K-32 What do I have

[stu1ritter]

I know the K-32 had a 6" barrel. OK. Today I walk into my LGS and there is a pre-K32. I ask him if I can see it, look at the numbers and tell him I'll take it. This is a 4" barreled K-32 and all numbers match. He told me it had been re barreled as, of course, it should have a 6" barrel. I told him I didn't care, it was a K frame .32. Would those who know please look at these photo's and tell me what I have. The serial number which is on the cylinder, grip and barrel match at K 67160. The grips were diamond magna's but didn't match (later gun). I'm filling out the form right now for a factory letter.
thanks,
Stu

 

[gjamison]

Nice gun!!

I would say a 4" pre k32 is a rare firearm.

 

[murphydog]

It's interesting. Based on the location of the barrel stampings, it looks to have been shortened from a 6", but the million dollar question is if it is factory original, altered or aftermarket. The Patridge front sight suggests a gunsmithing job to me. I think there were shorter .44 HE Targets of this time frame that had the non-centered barrel stamps that were confirmed as factory guns in semi-recent threads here.

Mike Priwer may have some insight here, and it looks like a candidate for a factory letter in any case. Interested to read what others think.

 

[410bore]

Better send that letter request out! Looks good. Can you take a few pics of the muzzle?

 

[05CarbonDRZ]

The Barrel looks cut to me and the crown does not look Factory.

 

[beagleye]

Cut or not, it's cools a heck!

 

[stu1ritter]

Photo's of the muzzle

 

[Memphis]

Hmmm..that muzzle and crown look righteous to me.

Roger

 

[410bore]

check out this thread from last year......

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-hand-ejectors-1896-1961/321807-k-32-masterpiece-4-inch.html

 

[murphydog]

Hmmm..that muzzle and crown look righteous to me.

Roger

Me, too. Now that 410bore posted the previous link I recall reading it (but obviously not the part about the Patridge front sight) .

Interesting about the spacing of the digits of the SN on the gun on the 2013 thread and this one...must've been the start of new tooling for the stamping between the two guns.

 

[DWalt]

There was today a posting mentioning the existence of a few 4" .32 Combat Masterpieces that never made it to the mass production stage. Maybe this is one of them. I have no idea. Definitely worth a letter.

 

[05CarbonDRZ]

Are there any stampings on the Barrel flat?

 

[fat tom]

Cut or not, it's cools a heck!

Darn right! I'd buy it.
f.t.

 

[jhvaughan2]

um... what you have is a dream come true.

 

[k22fan]

My early K revolvers aren't nearby for comparison of barrel stamping locations but I see nothing that precludes it being a .32 Combat Masterpiece. The crown looks correct. I've read here that the earliest .22 Combat Masterpieces had patridge sights and my early one is so equipped. That seems consistent with this .32.

 

[05CarbonDRZ]

Get ready for a 4 Month plus wait for your letter!

 

[stu1ritter]

Are there any stampings on the Barrel flat?

Yes, there is the serial number

 

[05CarbonDRZ]

Yes, there is the serial number

No rework marks,Thats a good sign.With Guns like these you just never know until the Letter is in your hand.I have a rare barrel length Gun that I have been waiting for over 3 Months for a letter on.I have went back and forth in my head about a Million times now

 

[stu1ritter]

um... what you have is a dream come true.

I was getting ready to go up to the Denver Merchandise Mart to help setting up for the Colorado Gun Collectors show this weekend. I've been having trouble with a first year 586 with a tad of excessive headspace and decided to go to a LGS to check out a Ruger GP100 4". This was sitting next to it. The moment I saw it I told the clerk I'll take it and I had to go back home to get the cash to buy it. I was pretty buzzed all the way as I've wanted a K-32 for years and years. Price was $600 and I didn't question it. It was on consignment.

Stu

 

[smitholdtimer]

stu1ritter, K-32 Combat Masterpiece?

Well Stu, I hate to be the one who has to inform you of your good fortune, your gun looks "Righteous" to this Non Expert. The letter you are seeking will surely confirm what others including myself believe. Even if its not the original barrel length its a really cool revolver! Please do not print what the cost was but confirm, if you will, that they knew not what they had for sale!

I see what they were asking and suppose you did not haggle but I like it very much!

CONGRATULATIONS are in order in my opinion!