Green Frog
Member
Well, I've seen so much about the Model 16/K-32 that for years I have "just had to have one." I bought one of the 16-4s when they came out (in the 6" version) but for embarrassing reasons let it get away from me. 
Recently I decided, thanks to many postings on this board that the time was right for me to build the gun S&W should have built but didn't, the Model 616. To make this possible I got a Model 617 barrel and cylinder to have reworked to make my 32 caliber components. 
I found and bought a reasonably priced Model 67 that I planned on using as my foundation, but it has a narrow rib and a pair of bevels on the front of the frame, so it doesn't match up to the 617 barrel.
Therefore, I dragged out my old Model 66 (no dash) and took it along with the Model 617 cylinder to a well-known gunsmith in Ohio on Tuesday. The 4" Model 617 barrel will leave here today for reboring and then be forwarded from there to the 'smith. Now comes the hardest part... the waiting! 
Meanwhile, I still haven't seen just the right holster for a 4" K-frame with full underlug. Still looking. I did find out that the 4" Model 67 I bought has a sweet trigger and was otherwise pretty nice except for ratty grips and a broken rear sight blade. The Ohio Gun Collectors' Show gave me the opportunity to replace both of those at pretty reasonable prices, so now I have a very nice Model 67 that looks like it will be a keeper. It's kinda like a stainless K-38 Combat Masterpiece. You can never have too many Smiths, I guess.
Stay tuned for the progress report. This should be a fun project.
Froggie
PS I guess I shoulda' mentioned that I decided to go whole hog on the 32 cal and have it chambered to 327 Fed Mag. This way I can shoot all of the regular 32 cal pistol rounds from 32 ACP to 327 FM as the mood strikes me. That way I'll have maximum flexibility for my investment.
Recently I decided, thanks to many postings on this board that the time was right for me to build the gun S&W should have built but didn't, the Model 616. To make this possible I got a Model 617 barrel and cylinder to have reworked to make my 32 caliber components. I found and bought a reasonably priced Model 67 that I planned on using as my foundation, but it has a narrow rib and a pair of bevels on the front of the frame, so it doesn't match up to the 617 barrel.
Therefore, I dragged out my old Model 66 (no dash) and took it along with the Model 617 cylinder to a well-known gunsmith in Ohio on Tuesday. The 4" Model 617 barrel will leave here today for reboring and then be forwarded from there to the 'smith. Now comes the hardest part... the waiting! Meanwhile, I still haven't seen just the right holster for a 4" K-frame with full underlug. Still looking. I did find out that the 4" Model 67 I bought has a sweet trigger and was otherwise pretty nice except for ratty grips and a broken rear sight blade. The Ohio Gun Collectors' Show gave me the opportunity to replace both of those at pretty reasonable prices, so now I have a very nice Model 67 that looks like it will be a keeper. It's kinda like a stainless K-38 Combat Masterpiece. You can never have too many Smiths, I guess.
Stay tuned for the progress report. This should be a fun project.
Froggie
PS I guess I shoulda' mentioned that I decided to go whole hog on the 32 cal and have it chambered to 327 Fed Mag. This way I can shoot all of the regular 32 cal pistol rounds from 32 ACP to 327 FM as the mood strikes me. That way I'll have maximum flexibility for my investment.
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