K32, lucky GBKR purchase?

[Rick Sanborn]

I don't have much knowledge of the older Smith's. Usually when I'm looking at Gunbroker I'll type in "32" in the S&W revolver section. What caught my eye was an auction labeled "Model 31or ?". I looked at it, a single really poor picture of what appeared to be a Model 16, 6" blue model. I have another 16-3, a couple 16-4's and like the .32's. Anyway I contacted the seller and he noted the gun came from his uncle's estate and he knew little about it. He didn't know the actual model number but said it was in nice shape. He had good feedback and seemed legit. So I figured it was worth a gamble. I bid and got it. First thing I checked was for a model number and there was none. Out came my Standard Catalog. It appears to be a K32 not a Model 16, the serial number of K 1370XX puts it made in 1952. The bore and chambers look great. Grips aren't correct so I'll be looking for a proper set. Here's some of my own not so good pics to show it.

 

[murphydog]

Congratulations! I had a similar purchase years ago, a "K-22 in .32".

 

[series guy]

Very nice purchase. I'm a big fan of the .32s myself.

 

[22hipower]

Nice buy. Looks like you got it for half or less of retail even after buying a set of correct stocks. I'd sure like one and there are a couple available next week but I think they're going to go for multiples of what you paid. Congratulations.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[Truckman]

Wow! I should really start looking at GunBroker......Ben

 

[Rick Sanborn]

Thanks all, pretty happy with it.

 

[JP@AK]

serial number of K 1370XX puts it made in 1952.

Yes, 1952, very likely early in the year.

Original stocks were most likely Magna and they would be of the sharp shoulder variety. They would look like those on this 1952 .38 Combat Masterpiece.

 

[larryofcc]

K32 # 157445. 10-1952. Bought on this Forum a couple years back. Wide rib bbl. 100% matching. Big Larry

 

[Rick Sanborn]

Thanks Jack, now I know what to look for.

ETA: Picked up a set off eBay tonight.

 

[Green Frog]

I guess a lot of us have dreamed of picking up a K-32 cheaply from an estate or other such source. I know I have had the dream more than once. For me it has remained a dream, but it looks like you've just had a dream come true. Congratulations.

I can't be sure from looking at the pictures on my I pad; does it have the tapered barrel and narrow rib or the heavy barrel it's wide rib? If the former, I'm doubly envious!

Froggie

 

[raljr1]

I watched that auction and bid on it too. I think you got a great deal on a nice gun. I bailed out once it got past the "steal" price as I have two already.

 

[Rick Sanborn]

I watched that auction and bid on it too. I think you got a great deal on a nice gun. I bailed out once it got past the "steal" price as I have two already.

I thought the other bidder would be a member here. I had thought that if didn't go higher than there was something else wrong that I didn't see. So I did my max "gamble" but wasn't going any further. Almost makes up for several less favorable buys.

 

[Rick Sanborn]

I guess a lot of us have dreamed of picking up a K-32 cheaply from an estate or other such source. I know I have had the dream more than once. For me it has remained a dream, but it looks like you've just had a dream come true. Congratulations.

I can't be sure from looking at the pictures on my I pad; does it have the tapered barrel and narrow rib or the heavy barrel it's wide rib? If the former, I'm doubly envious!

Froggie

It has the wide rib.

 

[Rick Sanborn]

Got my grips in from eBay. Fit is OK, at least for now. There's a little chip on the top inside corner but has little effect on anything. They seem period correct. Regarding the question about the hammer and trigger. The trigger seems to be a standard narrow, grooved type. The hammer is kind of neat with a bit of contour to the edges, probably correct but not sure.

 

[raljr1]

Got my grips in from eBay. Fit is OK, at least for now. There's a little chip on the top inside corner but has little effect on anything. They seem period correct. Regarding the question about the hammer and trigger. The trigger seems to be a standard narrow, grooved type. The hammer is kind of neat with a bit of contour to the edges, probably correct but not sure.

The grips look fine. Here is my first 32. Well worn but shoots great. The original magnas were somewhat worn, so I bought this set from rkmesa at last years symposium. Kinda like putting a pretty dress on a mule, but mules need love too.

 

[rct269]

Here's what mine fetched during the liquidation of my collection during the last three years ending about a year ago.

K-32 1st Model, #681819-----$7135
K-32 2nd Model #K58970-----$3825
K-32 3rd Model #K232389----$3525

Ralph Tremaine

 

[Rick Sanborn]

Thanks Ralph, were those all with boxes, etc? I don't have any intention of selling mine, just glad to have an early .32 to go along with my 16-3 & -4's and their J frame cousins.