I bought the Model 16-4 this morning...Does have aftermarket grips..Hogue wood grip..mono-grip or whatever..I've got the rubber version on a Mod 14.
Good points: The blue is good excepting a wear spot on the bottom of the barrel and a couple minor dinks in the top edge of the barrel rib. Mechanicaly fine. Price...the light must have been really bad Friday(lights were out in the store)..'cause the price was $495..and they wouldn't dicker.
Bad points..does have the aftermarket grip..which I actually like...the front sight blade I suspect has been changed from a partridge to a ramp. I say this because the gun's blue is really good..but the blade is patina brown..pin looks to have been driven too. Front sideplate screw was about to fall out!..No ammo..anywhere I looked..none at the local Wal Mart..None at the store I got the Mod 16 at(though they normaly stock it they said)
Other good points..Shoots perfect..I had part of a box of Federal 85gr hp..and some .32 S&W longs...excellent shooter.
I'll have to get some pics going..but I piled my computer up at lunchtime..and I'm risking my life posting this now using my wife's computer!
Very nice find and good price, even if it does need grips and a new front sight. You can find the correct type grips on e-bay every now and then, but expect to pay a pretty good price for them.
About 8 years ago I had the chance to buy a full set of 16-4s, 4", 6", and 8 3/8", all new in box for $1,500. I didn`t have the cash and hate putting things on credit cards, so I passed on them. Been kicking my self ever since. They would be worth at least twice that price today.