K-32 vs model 16

[larryofcc]

Didn't say "common", but "'most' common" .

My impression is the narrow barrel rib guns were made in far smaller numbers than the wide. However, there were many more 5-screw K-32 Masterpieces than 4- (or 3-) screw versions. I don't know if this translates to higher selling prices for later guns but if you have a five-figure gun buying budget, let me know...

I have bought a few 5 figure guns in my day. No handguns but a very few rifles. I am retired now and cannot afford 5 figure guns now unless I do some trading. I figured at $2,200 I did well on this 100% matching K-32. I would liked to have gotten a narrow rib, but hey, sometimes you cannot have everything. Would really have liked it to match my 4 digit K-22 with LERK, but those are super rare and probably another 5 figure gun. I have a small 31 gun S&W collection, but I do have some nice stuff. Big Larry

 

[Tom K]

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.

I'll add one bit of info here. When the Model 16-3 was in production, orders were few and far between. Consequently there are quite a few 16-3 guns that were made from Model 14 frames, and have an overstamp on the model number on the frame. Mine is such a gun. So if you see one like that don't be scared off.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-re...-new-merwin-hulbert-s-w-model-16-3-sorta.html

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.

I will also comment that the Model 16-4 was available in 4", 6" and 8-3/8" barrel lengths. The earlier K-32/Model 16s were all 6". There are also a precious few (10, built in 1949) 4" revolvers in .32 S&W Long, considered as the .32 Combat Masterpiece.

 

[murphydog]

I have bought a few 5 figure guns in my day. No handguns but a very few rifles. I am retired now and cannot afford 5 figure guns now unless I do some trading. I figured at $2,200 I did well on this 100% matching K-32. I would liked to have gotten a narrow rib, but hey, sometimes you cannot have everything. Would really have liked it to match my 4 digit K-22 with LERK, but those are super rare and probably another 5 figure gun. I have a small 31 gun S&W collection, but I do have some nice stuff. Big Larry

Why yes, that is a very good price for a NIB K32. Did I mention they are uncommon?

 

[D Brown]

Model 60 Kit Gun

I bought my Model 631 .32 Mangum Kit Gun in 1992. Great little gun. I then hoped feverishly they would finish the Kit Gun series with a 4 inch Model 60 .38 Special Kit Gun.

I've got a donor Model 15 Combat Masterpiece revolver, a nice K-22 6 inch blue barrel and a similarly nice K-22 cylinder

I just don't know where to go next.

They came awfully close with the Model 60-4. They just missed your 4" barrel length requirements by shortening it down to 3".

I'm actually quite fond of my 60-4.

 

[Jersey Doug]

There is in all hobbies the desire to want the rare, allusive hard to obtain discontinued items over the plentiful.. Would be wise to ask yourself before you fork over $3,500 to $5,000 on a mint Model 16, what really is the benefit of this revolver over a nice model 14,,,, not much, if any at all !

 

[JP@AK]

what really is the benefit of this revolver over a nice model 14,,,, not much, if any at all !

Well . . . because it is a K-32.
If you already have more than a dozen K-38 Masterpiece revolvers and you have no K-32, I can think of lots of reasons to want one!

 

[THREEDFLYER]

I am not the local K-32 expert, but I think the post-war/pre-model K-32s are the most common. As you know none are common or undesirable, but the pre-war and model stamped examples tend to bring the biggest values. There has been discussion of early post-war K-32s with the LERK but I don't recall if anyone has even seen one.

I have a post-war K-32 with a ship date of Feb 1949 and it has the LERK.

 

[BUFF]

Question for the experts. This revolver was shipped 10-1952 and is the heavy Masterpiece K-32 model. Which is more prevalent and which is more desirable to the collector? The heavy or the light type? BTW, keep your eyes open on the For Sale ads here. I bought this in 2011 for a little over $2,000. I was lucky to be first in line as the seller had many other folks lined up to buy it. I even had a Forum member send me a box of period ammo for it,FREE. Big Larry

Ya know, Larry, I was born in October, 1952. Hint, hint. Nudge, nudge.

 

[Bill A]

I've owned 4 K-frame .32's in my long life of collecting, two minty pre16's, a 16 no dash (about 90%, a shooter), and a 16-4. The 16-4 was, in my opinion, a much inferior gun, showing timing problems (I bought it new, so it wasn't from previous abuse) and a finish that was uneven and already "plumming." To make matters worse, before long I could push it off sear by applying slight force to the hammer spur with my thumb. It was made, as I recall (I no longer have the gun), in the early 80's, a bad period for Smith. As someone above noted, the 5-screw pre-models are the most common. If you find any of the older K32's/Model 16's, you will pay a pretty penny indeed.

 

[rct269]

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

Stu[/QUOTE.

What he said!!

Mine sold recently as follows:

K-32 1st Model, 95%---and not a nice 95%, but a scruffy one: $7,100+/-
K-32 2nd Model, Satin Blue finish, about 98%: $3,800+/-
K-32 3rd Model, Bright Blue, box, 99%: $3,500+/-

Ralph Tremaine

 

[Bill A]

Yeah, I sold a pre-16, 99% in box for 3250 some years ago. They are spendy.

 

[raljr1]

I was fortunate enough to find a beat up k32 about 6 years ago for under $1200, and a reblued one just recently for $2000. They are out there if you are diligent and patient...neither of mine are pristine, but hey, I have a pair of fun shooting, rare pistols that I can shoot to my heart's content.

Keep looking.

Robert

 

[Tom K]

Zombie thread from 2017. C'mon people, look at the date on the posts before replying.

 

[reccpd101]

There are plenty of gunsmiths out there that will convert a k-22 to 32 H&R Magnum or 327 Magnum and fit the converted cylinder to an older 32 frame. That preserves the original cylinder to be reinstalled to get the collector value price if you decide to sell it.

 

[CH4]

I won’t defile my 16-4 to make it a 327, but often think about looking for a spare cylinder to punch out. Not sure why, paper plates and empty beer cans won’t know the difference. 327 is usually more plentiful, however.

 

[Muley Gil]

I've owned 4 K-frame .32's in my long life of collecting, two minty pre16's, a 16 no dash (about 90%, a shooter), and a 16-4. The 16-4 was, in my opinion, a much inferior gun, showing timing problems (I bought it new, so it wasn't from previous abuse) and a finish that was uneven and already "plumming." To make matters worse, before long I could push it off sear by applying slight force to the hammer spur with my thumb. It was made, as I recall (I no longer have the gun), in the early 80's, a bad period for Smith. As someone above noted, the 5-screw pre-models are the most common. If you find any of the older K32's/Model 16's, you will pay a pretty penny indeed.

Sorry you had problems with your M16-4. I bought a 6" M16-4 and it was fine shooting, accurate handgun.

 

[S&W Kid]

Pitch fork is put away. But I'm keepin' my scythe ! lol

 

[Grayfox]

A K-32 or early Model 16 has been on my grail list for as long as I can remember. But in 40+ years as a S&W enthusiast, I've never even seen one in person.
Back in the late 90s I settled for a 6" 16-4. Nice gun, shoots very well. I paid the outrageous price of $600 for it back then. I wouldn't even consider selling it for twice that price today.