Knockoff K-32

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WestKentucky

WestKentucky

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I know that they aren’t REALLY knockoffs of a S&W but other makers of DA revolvers sure did try to look a lot like the big boys. So getting right down to the nitty gritty, I want a K-32 but I don’t want a safe queen. I want a gun I can use hard and not feel bad about scratching or leaving a little dirty for a day or ten. I want something like a Rossi, Taurus, Charter, Llama etc in roughly K frame size. I would love to have adjustable sights, 6” barrel and about 8 rds in the cylinder but I’m not being picky, I will settle for anything hand ejector style in a frame large enough to get a good solid grip on.

So what options are there? It’s hard to tell by cruising gunbroker or other auction sites how big the frame is because there is no size reference.

I’m not above a H&R gun, which I probably will also buy, but I really want a k32, or knockoff thereof...for less than a grand.
Before anybody says J frame and supersize the grips, I’m already there with a 30-1 with Altai grips.
 
I can think of only two direct answers to your wants, and both are scarce: Look for Colt Officers Match Target revolvers in 32 Long (pricey) and Taurus medium frame 6-inch target revolvers in 32 Magnum (made only briefly, IIRC).

Now, to go off on a long tangent: I like S&W 32 Long, so I search GunBroker for 32 revolvers once in a while. I have learned several things:

1) GunBroker has only a "32 S&W" category, and not one for "32 S&W Long". That seems wrong to me. They DO distinguish between 22 Short and 22 Long Rifle, for example.

2) Many people do not know what ammunition their gun is chambered for, or are careless about what box they check for it. There are many mis-listed guns.

3) There are very few K-32 knockoffs. K-frame size revolvers in 32 Long or 32 Magnum by ANY maker are very scarce. Most 32 revolvers are small-frame guns.

4) There is a reasonably available and affordable gun sort of like what you want, but you may not want it. It is the Arminius HW5 in 32 Long with adjustable sights, made from the 1960's to the 1970's by Weirauch in West Germany. I consider these are medium frame guns because the 38 Special version is a six shot, not a five. The 32 Long version is a seven shot.

These were medium quality guns, about like lower priced H&Rs (that is, not the 999). They were made with a lot of zinc alloy, so lot have not aged well. I have one, and it is decently accurate - but then again, these days, I am not much of a shot. I don't know if there is a 6-inch version, but the 4-inch Arminius 32 with target sights is as close as you're ever going to get a S&W 32 Long Combat Masterpiece (which, I realize, is not what you were asking for, but it's all I can help you with.)

They usually don't cost a lot. This one is overpriced by a factor of 2, IMO, and the photos are awful (is it blue or bright nickel?) but it's the only one on
GunBroker now: https://www.gunbroker.com/item/783886445

PS - there is a much better photo here, in this auction from 2012: https://www.gunauction.com/buy/10926072
 
I would rather have Walkalong's medium-frame Taurus 32 Magnum than an S&W K-32, because a K-32 is so valuable I would not want to shoot it. That is the gun West Kentucky (the OP, not the region) should look for, IMO.
 
Alfa Proj made a 32 revolver with a 6” barrel. Looked at getting one but settled on the GP100 in 327 Federal magnum with a 5” barrel.
 
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Ohen Cepel said:
Almost bought a Taurus 32Mag today due to this thread, just couldn't pay $500+ for one though. I may have messed up, not sure. I do really like the 32's though!
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I listed an AR pistol for sale to fund one. Got a nibble on a trade for a Cheetah though, so I may make that trade as I also really like berettas.
 
You are being tempted by a Cheetah , eh?

IMO the Beretta 85 is one of the finest 380"s available. Style , grip to hand fit , double action trigger - very sweet and controllable for that first shot --- I REALLY like my Beretta 85!

If you trade into a Cheetah you will not be sorry.
 
Waveski said:
You are being tempted by a Cheetah , eh?

IMO the Beretta 85 is one of the finest 380"s available. Style , grip to hand fit , double action trigger - very sweet and controllable for that first shot --- I REALLY like my Beretta 85!

If you trade into a Cheetah you will not be sorry.
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I know...been chasing one for a while. I have been close a bunch of times but never got it done. I would settle for the Taurus version just to satisfy the itch...but if I do that I have budget room for a tomcat knockoff too.
 
My recommendation , FWIW , is - if you want a Beretta Cheetah , get a Beretta Cheetah.

A Taurus ain't no Beretta.

(We be drifting...)
 
Really, I’d go for the GP100 in 327...
As much as I love my K frame Model 15 and Model 10, my GP100 3” 357 has been my favorite since I shot it the first time.
The Cheetah is a fine handgun. I have the 84F, courtesy Israeli surplus. Accurate beyond belief, reliable with anything I’ve shot. It gets much more use than I anticipated when I bought it on a whim.
 
back in the 60's Llama advertized a very close copy of the K-32 Model 32 (XXXII): .32 S&W long revolver calibre double action steel-framed target revolver. Adjustable sights and target grips. Deluxe "Olimpico" model availabl
 
I've become impressed with 32 S&WL of late and this thread has gotten me to keep my eye out for a Taurus revolver besides an "unobtainium" S&W Model 16.

Trouble is, in my parts, 32 caliber revolvers are not very numerous.

Another option is a 32 S&WL cylinder for my 32 caliber Single 7's.

I know, I could just shoot 32 S&WL in a 327 Magnum cylinder but my ADD disorder prevents me from doing that. Currently, I load 32 S&WL level wadcutter loads in 327 Magnum cases but maybe I need to soften that position.:)

I just got an MP brass mold to make 32 caliber hollow base wadcutter bullets. When the weather turns cold, in other words when the racing season is over, I'll cast some to try.
 
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CD678D8E-CA66-4D4E-9B16-43F0DB164380.png I set the hook on this one. Still need a K frame gun, but there’s a bigger badder j frame in the stable now. All gutter sight guns though. I have big plans for this little gun though.
 
cfullgraf said:
I just got an MP brass mold to make 32 caliber hollow base wadcutter bullets. When the weather turns cold, in other words racing season is over, I'll cast some some try.
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I can remember handloaders saying they could reload 32 Long for a lower cost per round than 22 Long Rifle. I have no idea if that is still true.
 
Monac said:
I can remember handloaders saying they could reload 32 Long for a lower cost per round than 22 Long Rifle. I have no idea if that is still true.
Click to expand...

I'm loading 9mm at under $0.04 a round right now. I cast my own bullets.
 
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