What can you tell me about the S&W 16-4?

[S&W-SL]

I bought this gun new for my wife's use as a home defense weapon many years ago. I believe it was only made for a year or so before being discontinued. True? I see them periodically on the auction sites but there is no good sense of worth. I'm thinking of a range between $800 to $1000. (no box or papers)
Thanks!

 

[Stevie]

I just bought a 4" 16-4 with aftermarket grips..and I believe someone swapped the front sight target blade for a ramp style blade..some definate use and finish wear and dings..but probably still maybe 90% or better blue for $495 and tax.

But like everybody here pointed out to me...these are a hot commodity on the used S&W revolver market.

I never realised they were so rare...and in point of fact was more or less ignorant of the model..until I asked about the one I saw at the gunstore...and the fellows here told me (more or less) I would be an idiot for not buying it!!!

I went back and got the 16-4...and it is a fun little revolver.

 

[Mike1957]

I think they were made for 3 years. 1990 to 1992 if I remember right.
I think blue book price for NIB is about $750, but you would have a hard time finding one to buy at that price.
I would bet that if you wanted to sell one in 98%+ condition you could get $800 out of it.
About 8 or 9 years ago I had the chance to buy a full set of them (4", 6", and 8") NIB for $1,500. Passed it up because I didn`t have the spare cash and didn`t want to put it on a credit card.
Still kicking myself for not buying them.

 

[Hoosier45]

Yes, the 16-4 has quite a little niche of followers, mainly S&W collectors and revolver shooters. It was a limited run gun but is known for is accuracy and fun to shoot. Luckily, you also have a 4" which is valued the highest and btw the market is pretty hot for that gun. I could see that going 800-900, if you stay firm on price and wait a week or two for the right buyer. Hope that answers a few questions.

 

[Maximumbob54]

I keep thinking how great it would if they brought it back in .327 mag guise, but then it would have the (bleep) in it, and it would lack the graceful lines of a real K frame. And then it would have the new barrel rifling making it not like lead bullets. But wow, a three inch barrel on one would be awesome... Dreams of a madman maybe.

 

[civil1977]

The 16-4 was made from 1989 to 1992 with about 8,800 produced in 4", 6" and 8 3/8" barrel versions. The 6" barrel was the most common.

Are those the original grips? It should have come with finger groove combat grips (like the ones pictured below).

The original box and papers would add value but I'd say $800 for a 4" version. It's best to check the completed auctions on places like Gunbroker to establish a reasonable price.

My 16-4 is in the middle.

 

[S&W-SL]

Thanks so much for the quick answers folks, most appreciated!

Yes, civil1977, those are the grips the gun was purchased with.

 

[civil1977]

Interesting. Well those grips look nice on the gun.

 

[PMRet]

The 16-4 is a descendant of the K-32 Masterpiece/Model 16, which was chambered in .32 S&W long. Manufactured 1947-74 with a total production of only 3630, it is one of the most sought after S&W revolvers. It was re-introduced in 1989 as the Model 16-4 chambered in .32 H&R Magnum. The 16-4 is a very popular gun in it's own right, and generally brings between $700-$900, depending on condition and accessories (box, papers, etc.).

Bottom to top: K-32, 6" 16-4, 4" 16-4.

 

[S&W-SL]

I'm guessing it may be priced wrong. It is currently on Gunbroker with a day to go and no bids. The last one I saw on GB had a price of $50 more than mine and it had some marks on it. 31 watchers but nary a bid (yet). Suggestions? Keep on for another go-round?

 

[civil1977]

Asking price and actual selling price are two different things. And there is a similar 4" gun with box and docs for $150 less (currently) with one bid.

 

[eshap2]

I bought this gun new for my wife's use as a home defense weapon many years ago. I believe it was only made for a year or so before being discontinued. True? I see them periodically on the auction sites but there is no good sense of worth. I'm thinking of a range between $800 to $1000. (no box or papers)
Thanks!

THESE ARE POST WAR PRICES
EXC. 2500. V.G. 1550. GOOD 850. FAIR 500. POOR 350.
THESE ARE PRE-WAR PRICES
2000. 1400. 750. 300. 250.
GOOD LUCK

 

[PMRet]

I'm guessing it may be priced wrong. It is currently on Gunbroker with a day to go and no bids. The last one I saw on GB had a price of $50 more than mine and it had some marks on it. 31 watchers but nary a bid (yet). Suggestions? Keep on for another go-round?

Your gun to price as you see fit, but since you asked... The one listed at $50 more than yours has been on there a long time with no takers, and while the condition appears to be less than yours, it does have the original factory combat grips. The one civil1977 mentioned has a bid of $150 less than yours and has the same type of factory replacement grips, but has the original box and papers. If it were me, I'd wait and see what that one winds up going for, and then maybe re-think my asking price.

 

[S&W-SL]

Your gun to price as you see fit, but since you asked... The one listed at $50 more than yours has been on there a long time with no takers, and while the condition appears to be less than yours, it does have the original factory combat grips. The one civil1977 mentioned has a bid of $150 less than yours and has the same type of factory replacement grips, but has the original box and papers. If it were me, I'd wait and see what that one winds up going for, and then maybe re-think my asking price.

Many thanks ALL! It wound up selling for $900. I'm thinking that was fair all around. This was a sweet gun but now on to other Smiths that have my full interest. Again, thanks guys!!