocks?
Sorry! My mistake. I mean this one. Funny... Webshop says round butt grip is for model 16 and square butt grip is not...
Those are the stocks currently being sold by S&W. They are made by Altamont out of a laminate. Ones the vintage of your gun are solid walnut.
Quote:
Originally Posted by St0ne
One more question about the front sight plate (ramp?) size. Which is correct size .168" or .243" or .228" or something else?
Nearly all 6" adjustable sighted K-22s, K-32s and K-38s originally had Patridge front sight blades, not Baughman ramp blades. Patridge means the rear face is vertical like the one your Model 16-2 has. The only thing that looks not original about your Patridge is its top was filed to slope toward the muzzle. I'd bet that it is the original blade. I would shoot the gun before deciding whether to replace it. Then, if you decide to replace it you can adjust the point of impact as needed. My guess is that it was filed to raise the point of impact to match a previous owner's vision, grip and cartridge preference. There's a good chance that if you put on a Patridge that has the height he filed off it will hit low.
Also, I'd take my time watching for correct Magna stocks to come up for sale. They are just less practical stocks to store until you eventually sell the gun. They will not be serial numbered to the gun so I doubt that they will raise the value much anyway.
Thanks k22fan for the info! I have decided to keep current patridge and grip but It would be nice to have original kinds also so that's why I am looking for them. Originals would be the best option of course.
Those are the stocks currently being sold by S&W. They are made by Altamont out of a laminate. Ones the vintage of your gun are solid walnut.
OMG, on smartphone screen I did'nt note the laminated wood, but the shape. StOne, I'll find a correct set: walnut magna, square, nonPlain Clothes and possibly diamond.