This can now come off of my bucket list. I often dreamed of owning a K-32 and this was my first realistic opportunity to get one. After a bit of horse trading, I managed to get this one home. I knew it was all matching at time of purchase but didn't realize it was a "narrow rib" version until after I got it home and did a little research. I don't know if that makes it any more collectible but it's nice to know it's an early one. It's seen some use, but overall it's still in pretty nice shape. I have to admit, I don't know a whole lot about the K-32. In fact, this was the first time I actually held one let alone have the chance to actually own it.
I finally found a K-32
- Thread starter littledog
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I see it has been used but not abused!! Where did you find this gem??
Grayfox
US Veteran
The K-32 is at the top of my grail list. I've never even seen one in person. 
Congratulations on an excellent find.
Congratulations on an excellent find.
littledog
That's VERY nice. Congrats.
At K57xxx, it has to be among the very earliest K-32 Masterpieces produced. There were only a handful or two made in 1948 and the first large bunch came along in the following spring. If my notes are correct, there were not many made with numbers below K66000. I think there is a chance yours shipped in 1948.
Letter this gun!
Edit: I may not be reading the serial number correctly. Is it K57xxx or K67xxx? If the latter, it is probably a 1949 gun.
That's VERY nice. Congrats.
At K57xxx, it has to be among the very earliest K-32 Masterpieces produced. There were only a handful or two made in 1948 and the first large bunch came along in the following spring. If my notes are correct, there were not many made with numbers below K66000. I think there is a chance yours shipped in 1948.
Letter this gun!
Edit: I may not be reading the serial number correctly. Is it K57xxx or K67xxx? If the latter, it is probably a 1949 gun.
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larryofcc
Member
I hereby pronounce the standard (lighter) barrel more collectable. That settles that.
Great find! It's good that it's "seen some use." That way you won't hesitate to shoot it some more.
Don't know the ratios on the heavy VS light bbl. but it seems to me, most I have seen were the light ones. Not saying this because I have one with the heavy bbl. from 1952 that I got on this Forum a few years ago. The OP got a nice one. Wonder what he paid for his new treasure? Big Larry
we don't have an envy button so a like will just have to do. all i ask is that you spell my name right in your will. Lee
Green Frog
Member
Jackpot! Please tell us more, including what part of the country you are in. I can only dream of a narrow rib. It would go well with my 1948 vintage narrow rib K22 and K38.
In all my searching, I've only seen less than a dozen pre 16-4s in person, several of which were in collections and not for sale. To find one like yours in such beautiful condition and in the box is a once in a lifetime event. Congratulations.
Froggie
In all my searching, I've only seen less than a dozen pre 16-4s in person, several of which were in collections and not for sale. To find one like yours in such beautiful condition and in the box is a once in a lifetime event. Congratulations.
Froggie
Green Frog
Member
If I read the chart right, a K67XXX gun would also be 1948 gun. At least that's where I've identified a couple of others based on SCSW-4. If it were one of the very first ones it probably would have a LERK, but that would be a scarcity within a rarity.
Froggie
Very nice! Congrats on finding that one.
I've only seen one K32 for sale locally. Unfortunately, it had not been well cared for and had light to moderate pitting covering the entire gun. Enough to make one weep. Nowadays, thanks to the www, finding one for sale is more likely, and all you have to do is have the right amount of cash handy.
I've only seen one K32 for sale locally. Unfortunately, it had not been well cared for and had light to moderate pitting covering the entire gun. Enough to make one weep. Nowadays, thanks to the www, finding one for sale is more likely, and all you have to do is have the right amount of cash handy.
Very nice, now all you need to do is magna port it, tap it for a scope and bore the cylinder out to 32 H&R. Oh and hard chrome it. Just kidding of course. That is a nice revolver, let us know how it shoots and thanks for showing us.
The s/n starts with a "6". Probably shipped in '49. A letter definitely will be requested.
@ Froggie; I hail from MN. Now I feel compelled to complete the trifecta. I
know where there is an early K-22 narrow rib. There's no box and the revolver has seen considerable more use. Going to look at more closely next week.
@ Froggie; I hail from MN. Now I feel compelled to complete the trifecta. I
know where there is an early K-22 narrow rib. There's no box and the revolver has seen considerable more use. Going to look at more closely next week.
Hi Froggie
You have to keep in mind that the K number chart is not model-specific. The K-32 was the last of the Masterpiece series to go into production. In keeping with S&W practice, blocks of serial numbers were reserved for each model. The first K-32s assembled were a few in the Spring of 1948 for the sales force. Production began in a small way in December and full production didn't start until 1949.
I'd bet all of those were either K-22 or K-38 Masterpieces.
It is possible, but I believe highly unlikely there were any K-32s that had the barrel shaped extractor rod knob. If anyone has one, I'd sure like to see it. If they exist, they would be an extreme rarity.
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Congrats on a great find. Yours is a beauty. Like yourself, I had never seen a K-32 in person until I stumbled on one this past February. Found it in Central New York State. I need a nice K-38 to complete the trifecta.
StrawHat
Member
So, how many of this model were produced? I keep hearing rare but no numbers to back it up.
Kevin
Kevin
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I live in MN. I must be hanging out at the wrong shops!
Congratulations! That one is a beauty.
Congratulations! That one is a beauty.
I agree. We know for a fact that some in the K66000 range came off the line in the first six months of 1949.
Early 40, likely
K67133 shipped in Feb '49, so Jan/Feb could be on target.
Congratulations!
RWJ
K67133 shipped in Feb '49, so Jan/Feb could be on target.
Congratulations!
RWJ
K-32
I have K66035, it has a narrow rib and LERK, letters as shipped Feb 10 49.
I have K66035, it has a narrow rib and LERK, letters as shipped Feb 10 49.
