We all know that Smith & Wesson created the Masterpiece series of K frame target revolvers in .22LR, .32 S&W Long, and .38 S&W Special. Here is my set, a Model 17-3, a Model 16-3 and a Model 14-2. (They may not all be perfect contemporaries, but they're at least fraternal triplets.
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K frame triplets - .22, .32 and .38
Colt built approximately the same thing, with their Officers Model Target series.
So did Taurus. They built the Model 96 in .22LR, the Model 76 in .32 Long (and later .32 H&R Mag) and the Model 86 in .38 Special. I have been searching for a Model 86 for a couple of years as I had already gotten the .22 and .32 (which is the rarest) and just needed the .38. I finally found one on GunBroker - it has been surprising difficult to find one.
The Model 86 that I found is an older model than the 96 and 76. It has a sideplate screw like an early S&W, and a rear sight that is more like a Smith's. The trigger and hammer though are distinctly un-Smithy looking.
Some of the other guns of this vintage also have ugly longitudinal grooves in the cylinder flutes - avoiding that was one of the reasons it took me so long to find one. I'd still like to get one that looks more like the 96 and 76 that I have.
About the only company I know that is currently building a .32 caliber target revolver is Alfa-Proj Brno, built in the Czech Republic and imported by Czechpoint. They have a website that shows the guns but must import only a handful at a time - they are usually out of stock.
Interestingly, the .22 is a nine shot and has a sleeved barrel with a shroud. I believe the .32 and .38 are also sleeved, just retained differently. And the "ventilated" ribs on the .32 and .38, aren't ventilated. They just have indents cast in.
Now then, anyone have a 6" Llama in .32 S&W Long they'd like to sell me?
I already have the .22 and .38....
WTB Taurus Model 86 .38 Special, Llama Martial .32 Long
