Smith and Wesson Model 14-3 in .32 H&R

[gunsmoke101]

Can anyone tell me if they know of anyone that was modifying the Smith and Wesson Model 14-3 into a .32 H&R Caliber? I have a 6" in a satin nickel finish with Belhert Rear Sights and smooth Target Grips. Serial number 3K31730 dates to 1972. So well done it looks like factory, but not possible. Note: this is not a full lug barrel with the Partridge Front Sight. It appears the original caliber stamping was machined off and .32 H.R. Mag. stamped in its place. PS. I am suspecting this was a custom Austin Behlert gun. PSS. This Model 14-3 has one of the smoothest actions I've ever felt in a Smith.

 

[murphydog]

Photos would help here, but one shop that was doing a few .32 H & R and Federal Magnum conversions was Bowen Classic Arms, which has since ceased doing them. If it looks truly factory-like down to the stampings they would be my first guess, but there are other highly skilled gunsmiths that might have done it.

 

[H Richard]

The only thing for certain on this is, it wasn't factory. The cylinder would have had to have been swapped out and possibly the barrel reset to mate properly with the cylinder. Sounds like something S&W SHOULD HAVE built.

 

[gunsmoke101]

photos

I'm new to this. Here are some pics. Sorry, my flash kind of whitewashed a few details.

 

[GerSan69]

I don't think that's satin nickel... looks like Armoloy or Metaloy.

 

[gunsmoke101]

Thanks

Good to know. Thanks.

 

[gunsmoke101]

Maybe Metalife or Electroless Nickel?

I did some searching and found this might be a Metalife finish.

 

[bananaman]

I'm new to this. Here are some pics. Sorry, my flash kind of whitewashed a few details.

Interesting to say the least! I like it! How does it perform? I have a 14-3, and really like shooting it. Bob

 

[Breakaway500]

Really nice set of grips too. That's a keeper.

 

[murphydog]

Someone here may have a similar gun or recognize the style of work or stampings. The .32 H & R Magnum came out in 1984 so it is possible Austin Behlert did a conversion before he retired.

Was the cylinder sleeved down from .38 Special, lengthened from .32 Long, or opened up from .22 LR? We need a range report!

 

[Green Frog]

Back in the late '80s there were lots of S&W revolvers being rebored and "re-calibered" for many enthusiasts. The leading barrel reboring operation was the one that until a couple of years ago was still operating as Delta Gunsmithing IIRC. You should be able to determine pretty easily whether the barrel and cylinder were sleeved down from 38 Spl or replaced with rebored 22 cal parts.

You're probably more likely to see N-frames in 44 Spl or 45 Colt than K-frame 32s, but the 32 H&R would have been a fun one to play with.

Froggie
Owner of Project 616

 

[gunsmoke101]

Thanks

I just acquired at my local gun store, so I haven't shot it yet. I don't even think my local gun store was aware it was a modified 14-3. It doesn't appear the barrel was sleeved. It's possible it could be a re-bore, but my opinion is it could have been a K32 barrel. The cylinder could be from Model 16-4 parts since the Model 16-4 and Model 14-3 are both K frames. But these are only speculations. I wish I could find out from the horse's mouth...lol. All I can really say is it's a first rate job, and I don't believe Smith and Wesson could not have done it better. Just sayin.

 

[Green Frog]

If it started out as a K-32 barrel, they wouldn't have had to grind and redo the caliber marking... I'm guessing it's a rebored 22 if it isn't reclined, so that would indicate a good bore if it's not damaged. As for the cylinder, although I've heard of 32 H&R cylinders being found for sale, I know I've never been able to find one! I know my strategy of reboring 22 parts to 32 seems to be the quickest way.

I've played with a couple of those Behlert sights and even have a NOS one in my parts bin... I may decide to use it on one of my projects. I can't decide whether I really like it or not, but it does have a pretty high cool quotient.

Froggie

 

[gunsmoke101]

K32 Barrel

The K32 barrel would have had .32 S&W stamped, but since I'm not a custom gunmaker I'm not sure what the best option would have been for choosing a barrel. The bore is straight and true. The overall condition indicates this pistol wasn't fired much. I paid $650 including tax. Any thoughts on value?

 

[kcwheel]

You couldn'dt have it built for twice that price. You have done well.

Ken

 

[gunsmoke101]

Thanks

Thanks. Definitely a much better option than spending $$$$ on a Model 16-4.