Model 16-4

[gunman5646]

Just ran across a real gem, that S&W needs to resurrect. It was a 6" 32 Combat Masterpiece. I wonder if a 327 chambering would be practical in a K frame?
The 32 H&R is very much at home in this frame size. I believe the Rugers are either too small(SP101) or too large(Gp100)for the .327 round. The 32 rounds are having a resurgence lately and a combat masterpiece would be such an instant classic with no other gun that could compete with it.

 

[steelslaver]

A 4' is called aCombat Masterpiece, 6" is a Master piece.

People have reamed 16-4 cylinders deeper to make them into 327 magnums with no problem.

I agree that S&W should start making more 32 S&W, and 3227 mags both in the K frame and the J frame. A 10 shot N frame would be interesting. LOL

I have a 4"

 

[Green Frog]

Just ran across a real gem, that S&W needs to resurrect. It was a 6" 32 Combat Masterpiece. I wonder if a 327 chambering would be practical in a K frame?
The 32 H&R is very much at home in this frame size. I believe the Rugers are either too small(SP101) or too large(Gp100)for the .327 round. The 32 rounds are having a resurgence lately and a combat masterpiece would be such an instant classic with no other gun that could compete with it.

You’re a “little late to the party” here. in answer to your reaming question, yes it’s about the simplest conversion out there. Be aware that certain collectors out here will come after you with torches and pitchforks for committing such a “sacrilege” but the rest of us think it’s a perfectly logical thing to do.

I would suggest you go to the top of this page and do a search for 16-4... you’ll be amazed at all the good info and advice you will find.

Green Frog, builder of Project 616

 

[Tom K]

The .327 in a K frame is perfectly fine. Reaming a 16-4 is a lot easier and less expensive than having a custom gun built.

The seldom-seen 8-3/8" K32

 

[Sevens]

You’re a “little late to the party” here. in answer to your reaming question, yes it’s about the simplest conversion out there. Be aware that certain collectors out here will come after you with torches and pitchforks for committing such a “sacrilege” but the rest of us think it’s a perfectly logical thing to do.

Just because I believe that some things need to be said out loud rather than simply thought to myself I will add my opinion to what you said here...

I agree that reaming chambers and making a 16-4 in to a .327 Federal is a fantastic idea -- S&W would absolutely have done it originally had the cartridge existed.

I also believe in my heart that guns are possessions -- objects, and anyone who owns anything should be 110% free to do what they want to do, free from the condemnation of others. These objects we have enrich our lives and we should enjoy them to our fullest, and that includes altering them exactly how we see fit.

However!
The audience in these forums is large and folks learn from a lot of what gets discussed. To put it simply and clearly, the 16-4 was a limited production item and has genuine and serious collector value. And altering one -WILL- attack that collector value.

Heck yes, some folks might pay just as much for one with reamed chambers. Likewise, if you electro-pencil "MOLON LABE" down the barrel it might be possible to find one buyer that pays more for that also, but it's still going to attack the collectible value.

Me? Cannot wait for the lucky day when I stumble across a beat-up 16-4 for $750 or under. It will become a .327 Federal within hours of purchase!

 

[PMRet]

The K frame .32's are my favorite guns, from the original K-32 to the 16-4's. I understand the collector value situation, but I consider myself sort of a "shooting collector", as I shoot most of what I have. As I said in an earlier thread, I have seriously considered having the 4" 16-4 in this picture cut to 3", converted to round butt, and reamed to .327 magnum...in my mind a pretty good carry gun in my favorite caliber.

 

[Jebus35745]

Just saw Mr Horvath last month to get my 4” 16-4 reamed to .327. Larry

 

[Tom K]

....
However!
The audience in these forums is large and folks learn from a lot of what gets discussed. To put it simply and clearly, the 16-4 was a limited production item and has genuine and serious collector value. And altering one -WILL- attack that collector value.
....

But it will also enhance the collector value of the unaltered ones out there.

Reaming the 16-4 to .327 is pretty much the same as reaming a .38-44 to .357, back before the Outdoorsman and Heavy Duty were collector items. Except, there is no K-327 being produced by S&W now, while the .357 was available back when.

 

[PMRet]

Just saw Mr Horvath last month to get my 4” 16-4 reamed to .327. Larry

I have actually contacted him about doing the work I mentioned. His price quote and turnaround time were both very reasonable, and he seems to have a reputation for fine work.

 

[raljr1]

Could you achieve the same result by boring out a k22 cylinder and preserving the original? Not that I have any objections to what you wish to do, I do not.

 

[Tom K]

Could you achieve the same result by boring out a k22 cylinder and preserving the original? Not that I have any objections to what you wish to do, I do not.

Yes, a .22 cylinder will work. You just need to make sure it's compatible - overall length, ratchet configuration, and such. It would certainly be more expensive, what with the cost of the cylinder (which might need refinishing to match) and the more extensive work required.

 

[moralem]

What is the going market rate for a 16-4 4inch with box and papers. I need to make an offer and was thinking about 1500 dollars give or take a hundred.

 

[SFIDEC]

What is the going market rate for a 16-4 4inch with box and papers. I need to make an offer and was thinking about 1500 dollars give or take a hundred.

Been watching them on GB for past several months. They seem to go between $1200 - $1500 with or without box and factory combat grips. Last week I bid on a nice looking 4" (Combats -No Box) and stopped my bidding at $1250 and other bidder took it. Hope this helps.
Ray

 

[YeshuaIsa53]

I'll wait for a deal. Have more time than money. I'd hate myself if I paid $1500 for one, only to find a nice Model 29 sitting somewhere for 2 grand.

 

[moralem]

Been watching them on GB for past several months. They seem to go between $1200 - $1500 with or without box and factory combat grips. Last week I bid on a nice looking 4" (Combats -No Box) and stopped my bidding at $1250 and other bidder took it. Hope this helps.
Ray

This helps immensely. I think I may have to be on the upper range with this seller but these don’t come availble in my area where you can actually inspect the gun. Gun is complete package with correct grips.