Possible purchase of 16-4

[Titan Tom]

I was just shown a rather nice 16-4 with a 6" barrel. Conservative estimate of condition a tad above 90%. Offered to me at $800 (down from $850 original asking price). Stocks are not original, the issued Combats have been replaced with a nice set of Targets.

What do I do here guys? Go for it, run from it, or pace back and forth and scratch my head?

 

[jack the toad]

If wanting to go down the .32 road, I'd get it and convert to .327 fed mag as it sounds like a good one for that.

 

[murphydog]

As you describe it, $800 is a fair price. Figure $200 or so for the correct original stocks.

 

[mtgianni]

I would have pawned my grandchildren. I have not seen one in any condition in person under $1000 this decade.

 

[Jim NNN]

I agree with mtgianni. I have seen them bid up to the high teens on gunbroker. Their price has been driven up by the insane prices of the earlier - and extremely rare - Model 16's in .32 S&W Long (K-32 Masterpiece. I saw a pristine in-box version of one of these from the 1950's go for over $6000 on GB last year.)

So, although the later Model 16 isn't really the same gun as the earlier version (for several reasons), the fact that it's called a "Model 16" has enhanced it's value greatly. And it's also a great gun in it's own right. I would've bought it that price in an instant, too. Best wishes.

Oh, and please don't convert it to another caliber.

 

[SFIDEC]

Seen several sell on GB for around $1500+ in excellent condition with box during recent weeks. Looks like a deal at $800. The 16-4 32 mag is loads of fun to shoot. Good Luck!

 

[Jtown]

Sounds like a great opportunity to get a scarce gun at a fair price

Walt

 

[D Brown]

.32's are great!

Sounds like a deal to me.

I still have my 6" 16-4 that I purchased new, as well as a 4" 631 that I purchased new. They've both been fired, so they're probably about 98% according to a collector.

Model 16-4 6"

Model 631 4"

Did I mention that I like .32's?

 

[Jim NNN]

Wow, beautiful guns, Dave! I'm jealous!

 

[H Richard]

The 16-4 is a highly accurate gun, and an absolute joy to shoot. The 32 H&R Mag round is nothing to frown at. My handloads do over 1200 fps with a 100 gr. Hornady XTP and are very acccurate.

 

[jack the toad]

Not to hijack but below is a pic of a pair of M16-4's. Both 4", bottom is LNIB and top is excellent+ in box. Since it was the lesser of the two, it got reamed to .327 mag. And while the .32 mag is no slouch and a hoot to shoot, the .327 mag is just more of the same and really does better out of a longer barrel.
If I could buy that one in your post for $800, I'd have to do it and to some folks discouragement, ream the cylinder to .327. But if you don't, I'd have to buy it anyway as even shooting the .32 S&W Long, mine shoots very well. It seems that the shorter .32 S&W and more so the .32 ACP doesn't group as well.

 

[jack the toad]

Ooops
Forgot pic...

 

[moosedog]

Go for it. If you love to shoot, your going to be in heaven. The 32 S&W Long is an inherently accurate cartridge, and reloading it is easy and fun. Good luck.

 

[Stephanie B]

I think that’s an excellent price for a Model 16. A friend of mine bought one like that a few years ago for that price. He shoots it in club centerfire Bullseye matches.

 

[dr. mordo]

At $800, I'd have been reaching for my wallet as soon as I realized what it was.

 

[jwk]

Not to hijack the thread but what is the benefit of a 32 over a 38 in a 6 inch target pistol? I understand different. I kinda understand collecting for collecting sake. I don't understand same size revolver slightly smaller cartridge can't be much difference in recoil with target wadcutters loads. It looks like they overlap to me w no advantage to the 32. Looking for some education not trying to make a fuss. Thanks

PS that is a pretty revolver. As for 32 v 38 I'm really inviting an education not a fight. I really don't get it.

 

[D Brown]

Not to hijack the thread but what is the benefit of a 32 over a 38 in a 6 inch target pistol? I understand different. I kinda understand collecting for collecting sake. I don't understand same size revolver slightly smaller cartridge can't be much difference in recoil with target wadcutters loads. It looks like they overlap to me w no advantage to the 32. Looking for some education not trying to make a fuss. Thanks

PS that is a pretty revolver. As for 32 v 38 I'm really inviting an education not a fight. I really don't get it.

The .32 S&W Long is incredibly accurate in every gun I've ever encountered. It's mild mannered and an absolute hoot to shoot. If you've never tried it, in a J, I, or K, you should! Watch out though! These things are addictive!

Model 31-1 Regulation Police 2"

Model 31-1 Regulation Police 3"

The pair.

 

[Titan Tom]

I'm Going For It...

I've taken y'alls outstanding advice. I just plunked down $200 at the GS, I'll take in the balance when my bank opens up next Monday.

Thanks for all of the inputs, guys, and for sharing all the pics of your beautiful 32's.

After I get the 16 in my hands next week I'll share a photo or two!

Thanks Again!
Tom

 

[mtgianni]

Not to hijack the thread but what is the benefit of a 32 over a 38 in a 6 inch target pistol? I understand different. I kinda understand collecting for collecting sake. I don't understand same size revolver slightly smaller cartridge can't be much difference in recoil with target wadcutters loads. It looks like they overlap to me w no advantage to the 32. Looking for some education not trying to make a fuss. Thanks

PS that is a pretty revolver. As for 32 v 38 I'm really inviting an education not a fight. I really don't get it.

As a handloader and caster I absolutely love the 32 H&R. The model 16 and the even less seen Dan Wesson are the most accurate examples I have ever shot. The cartridge has little to no recoil and propels a 100 grain bullet at the same velocities as a 22 lr from a handgun. It is an excellent small game and trap line gun as it blends shocking power with a smaller hole for furs. I realize this as applicable to way less than 1/10 of 1% of the shooting population but the bottom line is it is a fun caliber to shoot.
From a pure economy standpoint you have 100 grains of lead vs 150 in a 38 and around 10% less powder. It will never pay for the difference between the 32 and 38 in today's' economy but it is less. Brass life is around 25 rounds unless pushed hard. It is very easy on components.