Smith & Wesson Model 16 32 mag

[CoalTrain49]

Just curious about this revolver as I'm looking at buying one. I've always been intrigued by the 32 H&R mag for a very long time. I've been hoping that S&W would build a 6" revolver in 327 fed mag but it looks like it isn't going to happen. Next best thing would be a model 16 32 H&R mag.

The later production full lug seem to be about as scarce as hens teeth and they aren't cheap. It looks like they only made them for a few years around 1990. I'm not really price shopping because I know one will be around $1500 or more but that isn't going to keep me from buying one.

So the question is...... are they likely to continue to climb in value? I don't like to purchase firearms that I can't easily sell and get most of my money back when I do. Is this one of those revolvers that will hold it's resale?

I can load for it so ammo won't be an issue.

 

[cfullgraf]

Actually, in terms of 32 caliber S&W K-frames, the Model 16-4, a 32 H&R Magnum, is "plentiful" when compared to the 32 S&WL versions (K-32 and Models 16 through 16-3).

About 8000 Model 16-4s were produced compared to about 3000 of the S&WL versions.

Model 16-4s are running in the $1500 and up range while the 32 S&WL versions are priced north of $3000.

The Model 16-4's only came with the full length lug barrels. They were made in the 1990s when full length lugs were all the rage.

Except for a few on the gun auction sights, I have only seen two in my local area. Both were 6" barrels and one followed me home. 4" and 8-3/8" barrels were also available.

I've yet to see a 32 S&WL version in person.

My Model 16-4 is on top, the other two revolvers are J-frame Model 30 and Model 31, both 32 S&WL chamberings.

 

[CoalTrain49]

Actually, in terms of 32 caliber S&W K-frames, the Model 16-4, a 32 H&R Magnum, is "plentiful" when compared to the 32 S&WL versions (K-32 and Models 16 through 16-3).

About 8000 Model 16-4s were produced compared to about 3000 of the S&WL versions.

Model 16-4s are running in the $1500 and up range while the 32 S&WL versions are priced north of $3000.

The Model 16-4's only came with the full length lug barrels. They were made in the 1990s when full length lugs were all the rage.

Except for a few on the gun auction sights, I have only seen two in my local area. Both were 6" barrels and one followed me home. 4" and 8-3/8" barrel were also available.

I've yet to see a 32 S&WL version in person.

I've never seen either one around here. I probably would have bought it if I had.

 

[George P]

IF you can find an early K-32 Masterpiece BUY IT

 

[Riomouse911]

I’d buy it, too if the price was right.

I dunno if the K-frame .32 H&R can be bored out to .327 Fed (probably not) or if a new unfluted cylinder could be fitted that fires it (possibility). That would be pretty cool.

Stay safe!

 

[MachIVshooter]

I dunno if the K-frame .32 H&R can be bored out to .327 Fed (probably not)

It could, and .32 cal K fame cylinders are pretty meaty, but you would void your warranty, and I certainly wouldn't try it with an old gun.

.327 runs 10 KSI higher operating pressure than .357, but the physically smaller cartridge means the surface area acting against chamber walls and the bolt thrust are actually very similar.

That said, the .32 H&R mag loaded up hotter for use in stronger revolvers like S&W K frames or Ruger SP-101s is still a respectable little cartridge. One of the few Rugers I still own is my SP101 .32 H&R, which I routinely consider reaming for .327, but the cost of ammo/brass and relative lack of utility attributable to the hotter round have always been enough to make me say "eh, never mind".

The other nice thing about .32 H&R (or .327 mag) revolvers is that they can use .32 S&W, .32 S&W Long and, in most cases, the semi-rimmed .32 ACP. I've put a lot of .32 Auto through my SP101.

 

[CraigC]

Before I paid an exorbitant amount for a model 16, I'd build a .327. It probably won't save any money but IMHO, it'd be money better spent.

 

[Riomouse911]

Ya, probably best to leave collector type S&Ws as is.

I just saw images of the .327 5” GP 100 7-shots for sale on GB... IMHO the GP doesn’t have quite the panache of those beautiful M-16’s but it is a dang nice looking revolver in its own right.

Too many choices. Too little $$

Stay safe!

 

[MachIVshooter]

I just saw images of the .327 5” GP 100 7-shots for sale on GB... IMHO the GP doesn’t have quite the panache of those beautiful M-16’s but it is a dang nice looking revolver in its own right.

The GP 100s, like other Rugers, are definitely solid guns. But they are also blocky & chunky compared to a Smith, and it takes a fair amount of work to make a Ruger action as smooth as a box stock non-PC S&W. I would trade my SP101 for a S&W 631 in a heartbeat, but no one is about to make that trade without a lot of cash laid out on my end.

I have a 1920s 6" Colt Police Positive on the way, and while Colt aficionados are going to cringe and call me a blasphemer & cretin, it's getting reamed for .32 H&R.

 

[CraigC]

I don't know, I love my older S&W's as much as anyone else but the 5" blued half lug guns are pretty slick. Whole lot easier and less expensive to restock and slick the action of a GP100 than to do all that custom work to a K-frame.

 

[SwampWolf]

That's one of the prettiest Ruger revolvers I've ever had the pleasure of laying my eyes on, CraigC.

 

[Riomouse911]

I agree, I like them too. The full lug GP-SP just doesn’t do it for me like the Python or the S&W full lug barrels do.

One of these days.....

Stay safe!