Model 16-4 ?

[eliminator]

Hello all, new to the forum and freely admit to not knowing much about Smith & Wesson revolvers. I am learning though, thanks to this forun. My local dealer has a 6" 16-4 that is in good condition with no box or manual and may have the wrong stocks. It has Smith wooden stocks but without the finger grooves. Appears to have been shot very little. I'm considering this revolver as I really enjoy the .32 H&R in my Ruger Single Sixes but the price seems a bit steep at $1350. I would like to own one of these but not sure about the price. Is it too much? This would be my first Smith.

 

[Stevie]

I just last year bought a used 16-4 with wrong grips and some use on it for $495...there was on in the trader/for sale section here in somewhat better shape for like $700 or $800(I think..maybe was $900?)

I'm no expert..but that seems like absolute top-dollar..and had better have correct grips and box!

 

[Gunhacker]

$1350 That would be steep even here in California, in fact that is the highest that I've heard one trying to be sold for.

As already mentioned, it would need to have the correct combat stocks, box and all orginal paper work, tools... and be in mint or near mint condition before I'd plunk down that kind of coin, and in a weak moment.

They are a sweet shooting gun though. I have 2 of them, one I bought new when they came out, the other I got a few years ago and sent it to Clements Custom to have the cylinder reamed out for the longer .327 Federal, which made a great gun even better.

 

[eliminator]

Thanks for the insight guys. Yeah it does sound like top dollar. If it was $700-$900, I would have little hesitation. I'll keep searching for the right deal now that this model is on my radar.

 

[Stevie]

I didn't even know what a Model 16-4 was when I first saw my pistol in the used case at a nearby gunstore.

I started a topic here..and the S&W gurus..were like "buy it..buy it".."or tell me where it's at..I'll buy it"....I bummed money off my wife and went and got it the very next business day..a Monday. I had to sweat it all weekend..hoping my revolver was still there.

The S&W gurus were right...it is a sweet pistol...I'm glad they forced me into buying it!

 

[M29since14]

If that gun was absolutely NIB with everything it came with, just as it should be, it would be a bit steep around here. I do see those guns going for a lot of money, however. Without the box and other stuff, and with the wrong stocks (which themselves are worth a fair amount), I would say pass at that price - unless you really, really, (really!) want it.

Might add that those are really great little guns and it may be one of those that IMHO you might be justified in over-paying for just a bit. I am very fond of mine and almost everyone I know who owns them seems to agree. They are great shooting revolvers with almost any load you put in them.

 

[PMRet]

The two 16-4's in the picture have the correct factory combat grips. A year or so ago 16-4's could be had LNIB in the $700-800 range, but those days appear to be gone, as the last several I've seen online have sold for $1000 or more. To me, the asking price of the one you're looking at would be high even if it had the box, papers, and correct grips. The combat grips themselves usually go for $125-150, and the original box, papers and tools can add $50-75 to the package. For just the gun with incorrect grips, I'd be thinking more like $750 or so OTD.

 

[Dale53]

I won't comment on the price. I bought my 6" 16-4 when they were first offered. I have shot thousands of rounds of my own cast bullets through mine (my "standard" bullet is a Group Buy 100 gr Keith - a good commercial mould is the RCBS 98 Gr SWC). I shoot mostly target loads as I am getting too old to hunt any more.

A good target load using .32 S&W Long cases is 2.8 grs of 231 behind the 100 gr Keith. It is also a very good edible small game load (grouse, bunnies, etc.). In the .32 H&R Magnum case, a heavy load of H110 will easily and safely drive that 100 gr. bullet to 1200 fps. Some load heavier but I see little reason to do so.

One of the nicer pieces that Smith has offered over the years.

Dale53

 

[peyton]

For a comparsion, there are three model 16-4's on GB. Search for 16-4 and you can see what the bidding price is right now. BTW, I bought 3 NIB ones for $1,000 each and thought that was a great deal. I probably own 8 of them, (my kids are just borrowing them, never to be sold)!!!

Here are some threads I have posted about the marvelous 16-4!!

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1980-present/244133-16-4-a.html
http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1980-present/210295-16-4-32-mag.html
http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1980-present/197678-new-me-16-4-4-a.html

 

[Shotgun Annie]

Just picked up this nice one, appears unfired, in original #'s mtching box with paper

 

[peyton]

Shotgun Annie, welcome to the forum and what a way to join us!! I think you will enjoy shooting the 16-4, minimal recoil, laser accuracy and fun to boot. Tell us more on how you found a new in box treasure, we like stories!!

 

[H Richard]

16-4's are very accurate handguns and a wonderful platform to hand-load for.

 

[MrTrolleyguy]

I am the fellow who paid $1300 for his new to me 16-4. It has box, papers and tools. Don't know if there could be two of us willing to do it.

I swallowed hard and paid. I smiled ear to ear when I got. I chocked when I paid $27 for a box of wad cutters. Nearly died when I open the box and saw it was just 20 rounds and not 50.

My 617 is sure cheaper to shoot even in the present market.

Don't let me put you off the 16-4. They are not common, much sought after and have many fans. I am trying to work my way into that fan club.

You will undoubtedly find better choices than the one you are considering here.

These good ppl will give you good info and advice.

Good luck.

 

[Green Frog]

It's a shame S&W has never gotten around to making one in stainless...