K-32 vs model 16

[Jetman22]

I would like a 32 h&r Mag or 32 long.
Can you guys give a simple guideline of the different models K32 vs Model16
2screw 3 screw etc
Just in case I go to a gun show or pawn shop and find something that's not priced at a
Ga Zillion dollars [emoji3]



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[JP@AK]

Hi
First, the Model 16 is a K-32 Masterpiece. Here's how it plays out.

1. In the early postwar period, S&W introduced the K-32 Masterpiece as a companion to the K-38 and K-22. At that time it had only a name - K-32 Masterpiece.

2. In the summer of 1957, S&W decided to add model numbers to the names of various revolvers. The K-32 was given the Model 16 designation, and examples began shipping in 1958. This, then, was the Model 16 K-32 Masterpiece. It had both a name and a number. The Model 16 with no dash number is extremely scarce and we assume few were made.

3. In 1961, the Model 16-2 was released. This was the first three screw Model 16 K-32 Masterpiece. Apparently there were no Model 16-1 revolvers made.

4. In 1967, the Model 16-2 was replaced by the Model 16-3. It had the same engineering change as the Model 14-3 and Model 17-3 (K-38 and K-22, respectively). The change entailed the relocation of the rear sight leaf screw, to avoid flame cutting at the screw location.

5. In 1974, the Model 16 was discontinued. It should be noted that all the Model K-32 Masterpiece revolvers up to that time (model marked or not) were chambered for the .32 S&W Long cartridge.

6. In 1989, the Model 16 was reintroduced as the Model 16-4. However, at this time it was a slightly different animal. It had a full lug barrel, which it had never had before. And, it was chambered for the relatively new .32 H&R Magnum cartridge. Production lasted until 1993.

I hope this brief history helps you.

 

[JP@AK]

2screw 3 screw etc

There has never been a "2 screw." K frame revolvers had 5 screws until c. 1956; 4 screws until c. 1961; 3 screws thereafter.

Just in case I go to a gun show or pawn shop and find something that's not priced at a Ga Zillion dollars

Good luck! If you find one for less than a gazillion dollars, I'll tip my hat to you. The K-32 is highly coveted and examples in high condition don't sell for under four figures. The 16-4 is likely to show up as the least expensive.

 

[Jetman22]

Wow !!!!
That's exactly what I was asking for. And all in one post.

I know most would cring at the thought. But if a person found a shooter ( not collectible grade)
Could you ream the cylinder to 32 h&r Mag ?
Or
Would it even strong enough?

Thank You


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[TIMETRIPPER]

No reason why it wouldn't. But... if a 32 mag is what you really want, in that situation I'd think you'd be further ahead to resell a shooter grade K32 and simply buy a 16-4. The least expensive K32 I've seen was in pieces and stored in a zip lock bag. This was at at a local gun show last year and the seller was still wanting $1400. I've seen 16-4s sell for less.

John

 

[22hipower]

Never say never but your chances of finding a K32 at a gun show or pawn shop that doesn't cost a "ga zillion" dollars are about the same as winning the lottery. In the unlikely event you do find a K32 shooter, it will be strong enough to handle the 32 H&R mag but why would you want to reduce the value, regardless of condition, by reaming it for 32 H&R mag? The 16-4 is easier to find, costs 25% of the K32, in my opinion shoots as well, and is already in 32 H&R mag. Like you though, I keep looking for that reasonably priced K32 wherever I shop. However, in the 40 or so years I've been wandering gun show floors, pawnshops and LGSs I'm yet to find one. Good luck.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[JP@AK]

if a person found a shooter (not collectible grade) Could you ream the cylinder to 32 h&r Mag?

Where the heck is that Strongly Dislike button . . . ???

 

[stu1ritter]

I don't believe there is such a thing as a non-collector K-32, no matter the condition.

Stu

 

[Jetman22]

You guys are right. Doesn't make since to alter a fine gun no matter what the condition.
My eyes are looking.
K-32
Or
16-4
Put the pitch forks away [emoji15]


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[steelslaver]

You could ream a K frame of even a J frame 32 S&W to 32 H&R. But, if I ever come across a pre 16-4 K32 I will leave it alone, even a shooter grade one. It would have to be in pretty bad shape before I would modify it and I am not bashful about modifying S&W revolvers. I already have a 16-4 myself, but I bet even a 80 some percent earlier K32 would sell for the price of a nice 16-4 and they usually sell for well over $1000

 

[H Richard]

We can all appreciate your wanting one, but "DON"T" ream out any K32, or 16, 16-2, or 16-3. You will be throwing away several hundred dollars in value. Buy a 16-4 which is what you said you wanted a K Frame 32 H&R Mag.



They are very accurate and great fun to work up loads for.

 

[Jetman22]

I saw a model 16. 4" with box sell on gun broker sell at buy it now for $850. Someone had it bid up to $600 then boom. Buy it now.
I thought about it but I'm more of a 6-8" barrel man.


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[glenncal1]

I saw a model 16. 4" with box sell on gun broker sell at buy it now for $850. Someone had it bid up to $600 then boom. Buy it now.
I thought about it but I'm more of a 6-8" barrel man.


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The sellers description for that gun is a little weird, not sure if the pictured gun is the gun he was selling. Picture is a 4" gun, description says 6". If it was the gun pictured (or a 6" in the same condition) the seller left about $500 on the table.

 

[damienph]

Jetman, if you don't have to have a K frame there is also the 2" stainless J frame model 631 chambered in .32 H&R Magnum. They aren't cheap but typically less than a model 16.

 

[TIMETRIPPER]

The 631 was also made with a 4" barrel. Problem is they rival or exceed model 16-4 prices.

John

 

[Jetman22]

It would be more for a fun gun to shoot. My K38 Masterpiece needs a friend.


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[ParadiseRoad]

Where the heck is that Strongly Dislike button . . . ???

 

[Jetman22]

Well I went to a major gun show this weekend. I found 3 of the holly grail S&Ws. Yep
K 32
First with box. $3700
Second with box and papers $4300
Third with box papers and letter.
Ta Da. $5500
I was able to hold, and check out the $3700 gun.
Very sweet. With sad eyes I took his cleaning cloth and wiped down the gun with oil and handed it back.
Maybe next year.
Defiantly next year.
Yep Maybe. Defiantly next year.
[emoji22]


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[Jersey Doug]

I picked up a S&W 8 3/8" M-16-4 barrel on auction then the cylinder showed up not long afterwards. Both at the gunsmiths now being put on a M-15 .38 frame. Since it's a conversion piece am having it reamed to .327
For those of us faced with this no long barrel adjustable sight target revolver in .32 for decades there is a new option out there. I picked up a brand new Czech ALFA 6" .32 with adjustable sights last month for $365. Looks much like a Python, shoots as good as I can aim it.
With the .32 cartridge going back to the break top turn of the century era (flying at 675) can understand why the H&R mag came about although the true .32 mag is a
.327

 

[D Brown]

.32 Magnums Are Great!

My Model 631.

My Model 16-4.