K-32 UPDATED PIX ADDED (Possible to find a K-32 barrel?)

[jmace57]

I have run across a K-32 Masterpiece (circa 1954) that is in nice condition, but apparently has had the barrel either cut from 6" to 4" and the sight moved, or a replacement barrel sort of poorly done.

I know these are K-32s are "hens teeth", but is it reasonable to think I could find a replacement barrel, or are they even harder to find than the complete gun?

Any thoughts on how much I should take off an offer because of the barrel?

Many thanks


UPDATE: the auction just ended and I got the K32 for $425 plus 18% commission!

Forgive the crappy pictures from the auctioneers website. I will take better ones later. Seems to be in really nice condition other than the barrel. I am pumped! Been looking for one for 12 years.


AUCTION PICTURES REMOVED. NEW PICTURES BELOW

 

[larry21556]

Helpful to post photos of what you are describing.

 

[series guy]

I looked for 5 years to find a 16-4 barrel for one of my projects. The discount depends on the asking price.

 

[oddshooter]

If you find 2 barrels, I'll take one.

Prescut

 

[Wiregrassguy]

A few years back, I acquired a Model 16 no dash with a cut and heavily corroded barrel. I looked for a barrel for over a year with no success. In fact since then, I still have not seen one for sale. So, I decided to work with what I had.


Barrel before

There were also some corroded areas on the frame:

I had Accurate Plating and Weaponry fix it up.

Considering how rare barrels for the Model 16 are, you might want to consider something similar.

 

[larryofcc]

That's really nice.
I found my K32 right here on this Forum. Called for availability and said I was the first to respond by answering his ad. He said that many folks had called after I answered his ad and that I could buy the gun. Shipped 10-10-1952, it was a heavy 32 Masterpiece, and was 100% matching. Got a good price and I still have it. Never looked back on that deal. $2,250 shipped for a better than 95% gun. Big Larry

 

[cgt4570]

15 years ago, Midway had 16-4 barrels available. I put one on my K-327 Masterpiece project That Hamilton Bowen assembled (before he disavowed working on Smiths).
Wish I'd bought every one they had. :-(

 

[steelslaver]

I check Ebay and other sites regularly for barrels and cylinders anything in 32 cal besides I of J frame are seldom seen and don't last long

I Finally made my own

If you do find one I would be interested in the one you have if it isn't to messed up

 

[murphydog]

What about reboring a (much more commonly available) K-22 barrel? The caliber rollmark would be wrong but someone could fix that too.

 

[Green Frog]

jmace57,

I have had two 32 revolvers built on K frame donors. For the first, my stainless Project 616, I had a Model 617 barrel rebored from 22 to 32 by a company that is no longer there.

When I got ready to have a blue Model 16 homage built, I was discussing it on the forum here and planning on having a Model 17 barrel similarly rebored. Out of the blue a very helpful member of this forum PMed me that he had inherited a NOS factory K-32 barrel. I gratefully accepted his offer and my faux Model 16-3 was on the way.

What are the chances of you finding a factory replacement barrel? If for a 16-4, maybe OK. For an Model 16-3 of earlier, it will be a tough search that will only be successful due to serendipity and a big dose of dumb luck.You may borrow my horseshoe if you like, but no guarantees.

Froggie

PS Since you are dealing with an early K-32, you could have a K-22 barrel with proper rib width rebored, and there are a few specialist out there that can replace the caliber marking.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

PS Since you are dealing with an early K-32, you could have a K-22 barrel with proper rib width rebored, and there are a few specialist out there that can replace the caliber marking.

I looked into using a K-22 barrel but couldn't find anyone who still did a rebore. Also, I saw some prices in the $400 range to do it but the companies were not accepting any work.

 

[DETROIT]

I have run across a K-32 Masterpiece (circa 1954) that is in nice condition, but apparently has had the barrel either cut from 6" to 4" and the sight moved, or a replacement barrel sort of poorly done.

I know these are K-32s are "hens teeth", but is it reasonable to think I could find a replacement barrel, or are they even harder to find than the complete gun?

Any thoughts on how much I should take off an offer because of the barrel?


Many thanks

Watch this parts site, the prices have increased over the last two years.

Revolver Parts Kits at EveryGunPart.com | EveryGunPart.com

 

[DETROIT]

I have run across a K-32 Masterpiece (circa 1954) that is in nice condition, but apparently has had the barrel either cut from 6" to 4" and the sight moved, or a replacement barrel sort of poorly done.

I know these are K-32s are "hens teeth", but is it reasonable to think I could find a replacement barrel, or are they even harder to find than the complete gun?

Any thoughts on how much I should take off an offer because of the barrel?


Many thanks

Watch this parts site, the prices have increased over the last two years.

Revolver Parts Kits at EveryGunPart.com | EveryGunPart.com

 

[Green Frog]

The downside of those parts breaker places is that common, fairly recent guns are commonly found on them, but the more rare the gun, the more rarely a parts kit shows up for that gun.

I used to buy parts from these guys, as they were selling parts from guns ordered destroyed… essentially free parts. Now that there is an established market with higher demand for these parts, the prices have gone a little crazy.

Froggie

 

[steelslaver]

There is a way to make one from any caliber K frame barrel. If you know a gun smith or machinist.

I have made 2 K 32 barrels this way

K frame 327 project

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Dude, you clearly have skills and equipment far beyond my meager budget. I could pay to have that done but I would be better off $$$-wise in buying a K-32 instead.

 

[steelslaver]

Making the barrel didn't take that long. When K32s sell for $2500 and up and no barrels are to be found there are not that many options. Even 16-4 now command over $2K unless you get lucky.

 

[jmace57]

UPDATE: Won the item! See original post for pictures.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Congrats, Dude! You stole that one!

 

[series guy]

Agreed. At that price you did steal it. A good gunsmith could install a more original looking front sight and do a more original looking crown on the barrel.