Suggestion for K-32 revival

[Inland7-45]

My interest in S&W revolvers covers hand ejectors from 1899 to 1982. I purchased my last new S&W , a Model 34 in 1978. My newest S&W is a model 64 made in 1980.

I have not yet purchased a newer S&W because there are so many original older S&W and Colts out there that are still on my wish list that I am trying to add to my collection. This is not a negative comment on the newer S&W revolvers. On the contrary there are some very appealing revolvers in the current line up.

I see the changes in materials and manufacturing methods as necessary in order to stay competitive in the revolver market.

One of the older models I missed out on is the K-32. They are'nt seen often and the prices just keep going up. Even the 16-4 has gotten hard to find.

After looking over the current line up I think it would be great to see a K frame .32 in the line up.

Two possible models would be a stainless version based on the model 67. It could be called the model 616 CT for Combat Target.
Barrel length options could be 4" or 6".

Or maybe a Model 16-5 K-32 Masterpiece for the classic line.

Chambering would be .32 H&R Mag like the model 16-4.

If they build it I will buy it.

The question is does Smith and Wesson's marketing department listen to suggestions?

Either of these suggestions would be built on existing designs and would be easy to make.

 

[Dave.357]

I have a 16-4 and if they come out with what you suggest (16-5)
I would suggest .327 instead . I would buy
One ether way. Make mine a 6" with a gold
Bead .

 

[505Gibbs]

In the current market it will never happen!

 

[cgt4570]

For some reason my pic isn't showing up?
I had Hamilton Bowen assemble this one for me about 10 years ago. It's a .327 Fed Mag using a 8-3/8" Model 16-4 barrel, pre-Model 15 frame and rechambered Model 17 cylinder. The scope is a vintage Leupold with Beuhler mount and rings. Stocks are square butt combats.
It'll shoot all 4 cartridges (.32 S&W, .32 S&W L, .32 H&R Mag and .327 Fed).
It's a tack driver.

 

[tlawler]

Count me in. I'd definitely buy any version of 16 or 616 if they would produce it. I lucked out a few months ago and snagged a nice 16-4 6" with box and tools. It has become one of my favorite revolvers to shoot as of late. In fact, I just shot it yesterday and haven't had a chance to clean it yet.

 

[Countrycuz]

I'd consider a new K or J frame in .32 mag or .327 .

 

[peyton]

I think if we all kicked in $1,000, have our own leader "handejector" deliver it to S&W. Maybe that would get their attention!!
In the mean time Ruger makes some fine 327 magnum revolvers, it pains me deeply to type this statement

 

[tlawler]

I think if we all kicked in $1,000, have our own leader "handejector" deliver it to S&W. Maybe that would get their attention!!
In the mean time Ruger makes some fine 327 magnum revolvers, it pains me deeply to type this statement

If you can get past their horrendous DA triggers. I've got an SP-101 in .327 FM that I've put over 500 full house rounds through plus a lot of dry firing and I don't think it's much better than when I bought it new. SA isn't bad, but I like shooting a revolver DA much better. It it were even halfway close to my 16-4, I'd be happy.

 

[series guy]

Like a few others on this forum instead of waiting I had a couple of .32s custom built by Andy Horvath. Relatively simple but sure not cheap. But then you have a hand built custom gun. Both mine are .327 Federal and are great shooters. Then after the fact I stumbled upon a couple of Model 16-4s and just couldn't let them slip away. The two on the right are the Horvath customs.

 

[6string]

Given the current product line-up and the sort of thinking S&W is trying to appeal to, they would totally ruin it.
They'd feel compelled to chamber it for one of the so-called "Magnum" rounds rather than the original 32 S&W. They'd probably add a slab barrel and make it an 8 shooter, or whatever else to make it a gimmicky range toy for weekend blasters.

And, they would certainly goof up the groove & bore dimensions, not to mention the cylinder throats, making it useless for serious target work with lead wadcutters.
So, it would never be a true "K-32 Target Masterpiece".

Maybe the better option would be a Manurhin Match 32. They have a cylinder specifically cut for target (wadcutter) ammo and are available with a traditional SA/DA action or a short action SAO. Available with 5" or 6" barrel. Latter weighs 2.37 lbs.
see pic.

 

[Showmeshooters]

I have a 16 (no dash), 16-2, and 16-3. And of course a 16-4 all 6"

 

[Inland7-45]

The post from 6string brings this back to reality. While it would be very easy to retool the model 67 for 32 S&W or .32 H&R like the 16 -4 this probably is not something S&W would do.

At this time I have a pre model number 30 and a .32 Regulation Police that was made in 1940. About 3 or 4 years ago I picked up a set of RCBS Cowboy dies with a carbide sizer , an RCBS mold for a 98 gr SWC, 1,200 PPU unprimed cases and a good supply of powder and small pistol primers. I have been able to load for this caliber with about the same ease and economy as the .38 Special. I have been able to shoot my .32s quite a bit and they are a lot of fun. But I would like to have something bigger than an I frame in this caliber.

Since I am only going to be shooting.32 Long a revolver chambered in .32 H&R or .327 is not needed. I would not however pass up a Ruger or 16-4 if one came my way.

One less expensive option that I have been considering is a .32 J frame with a 3 or 4 in barrel or a Colt Police Positive Special. While these are still on the small side they still have more to hold on to than an I frame.'

I do have one question for any forum member who has a .32 H&R or .327.

If and when you fire .32 Long ammunition how is the accuracy?

 

[tlawler]

One less expensive option that I have been considering is a .32 J frame with a 3 or 4 in barrel or a Colt Police Positive Special. While these are still on the small side they still have more to hold on to than an I frame.'
I do have one question for any forum member who has a .32 H&R or .327.
If and when you fire .32 Long ammunition how is the accuracy?

What range of cost would be involved to convert a Model 17, 18, or 617 to .32 S&W Long, .32 H&R, or .327 FM?

The few (50 or so) .32S&W Longs I've put through my M16-4 seemed accurate enough. I was firing off hand and just using up some .32L that came with the revolver. I could discern no difference in accuracy between it and the .32 H&R.

 

[glenncal1]

15 years ago or so I inquired with S&W about a run of 32-20 guns. At the time they said that it would take an order of 1000 units. Don't know if that would stand today.

 

[Jebus35745]

The K frame in .32 what ever would be OK with me, preferably the.32 long. Had 3 custom 32's built by Andy Horvath in 32 Long, have 1 very early pre-16, a 16-4 4" converted to .327 by Andy and a Manurhin MR32. Also have a pre-war 32 target made from a M&P pre-war target. The .32 is intriguing and a classic 32 would sell but not sure how many.

At the club every year we shoot a double action only revolver league for 8 weeks. Shoot 2 matches a night, it's based on the bullseye platform with slow, timed & rapid. The 32 loaded light is a pleasure in double action.

Here is a family photo, Larry

 

[oddshooter]

Would a GoFundMe account work for getting a large financial commitment for a new .32 from S&W?
Might it allow for a deposit to convince S&W?

Prescut

 

[buz0044]

I would really like a .32 H&R like my model 18. The 4" normal barrel profile would be perfect. The .32 doesn't warrant a heavy, or worse, lugged barrel. I have a 16-4 6" and though it shoots well it's much too heavy for a .32. I would also buy a .32 H&R like my 4" model 63 if it didn't cost several mortgage payments.
I did buy a 4" SP101 figuring it would scratch the itch and that was a mistake. Heavy for it's size and in spite of springs, shims and hours of polishing it still has a crummy trigger. On top of that I can't find a load that gives me decent groups. Maybe I should find a model 31 and pay someone to put an adjustable sight on it. Truth is .32 S&W long is all I need and they are cheap to load and always shoot well.

 

[Green Frog]

Just to keep the juices flowing, you might go back over this build;

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1980- present/260686-project-616-a.html

In the words of Jimmy Buffett, "All it takes is looks and a whole lot of money."

This is what it looks like

 

[Green Frog]

I should have mentioned in this thread that my Project 616, being a custom build, has the full underlug barrel, a set of Austin Behlert adjustable sights, and imported (from Thailand) dark rosewood combat style grips. The factory equivalent might have the first of these, but would definitely have the standard rear sight and would probably have grips by Altamont or Goodyear too. Also, the current shape of the receiver would be slightly different and have a lock. Finally, there's no telling what kind of thumb latch S&W would use… I just shaved the bottom wing off of the original from the donor Model 66 and called it good.

When I get named CEO (or even Chief Designer of New Releases) at Smith, this will be my very first project. Notice how they even left my chosen number, 6 for stainless and 16 for 32 caliber, available for this very Model!

Froggie

 

[CH4]

Although I am happy owning a 4" 16-4, I'd be happier if they'd start making more 632-2 Pros.