Modern Masterpiece Set – K-22, K-32 and K-38

[civil1977]

I recently picked up a Model 14-5 in the original box with papers and unopened tool kit. It has been shot, which is fine with me since I’m a collector and shooter. Since I just got it, I have not had a chance to shoot it yet, but it sure balances nice with the heavy full lug barrel. Here are a few pics:

This latest acquisition allowed me to complete what I consider to be the modern masterpiece set which includes a 17-6 (K-22), 16-4 (K-32) and 14-5 (K-38). Since they all have 6” full lug barrels, they weigh the same loaded and provide the same feel in the hand. I picked up the 17-6 a couple of years ago, mainly because I thought the grips were really nice and the gun balanced so well. Then I realized how accurate it was and the search for the other two began. I thought the 16-4 would be the hardest to find since only 8,800 were made and they are coveted by those who like .32 caliber guns, but I found this one earlier this year thanks to a tip from a fellow forum member. It’s a sweet shooter too and I like the ability to use .32 Longs or .32 H&R Magnums. I may get an extra cylinder (don’t want to modify the original) to have Hamilton Bowen convert to .327 Federal Magnum for even more versatility. Anyway, now for some pics of the three:

 

[What the]

That's a very very fine 3 gun set you have there! The stocks are the icing on the cake...ya done good.

 

[YeshuaIsa53]

That is a most desireable set of thr3ee guns you have there. I was offered the 16-4 to complete my set one night years ago and had just spent all my gun $$, so had to sadly decline. Kicked myself a few times since then, especially since the price was so low. Two out of three ain't bad, so they say.

Anyway, that is great you have the set. Wish I could have thought quickly of a way to get mine. Great to see pics of someone's group that came through with it. Forgot all about getting the set finished until now.
Maybe one day...

 

[Another-Bill]

Those are three beautiful handguns you have there.
Not much more needs to be said, other than maybe the "Trinity".





Bill

 

[kennethg]

All I can say is VERY VERY nice set!

 

[PMRet]

Congratulations on putting together a great set of revolvers. I'm working on an original set from the 1950's, so far I have the K-22 and K-32.

 

[GyMac]

I am not normally a fan of guns with full lugs, but I must say they look very nice.

 

[peyton]

Those look really fine!!

 

[Retired W4]

I just turned a dark shade of green, with envy. Really nice!

 

[fyimo]

Wow oh Wow what a nice set of great revolvers and like the others have said the grips are killer.

 

[OK Hog Shooter]

That's a fine set; what a matching collection of K- S&Ws. Those are really nice grips, to boot. I'm in the process of putting together my birthday year (1950) set of K- guns. So far I have the easy ones, the K-22 and the K-38. Now, if I can find that elusive (so far) 1950 serial numbered K-32. I know it's out there!

Thanks for sharing your set!

 

[DCWilson]

Very nice trio, and I think the moniker "modern masterpiece" is completely appropriate. The full underlugs provide a distinctive appearance, and I suspect they help with accuracy at the range, too. I like heavier weight-forward guns, and those look like they would be just the ticket.

Excellent set!

 

[civil1977]

Thanks for all the kind words. I figured some other S&W fans were working on similar sets and I thought "modern masterpiece" was appropriate and a nod to the original masterpieces. Each of these particular guns was made between 1989 to 1991 so they are 20+ years old at this point and they represent the last K frames made with a square butt frame, original style rear sight, original cylinder release and forged hammer and trigger. They are great guns and sure are developing a following amongst collectors and shooters alike.

I am a fan of the combat stocks and there are some really good looking sets out there. I picked up the set below still in the original wrapper as a spare but now I think they may be too pretty to actually use.

 

[semperfi71]

Very nice collection!

 

[Engine49guy]

I think they may be too pretty to actually use.

First: AWESOME trio and CONGRATS !!!

Second : A really nice set of grips deserves a fitting gun to mount them on.
Leaving them in the original packaging to me is SACRILEGE....

Third: While not a "K" frame a nice blued 6" Model 586 could turn your hot trio into sexy Quadruplets.

S&W Models 17-6 and 586

PS...If those grips are not going to good use know a full underlug that needs a set of nice new combats... Just kidding ; )

Thanks for sharing the collection!

 

[625smith]

civil1977 great set congratulations! I too have just completed my set with the purchase of a 16-4. I have shot them all and they all shoot well. Now I will have to take all of them to the range and have a masterpiece day!

17-6, 16-4, 14-5

 

[glenncal1]

I have 2 of the the 3 in 4"

17-6

16-4

One to go

 

[Roadranger]

I have the same set, except in 4" full lug. There are only a few 4" full lug K-38's. Bob!

 

[civil1977]

civil1977 great set congratulations! I too have just completed my set with the purchase of a 16-4. I have shot them all and they all shoot well. Now I will have to take all of them to the range and have a masterpiece day!

17-6, 16-4, 14-5

A+ That's a nice set! I knew there would be some others who did the same.

As for the 4" set others have mentioned, that would definitely be tough since they made even fewer of those.