K32 Masterpiece Is it worth it?
- Thread starter COYOTEHUNTER
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It might be easier to know what the asking price is, and look at it from that angle. It appears to be a very nice example and has what I consider to be very desirable grips on it. Do they number to the gun? As you know, they did not make many of these, and the prices keep going up. If you want it, and can afford it, go for it! Better to pay a little more for it now, than letting it slip away. Who knows if you will come across another as nice?
Sorry that I am not much help with the price...but a wild guesstimate would be well north of $1500. Good luck Coyote.
Sorry that I am not much help with the price...but a wild guesstimate would be well north of $1500. Good luck Coyote.
gjamison
Member
Looks very nice. North of 3 grand IMHO.
Green Frog
Member
That looks like the heavy barrel version, so a fairly late 5-screw. Do the stocks number to the rest of the gun? I'm thinking Magnas would be more likely, but by then Targets should have been available, then again I would have thought without the football.
I'm guessing you would have been all over it already for anything less than, say $1500-1700, and I've seen asking prices up to double that range. Without more info I wouldn't want to go much over $2000, but I see a lot of potential there. The K-32 is, after all, the most sought after of the post-War production K-frames.
Froggie
I'm guessing you would have been all over it already for anything less than, say $1500-1700, and I've seen asking prices up to double that range. Without more info I wouldn't want to go much over $2000, but I see a lot of potential there. The K-32 is, after all, the most sought after of the post-War production K-frames.
Froggie
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This is well out of my expertise (and price opinion also), but the ejector rod, hammer and trigger are worn out of proportion to the blue. Any chance it was refinished?
OP
COYOTEHUNTER
Member
Owner says it is original finish and the stocks are original.
High condition K-32s were in the $2800-3200 range about three years ago when I was looking. The next couple of years up until two or three months ago I had the feeling that they were moving for less than that. If you can get this gun for $2500, good for you. If the seller is inflexible at $3500 or above, thank him for his time and keep looking. In between it is a judgment call.
To bracket the rating, I would say that gun is better than 95% but less than 98%. It would take a hands-on inspection to narrow that down.
To bracket the rating, I would say that gun is better than 95% but less than 98%. It would take a hands-on inspection to narrow that down.
dewey
Member
delete......
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Wingmaster
Member
Did they number target stocks of this era?
Wingmaster
Wingmaster
Rigmover
Member
Thats a pretty nice K32 and the fish hook hammer too boot!! Love to find one here in Canada i'd be all over it if i had a chance..
Rick
Rick
EBR's are pretty hot right now. If you're well-fixed with AR-15's (or willing to live without one); perhaps a trade? Just a thought. -S2
Springfan
SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
You know what?
I paid more than $3000 for mine and it is not as nice as this one. Overpaid? Probably. But, as I think about my collection, I say to myself, you know what? I have a K-32.
I paid more than $3000 for mine and it is not as nice as this one. Overpaid? Probably. But, as I think about my collection, I say to myself, you know what? I have a K-32.
The K-32's/Model 16's are my favorite revolvers, so I try to keep an eye out for them. The last couple I've seen for sale: In December a Model 16 no dash, gun only, sold on GB for $2550 (item#321512107). It had import marks on it, also a SSN and initials scratched into the butt. But back in November, a mid-50's K-32 with a couple minor flaws in a period correct gold box sat on GB for 7days with no reserve and an opening bid of $1995 (item#316308745). It ended with no takers, wasn't relisted, and the seller didn't respond to inquiries. Still can't believe I didn't act on it...
I don't see anything that makes me think the gun you're looking at has been refinished, but is that freckling on the sideplate? Maybe it's just my computer screen. Depending on actual condition, I agree with David Wilson that anything under $2500 is probably a good price, and anything over that is based on how bad you want one...
I don't see anything that makes me think the gun you're looking at has been refinished, but is that freckling on the sideplate? Maybe it's just my computer screen. Depending on actual condition, I agree with David Wilson that anything under $2500 is probably a good price, and anything over that is based on how bad you want one...
larryofcc
Member
I would think if the stocks were original they would be the unrelieved type. I have bought a few guns with targets only later to letter them as magna style. I do own a K32 from 1952 and it has numbered to the gun, magnas. Bought it on this forum for $2,200 + shipping and was real happy to get it at that price. People were lined up to buy it, but I called first. It is 100% matching, a heavy bbl. shipped 10-10-1952, and a good 98%. I have seen others in the condition of mine with asking prices of $3,500. Believe me, I would not take $3,500 for mine. Originals are hard to come by. BTW, I would never have touched this gun unless all parts were numbered correctly. I view target grips on guns of this era with a critical eye. It does make a difference, especially on a scarce K32. Big Larry
The 5 screws are more availible than the model numbered guns. This one in the photos appears to have some finish issues on the bluing and on the hammer, trigger and ejector rod which will definately effect the price.
Unless i'm seeing those pictures wrong, it would be a shooter grade gun.
Unless i'm seeing those pictures wrong, it would be a shooter grade gun.
OK, I am going to play devil's advocate here. Be sure all numbers match. After reading the previous posts I looked at the photos closer.
Can a K32 be made up from a K22 or K 38 frame? Could this gun possibly be assembled from parts of different guns? I notice the ejector rod finish does not match rest of gun. Cylinder finish has wear on high spots and cylinder stop notch that do not appear to match rest of gun. Barrel pin ends (both sides) appear shiny. Was it punched out and put back in?
I hope I am wrong. I recently examined a .32 Regulation Police that was absolutely mint. Was about to whip out the credit card when I decided to look at all the numbers. Barrel did not match cylinder which did not match frame.
Let us know what you find out.
Can a K32 be made up from a K22 or K 38 frame? Could this gun possibly be assembled from parts of different guns? I notice the ejector rod finish does not match rest of gun. Cylinder finish has wear on high spots and cylinder stop notch that do not appear to match rest of gun. Barrel pin ends (both sides) appear shiny. Was it punched out and put back in?
I hope I am wrong. I recently examined a .32 Regulation Police that was absolutely mint. Was about to whip out the credit card when I decided to look at all the numbers. Barrel did not match cylinder which did not match frame.
Let us know what you find out.
Quick answer would be 2800 to 3200 then add or deduct the variables.
Mark
Mark
NFrameFred
Member
Would that I had the knowledge, foresight, and money back around 1980 when an old shooting partner and I bought a table at a local gunshow. He had a K32 in the box and wanted $1200 for it, which at the time was a princely sum - he knew what he had and I did not. I wasn't that far along on my education. And I was more interested in race guns and competition at the time so an old S&W revolver in puny .32 did not interest me in the least.
He sold it and I'm sure he still kicks himself to this day . . . .
He sold it and I'm sure he still kicks himself to this day . . . .
sandwtrader
SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
If its in 95-98%, pull that trigger baby! These are hard to find in the better grades, and are highly sought after by several collectors, including me.
Good luck!
Good luck!
Hello Mitch
I have had my K-32 for about Seven years now. When I found it the seller responded to a Thread that I had started about wanting one badly as I really like the fine accuracy of the .32 S&W Long Cartridge round. The Transaction took about Two years to complete as he did not want to sell it at first. I had to trade Two revolver's to get it one being a Rarely seen Dayton Outdoor Sport's revolver called The Hanen special. These revolver's were special made by S&W from 1965-1968 time span. They had a Four block reserved serial number system for them. Mine shipped in 1967 in the Third block of serial range. They had the 4" Heavy barrel on them and were model stamped with 14-2.
I Picked mine up at a Local gun show here in Knoxville as a Private Transaction. The guy that had it did not know what he had. I Traded a Hong Kong Police stamped Blued model 10-5 for it which I had $300.00 in and $65.00 boot as he felt the Nickel finish of the dayton revolver was worth more. I also included in the swap a Model 34-1 J-Frame snub nose .22 L. R. Caliber revolver that I gave $250.00 for so in Essence I have an actual cash value of $615.00 in my K-32. you have to remember this Transaction was Seven years ago when Gun's did not bring what they do now but even back then the K-32's were averaging $1700.00 Or better depending on condition of the gun. Neither of the gun's I traded for this one were Dog's they were both fine S&W's with the 34-1 showing a cylinder turn line is all but they in my mind no where compared to a K-32 Value, although The Dayton gun's continue to grow in collector value I don't see them reaching the Value of a Pre-16 K-32, now or in the future. What I did not know through the whole Transition period of the Two year's of Negotiation's on this gun was that it was a Pre-16 K-32 Five screw Variation. That came to light a week before he sent it to me as he sent along a picture of it.I refrained from asking a bunch of question's about it during our contact as I did not want to Put any Red Flag's on our swap deal
I was very Pleased to have found one as you Know they do not show up Often. I have shot mine and they shoot very well and Very accurate. I have Hand- loaded for mine as ammo for these is Limited to lead bullets and I use copper Jacketed bullet ammo in mine. I will Never sell, or Trade mine as it took me 25 Years of searching for one to locate mine. Some of my friends have seen it and Handled it and one friend offered me $3000.00 for mine of which I promptly Turned down as I said it is Not for Sale Nor Trade. I will Offer you a chance to see it and even shoot it when you come to Knoxville in March if you desire ? The Range that I use is only Minute's from where you will be visiting your friends. That way you can see if you feel this gun is worth The Pursuit of owning one.
Regards, Hammerdown
Shown below are the two revolver's that I traded for to get my K-32 as well as my K-32 Masterpiece...
Dayton Outdoor Sport's Hanen special revolver
Model 34-1 revolver
Pre-16 K-32 Circa March 1952
I have had my K-32 for about Seven years now. When I found it the seller responded to a Thread that I had started about wanting one badly as I really like the fine accuracy of the .32 S&W Long Cartridge round. The Transaction took about Two years to complete as he did not want to sell it at first. I had to trade Two revolver's to get it one being a Rarely seen Dayton Outdoor Sport's revolver called The Hanen special. These revolver's were special made by S&W from 1965-1968 time span. They had a Four block reserved serial number system for them. Mine shipped in 1967 in the Third block of serial range. They had the 4" Heavy barrel on them and were model stamped with 14-2.
I Picked mine up at a Local gun show here in Knoxville as a Private Transaction. The guy that had it did not know what he had. I Traded a Hong Kong Police stamped Blued model 10-5 for it which I had $300.00 in and $65.00 boot as he felt the Nickel finish of the dayton revolver was worth more. I also included in the swap a Model 34-1 J-Frame snub nose .22 L. R. Caliber revolver that I gave $250.00 for so in Essence I have an actual cash value of $615.00 in my K-32. you have to remember this Transaction was Seven years ago when Gun's did not bring what they do now but even back then the K-32's were averaging $1700.00 Or better depending on condition of the gun. Neither of the gun's I traded for this one were Dog's they were both fine S&W's with the 34-1 showing a cylinder turn line is all but they in my mind no where compared to a K-32 Value, although The Dayton gun's continue to grow in collector value I don't see them reaching the Value of a Pre-16 K-32, now or in the future. What I did not know through the whole Transition period of the Two year's of Negotiation's on this gun was that it was a Pre-16 K-32 Five screw Variation. That came to light a week before he sent it to me as he sent along a picture of it.I refrained from asking a bunch of question's about it during our contact as I did not want to Put any Red Flag's on our swap deal
I was very Pleased to have found one as you Know they do not show up Often. I have shot mine and they shoot very well and Very accurate. I have Hand- loaded for mine as ammo for these is Limited to lead bullets and I use copper Jacketed bullet ammo in mine. I will Never sell, or Trade mine as it took me 25 Years of searching for one to locate mine. Some of my friends have seen it and Handled it and one friend offered me $3000.00 for mine of which I promptly Turned down as I said it is Not for Sale Nor Trade. I will Offer you a chance to see it and even shoot it when you come to Knoxville in March if you desire ? The Range that I use is only Minute's from where you will be visiting your friends. That way you can see if you feel this gun is worth The Pursuit of owning one.
Regards, HammerdownShown below are the two revolver's that I traded for to get my K-32 as well as my K-32 Masterpiece...
Dayton Outdoor Sport's Hanen special revolver
Model 34-1 revolver
Pre-16 K-32 Circa March 1952
