K-32

[jag22]

What do you consider to be a K-32 Masterpiece? I have very nice K-22 and K-38 so I would like to complete the set. Seems like a K-32 Masterpiece costs a bundle but then I see many labeled as pre model 16 that are a whole lot cheaper. Visually I just look at the grips and look for the diamond. What other factors would you consider?

 

[murphydog]

There are three types; the prewar long action (rare, somewhere around 100-150 units produced), the postwar short action prior to model stamping (the most common), and model 16 stamped guns (relatively uncommon). All qualify as K-32 Masterpieces. Happy hunting!

 

[lrrifleman]

A K32 Masterpiece is a specific revolver, identified as either a: K32, Pre-Model 16 or Model 16. Typically an adjustable sighted medium frame 6" Smith in 32 S&W Long. Later models had a lugged barrel and were in 327 Federal Magnum or 32 H&R Magnum, I forget which. All were manufactured in small numbers compared to the K38 and K22!

 

[Pizza Bob]

Just bought this one earlier this month...

A model 16-4 in .32 H&R Mag. Probably the most affordable of the post-war K32's - still not inexpensive, but nowhere near the cost of its predecessors.

Adios,

Pizza Bob

 

[murphydog]

Good point, I don't know if the model 16-4s of the late 20th century would be one of the matched set the OP seeks, but they are also K-32s.

 

[moosedog]

The 16-4 is a good shooter and is a 1980's reproduction of the K-32 with differences.
Original K-32's never had an under lug barrel and only came in 32 S&W Long.
Also the fit and finish of the 16-4 in not up to the standards of the originals that is why they are much less expensive.

 

[k22fan]

While any K frame .32 is a K-32 I do not call 16-4s either K-32 Masterpiece or reproductions. I even got a S&W revolver's name correct once. Who knows when it might happen again? A 16-4's feel and appearance is so different that they do not complete a set of 1950s Masterpieces. To complete a vintage set on a reasonable budget you have to over look some bluing loss and a little rust.

 

[jag22]

I would want the diamond grips to match the others so I guess I want the post war as murphydog describes.

 

[Green Frog]

What is the vintage of your K-22 and -38? Are they labeled as Model 17 and 14 or not? If you want an exact match, that would be a consideration. The rarest of the post-War variants were the earliest target models with narrow ribs and a knob on the ejector rod (the infamous “LERK”) and I’m not even sure there was a K-32 LERK. Then came narrow rib, tapered barrel variants, heavier barreled, wide rib variants (with weights carefully matched on all three) both without and later with the model number stamped in the yoke area.

The latest Model 16 was the -4 with its full underlug barrel. There is a fairly uncommon Model 14 in this same configuration and IIRC they even made a Model 17 the same... these would have been much later than the ones you describe with “diamond” grips.

Without any further information, I’d guess you’re needing a pre- Model 16 or a 16-1 or -2 to be early enough to have the grips you’re looking for, unless yours are old enough to have the narrow ribs and tapered barrels, which are even earlier. More details needed, please.

Froggie

 

[DCWilson]

Here's a K32 thread with some production numbers in it.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-ha...-many-k32-5-screws.html?456084=#post138854724

If Pre-16s seem a little cheaper to you, that's probably because there are just more of them. But as you note, even the cheap ones can still put a dent in a bank account.

In general, the non-model marked guns (that is, the Pre-16s) will have serial numbers in the K56000-K330000 range. The model-marked guns (M16 and the 16-dash varieties) will number higher. All Masterpiece revolvers were numbered in the K-prefix serial sequence. if you find a K32 with a serial number in the vicinity of your K22 and K38 Masterpieces, that gun will be somewhat contemporary with them.

There were hundreds of thousands of K22s and K38s made, but only 3630 K32s, ignoring the Model 16-4. Their scarcity is recognized in the price we must pay to add one to a collection.

 

[Kurusu]

To me. The beauty of the three Masterpieces(.22; .32 and .38) is that they all weighed the same in spite of the different calibers.

 

[tjpopkin]

I have owned all of them....unfortunately, I had to send some to auction last year when I had a catastrophic loss in ,my house......
The Model 16 no dash realized nearly $3000, the 16-2 with ramp sight brought a great deal....
I have kept the Pre-16 to go with the the Pre-17 and Pre-14....all three post war guns in Gold Boxes...all the guns are 98%....

Predecessor to the Model 16...Combat Masterpiece was the Regulation Police Target, also shown here....
My Model 16-4s are beautiful, and I have converted the 4" version to .327 Federal...in my mind, a perfect field gun. The rechambering from .32 H&R Magnum to .327 Federal has had no.....I repeat...NO impact on accuracy with .32 long wadcutters.

 

[jag22]

The k-22 is circa '48, several k-38s, one is a '53, one is '58. two are '65, one of them being a single action only. All are 6 inch target models.

 

[Green Frog]

The k-22 is circa '48, several k-38s, one is a '53, one is '58. two are '65, one of them being a single action only. All are 6 inch target models.

My advice would be to grab whatever K-32 you can find then if you desire add the appropriate vintage 22 & 38 if needed to make a set. In all cases, the K-32 is the limiting factor!

Froggie

 

[jcelect]

Rare! ! !

Your are looking for a rare K frame gun! There was 3630 guns produced from 1947-1973. There were a few 4" guns produced but the majority were 6". Today, any of these guns are selling in the 4 digit figures!
jcelect

 

[Green Frog]

Just as a FYI, there is a thread on the 1896-1961 Forum called “A Masterpiece Trifecta” that should be of interest to the OP and several others if you haven’t seen it yet.

Froggie