Someone needs money...selling their K-32

[Jim NE]

And they'll get a fair bit for it, it looks like. Bidding was at $3200 with 5 days to go. I don't know if it's ever been shot...I didn't read the whole description, but it looks brand new even as a pre-model. The finish is so clean that I thought it was bright blue at first, but it's just the standard finish...very common for the mid 1950's and earlier. I'm not a guy who's usually impressed with "original box and paperwork" but I have to admit all that stuff is very cool in this case. I like the great manual and the "companion to the K-22 and K-38" blurb on the box. It's my dream gun, but way out of my price range, I'm afraid. I should've bought one when they were only $2000. No reserve.

http://www.gunbroker.com/item/715465894

 

[444]

Yeah, that would be one of my grail guns.
I have the K-22 and K-38.
I don't want one bad enough to pay half of that. Not that I think the price is out of line. I am just done buying stuff like that, that I really like but would never really use for anything except holding down the shelf in my gun safe.

 

[ATLDave]

Man, how freakin' hard would it be for S&W to put out a run of k-frame 32's? I know they wouldn't be the same as the old masterpieces, but it would be nice to have an option other than a SP-101 or a Proj Alfa.

 

[Jonesy814]

Says it was part of a 40 gun collection from an estate sale and that many of the guns are still in a sealed box

 

[Jim NE]

Man, how freakin' hard would it be for S&W to put out a run of k-frame 32's? I know they wouldn't be the same as the old masterpieces, but it would be nice to have an option other than a SP-101 or a Proj Alfa.

That, my friend, is a very good question. Heck, people are paying 1600+ for a full lug magnum version of the Model 16 from the '80's, which is (with all due respect to that fine gun) really only a Model 16 (K-32) in name.

 

[Walkalong]

A few years ago there was a nice one on GB with a buy it now of $1500. While I was hesitating, someone else bought it. *sigh*

 

[cfullgraf]

Cool revolver.

A Model 16 through 16-3 is on my "Holy Grail" list as well. I got a thing for adjustable sight, blued, Model numbered K-frames so a pre-model K-32 is not as desirable. But, as time goes on and not even seeing any of them (not counting the 16-4 I bought) in the "flesh", I'm might take the first K-32 I see if it is in good condition and priced competitively with other K-32s.

I did find a 6" Model 16-4 a year or two ago. Nice shooter. It shoots like, well, an S&W K-frame.

I e-mailed Smith and Wesson a few years ago about bringing back the 16-4 in their Classic line. Got a very non-commital reply. I would not hold my breath waiting for them to re-introduce the Model 16. Of course, it would probably have the lock and MIM parts and that would disappoint a huge number of folks.

 

[bannockburn]

Very nice vintage (and rare), S&W! I could see the price going up considerably by the time the auction is over.

 

[Wishoot]

Man, how freakin' hard would it be for S&W to put out a run of k-frame 32's?

Probably not too hard. But I'm guessing it's more economical, faster and more profitable to crank out a bunch of plastic M&P's.

 

[ATLDave]

Sure, but I don't think they'd be doing a K-frame of any caliber on the same line as their polymer semi-autos. It would more likely involve switching over one of their revolver lines for X days/hours.

 

[Driftwood Johnson]

Man, how freakin' hard would it be for S&W to put out a run of k-frame 32's? I know they wouldn't be the same as the old masterpieces, but it would be nice to have an option other than a SP-101 or a Proj Alfa.

Howdy

Probably not terribly difficult, as they are still making the Model 17 (K-22) in their classic line. However, it would probably have a lock, a frame mounted firing pin, and be full of MIM parts. It all gets down to how much demand there is. I for one would not be interested.

A K-32 is one of the guns on my list, one of these days I may run across one.

I think I'll pass on this one for now.

 

[ATLDave]

I'd like an old one, but mainly I'd just like a non-compact .32 revolver with a really good trigger. If it's MIM or has a FP in the frame, I don't really mind that much. I like cool old revolvers, but I'd rather have a new revolver that exists as opposed to an old one I cannot get/cannot afford/cannot afford to shoot for fear of hurting value.

 

[Jim NE]

I like cool old revolvers, but I'd rather have a new revolver that exists as opposed to an old one I cannot get/cannot afford/cannot afford to shoot for fear of hurting value.

One of the nice, yet affordable, alternatives to the K-32 that I've been looking at are the old Colt Police Positives in .32. I've never owned a Police Positive, but my old Official Police in .38 is an exceptional revolver. No adjustable sights on the PP, but you can get them with 4 inch barrels (and maybe longer.)

 

[ATLDave]

I've had limited experience with older Colt wheelguns and not much luck when I've dipped into that pool. The difficulty of having them worked on makes them a little less attractive to me.

 

[Jim NE]

I've had limited experience with older Colt wheelguns and not much luck when I've dipped into that pool. The difficulty of having them worked on makes them a little less attractive to me.

Oh yes, you have to be careful. There are some rugged Colt DA's out there. Earlier this week I was at a shooting range that had a prewar Colt .38 on display. Cylinder lockup was the worst I've maybe ever seen. I'm guessing between 1/8' and 1/4" of lateral play on the cylinder...YIKES. That gun really should've had a "needs work", "don't shoot" or a "as is" caveat on the price tag, but I don't recall seeing anything. Kind of unethical to sell it like that, IMO.

 

[Jim NE]

Okay...the K-32 Masterpiece like new in box went for....$6700! Check the link on the first post.

I definitely should've bought one when they were only $2000 a few years ago....this time I'm not kidding!

 

[ThomasT]

WOW! Thats a lot for a gun but I guess if you want it then go ahead. I would like one because I really like 32 caliber revolvers. My Grail gun for many years was a model 631 in 32 mag. I found one on the S&W forum without box or original grips for $700. That one I could afford. After I got it and shot it some I decided I like my two Ruger Single Sixes with adjustable sights in 32 mag a little better. Oh well.

 

[CraigC]

Before I spent anywhere near that much, I'd have an older K-22 or K-38 converted to .327Federal.

 

[Jim NE]

Before I spent anywhere near that much, I'd have an older K-22 or K-38 converted to .327Federal.

That sounds like a much better idea. I think it's safe to say that the K-32 is going beyond being a mere collector's gun and becoming almost a museum gun. Kind of a shame, in a way.

 

[Jim NE]

WOW! Thats a lot for a gun but I guess if you want it then go ahead. I would like one because I really like 32 caliber revolvers. My Grail gun for many years was a model 631 in 32 mag. I found one on the S&W forum without box or original grips for $700. That one I could afford. After I got it and shot it some I decided I like my two Ruger Single Sixes with adjustable sights in 32 mag a little better. Oh well.

I have a nice polished stainless Single Six in .32 Mag and I like it just fine.