smith wesson k.32
- Thread starter Oldman11
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That I am aware of, there are no issues particular only to the K32. As always, the Revolver Checkout thread is a great resource, but generally requires that you actually have the revolver in hand. With that in mind, I would just be sure that you can trust the seller and that a collector-grade gun comes with a collector-grade inspection and return policy.
And if you get it, be damn sure to post lots of pictures here!
And if you get it, be damn sure to post lots of pictures here!
Jim NE
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The standard assessment of revolvers, is a good place to start. I have no idea how familiar you are with that stuff, so I'll mention a few things.
Cylinder lock up should be tight, but on Smiths generally isn't as bank-vault tight as nice DA Colts. Cylinder gaps seem to be acceptable from .003 ((too close, in my experience) to .012" (too wide for some people.) Many K-32's were competition guns way back when, so look for altered or changed out triggers, hammers and actions. If action work is of good quality, no big deal, but trigger pull can be too light for some people's tastes. Several years ago, I got the Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson, and it can be quite valuable when looking at guns in the holy grail, premium category that the K-32 occupies.
One thing to consider is that there may be a couple different guns that are called "K-32." One is the old .32 S&WL revolver - which is what I think of when I hear the term - but some people use it to describe the later model 16's in .32 mag. Also, knowing how to spot a refinished blued gun not only takes knowledge, but some experience, though it isn't rocket science, either. You can ignore the market pricing info in the catalog, however, unless it was an edition released last month.
For me, I'd mostly be concerned about changed out/altered parts and internals on a gun like that. I hate to say it, but some sellers see big dollar signs with guns like that, and might even resort to some underhanded misrepresentation.
Cylinder lock up should be tight, but on Smiths generally isn't as bank-vault tight as nice DA Colts. Cylinder gaps seem to be acceptable from .003 ((too close, in my experience) to .012" (too wide for some people.) Many K-32's were competition guns way back when, so look for altered or changed out triggers, hammers and actions. If action work is of good quality, no big deal, but trigger pull can be too light for some people's tastes. Several years ago, I got the Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson, and it can be quite valuable when looking at guns in the holy grail, premium category that the K-32 occupies.
One thing to consider is that there may be a couple different guns that are called "K-32." One is the old .32 S&WL revolver - which is what I think of when I hear the term - but some people use it to describe the later model 16's in .32 mag. Also, knowing how to spot a refinished blued gun not only takes knowledge, but some experience, though it isn't rocket science, either. You can ignore the market pricing info in the catalog, however, unless it was an edition released last month.
For me, I'd mostly be concerned about changed out/altered parts and internals on a gun like that. I hate to say it, but some sellers see big dollar signs with guns like that, and might even resort to some underhanded misrepresentation.
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Driftwood Johnson
Member
Howdy
First of all, find out if it is a K-32 Masterpiece or a Model 16.
The K-32 Masterpiece was introduced in 1946. Companion piece to the K-22 Masterpiece and the K-38 Masterpiece.
The K-32 Masterpiece was built on the K frame, with five screws, short cocking action, anti-backlash trigger, six groove tang and serrated trigger. Micrometer click rear sight and 1/8" or 1/10" Patridge front sights were cataloged. Chambered for 32 S&W Long. Quite a scarce gun, exact numbers are hard to pin down.
I'm going to quote the Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson now with a list of serial numbers:
"Known Serial Numbers include all of K58921 through K58970 and K67601 - 67670, along with some guns in K767574 - K767599 and K68470 - K68530 ranges.
All of these have the narrow rib. In 1950 the wide rib was introduced, and some K-32s from 1956 will be found in the K271792 - K271836 serial number range."
In 1957 Smith and Wesson changed over to a model number system and the K-32 became the Model 16.
The Model 16 is often listed as a K-32, but if it has MOD-16 or something similar stamped on the frame under the yoke (the hinge the cylinder swings on) it is a Model 16.
The Model 16-2 (1961) did away with the screw in front of the trigger guard, making it a four screw revolver.
The Model 16-3 (1967) relocated the rear sight leaf screw.
In 1968 the diamond on the grips was done away with.
The Model 16 was discontinued in the catalog in 1974.
In 1989 the Model 16-4 was reintroduced, with a full lug underbarrel, chambered for 32 H&R Magnum.
Discontinued in 1993.
This model will have MOD 16, or MOD 16-1, MOD 16-2, MOD 16-3, or MOD 16-4 stamped on the frame under the yoke.
The Model 16-4 is worth considerably less than the others.
This K-32 Masterpiece left the factory in 1954. This should give you a good idea what one looks like.
I paid considerably more than $1999 for it. It is in almost spotless condition. For what it's worth, I never buy a firearm that I have not been able to personally inspect, particularly a nice one like this.
P.S. I got curious and found the revolver you are looking at. Overall condition is a bit worn, not as nice as mine, it shows some honest wear. I looked up the Serial Number and it looks like it shipped in 1955. It has the earlier "Speed Hammer" unlike mine which has a standard short throw hammer. Interesting because according to Roy Jinks mine shipped in December of 1954, but has a later style hammer than the one you are looking at.
As I say, I never buy a firearm that I have not been able to personally inspect. But $2000 sounds about right for that one if everything checks out.
First of all, find out if it is a K-32 Masterpiece or a Model 16.
The K-32 Masterpiece was introduced in 1946. Companion piece to the K-22 Masterpiece and the K-38 Masterpiece.
The K-32 Masterpiece was built on the K frame, with five screws, short cocking action, anti-backlash trigger, six groove tang and serrated trigger. Micrometer click rear sight and 1/8" or 1/10" Patridge front sights were cataloged. Chambered for 32 S&W Long. Quite a scarce gun, exact numbers are hard to pin down.
I'm going to quote the Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson now with a list of serial numbers:
"Known Serial Numbers include all of K58921 through K58970 and K67601 - 67670, along with some guns in K767574 - K767599 and K68470 - K68530 ranges.
All of these have the narrow rib. In 1950 the wide rib was introduced, and some K-32s from 1956 will be found in the K271792 - K271836 serial number range."
In 1957 Smith and Wesson changed over to a model number system and the K-32 became the Model 16.
The Model 16 is often listed as a K-32, but if it has MOD-16 or something similar stamped on the frame under the yoke (the hinge the cylinder swings on) it is a Model 16.
The Model 16-2 (1961) did away with the screw in front of the trigger guard, making it a four screw revolver.
The Model 16-3 (1967) relocated the rear sight leaf screw.
In 1968 the diamond on the grips was done away with.
The Model 16 was discontinued in the catalog in 1974.
In 1989 the Model 16-4 was reintroduced, with a full lug underbarrel, chambered for 32 H&R Magnum.
Discontinued in 1993.
This model will have MOD 16, or MOD 16-1, MOD 16-2, MOD 16-3, or MOD 16-4 stamped on the frame under the yoke.
The Model 16-4 is worth considerably less than the others.
This K-32 Masterpiece left the factory in 1954. This should give you a good idea what one looks like.
I paid considerably more than $1999 for it. It is in almost spotless condition. For what it's worth, I never buy a firearm that I have not been able to personally inspect, particularly a nice one like this.
P.S. I got curious and found the revolver you are looking at. Overall condition is a bit worn, not as nice as mine, it shows some honest wear. I looked up the Serial Number and it looks like it shipped in 1955. It has the earlier "Speed Hammer" unlike mine which has a standard short throw hammer. Interesting because according to Roy Jinks mine shipped in December of 1954, but has a later style hammer than the one you are looking at.
As I say, I never buy a firearm that I have not been able to personally inspect. But $2000 sounds about right for that one if everything checks out.
ThomasT
Member
I looked it up too and as much as I want a K-32 I would have to pass on that gun in the condition its in for that amount. But thats just me. That is a grail gun for me by the way. I am a big 32 caliber fan. The starting price and $50 shipping plus what ever taxes you have to pay in your state would be a deal killer for me. And now GB has a new fee that they add to every sale. Its not much but its the idea that irks me. It bothers me enough that I have decided no more bidding on guns at GB.
If your state collects just %6 on taxes that adds another $123 to the price of the gun. And yes they charge taxes on the shipping amount and I DO NOT agree with that at all. So that $2,000 gun plus $50 for shipping and $123 for taxes makes the total $2173.00 plus whatever your dealer charges for transfer.
Thats why my favorite 32 caliber guns are a couple of Ruger Single Sixes in 32 mag with 5.5" barrels and adjustable sights and I paid $550 for the most expensive one. The second one was $400 because it had a tiny blemish on the barrel.
If your state collects just %6 on taxes that adds another $123 to the price of the gun. And yes they charge taxes on the shipping amount and I DO NOT agree with that at all. So that $2,000 gun plus $50 for shipping and $123 for taxes makes the total $2173.00 plus whatever your dealer charges for transfer.
Thats why my favorite 32 caliber guns are a couple of Ruger Single Sixes in 32 mag with 5.5" barrels and adjustable sights and I paid $550 for the most expensive one. The second one was $400 because it had a tiny blemish on the barrel.
Gordon
Member
ThomasT
Member
Actually its $1300 but still very tempting.
Gordon
Member
Mr Father , RIP, had Officers Model Match revolvers in .22, .32 and .38. The .32 was the last one he bought , around 1959 . It was his "cheat" gun in Centerfire NRA matches he was really into in the NJ area around Fort Monmouth area where worked and shot at. He knew Austin Behlert , our neighbor , who kept his pistols competitive. I inherited his Officers Model Matches , the last of which was the .32 AFTER his death. His widow demanded I sell that one , as he had it till death, I had the others years before they married after my Mom passed and he only occasionally shot NRA matches with his cheat .32 Colt and his Behlert set up Ruger Mark 1 target "cheat" .22 that replaced his Woodsman Colt. He told me after he got the .32 S&W Long Colt Officers .32 his scores improved enough to get him wins in matches . Wadcutter ammo of course.
Gordon
Member
I made a mistake with that auction, I meant to put this one up !
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/903301457
Jim Watson
Member
Without seeing the advertisement, I am thinking a $1999 K32 must be a 16-4 in .32 H&R Magnum.
Anything still recognizable as a real .32 S&W Long K32 would be more.
Anything still recognizable as a real .32 S&W Long K32 would be more.
ThomasT
Member
Gordon ya really gotta stop. I can resist anything but temptation and I AM TEMPTED!!!
ThomasT
Member
Gordon
Member
To tempt you more: My dad told me that the Colts were more accurate than the S&W target models during the 50s-60s ! He said it was the barrels ! He was a fierce competitor in NRA target pistol competition . He never won Nationally and had to shoot against he big East Coast guys who were the champions at the time. He did all right tho and good locally. He didn't go to bars , he went to the local ranges in Old Bridge and Sea Girt and Fort Monmouth. NJ in the evenings , right after work usually on week days a few time a week. He had a local reloader guy who made his ammo .
BTW that S&W does look kinda worn for the money.
Monac
Member
Thanks for putting up the link, Thomas T. All I can say is that I think that seller would make more money if he learned how to take better pictures.
ThomasT
Member
I have heard this before at least as far as the 38 caliber guns go because Colt used a 1-14 twist and S&W used a 1-18 3/4 twist. But I have no idea what each used for 32 caliber barrels.
Found the 32s and Colt used a 1-14 and S&W used a 1-18 3/4. Just like in the 38 caliber barrels.
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Gordon
Member
The quality of the bore which appeared "polished" in the Target guns + the heavier barrel available in the Colts ; notice that GB one I put up says "Heavy Barrel" on side of barrel+ the lock up of the Colt being forced into battery tighter on trigger pull = tighter groups.
The smith wesson k.32 masterpiece is back on GunBroker at the same price. I cannot make up my mind. It does not look that bad compared to the $4000.00 one. Seems like a good buy at $1999.99. I just bought two SW model 29 and will have to sell something to come up with the money,o well.
Gordon
Member
Looks like this cherry is gonna sell at $1500 in a day , go Colt !
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/903301457
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/903301457
WestKentucky
Member
Model 15, barrel sleeve, new cylinder… build your own for less, or go stainless and polish it til you can’t see the sights due to the glare.
Driftwood Johnson
Member
Howdy Again
You have to make up your mind.
Mine shipped in 1954. It came with a factory letter stating it had been refinished at the factory in 1975. It came with the original gold box, but the grips are numbered to a different revolver, probably because of the refinish. I paid $2900 for it. Not a bad price considering they don't come up for sale every day.
The one you are looking at has some honest wear on it. I can see a chip in one of the grips. Probably not a bad price considering.
You have to make up your mind.
You have to make up your mind.
Mine shipped in 1954. It came with a factory letter stating it had been refinished at the factory in 1975. It came with the original gold box, but the grips are numbered to a different revolver, probably because of the refinish. I paid $2900 for it. Not a bad price considering they don't come up for sale every day.
The one you are looking at has some honest wear on it. I can see a chip in one of the grips. Probably not a bad price considering.
You have to make up your mind.
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