Did I do OK for $125?

been wanting a "shooter" in .32 long

times and carries up correctly

good cylinder gap

original grips, numbered to the gun

sideplate screws look like they've never seen a screwdriver

pulled the sideplate (using a correct screwdriver, and without buggering the screws!) and cleaned out the goo from the ages

barrel has a bit of pitting, but still very strong rifling

a bit of pitting in the cylinders, but not too deep

doesn't look like it ever has been dropped on the muzzle, front sight, or butt

finish has a lot of "character"

100 rounds of PRVI for $32 OTD

Serial number is 4334XX

Tell me about which "change" this is, and when might be date of manufacture.

TIA

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WWSSD?
What would Skeeter do?

Your gun is a .32 Hand Ejector Third Model. From your picture you have the 4-1/4" barrel. These were made from 1917-1942 in serial number range of 263001-536684. I have serial #499549 and it shipped on January 26, 1929. So I would figure yours around 1927-1928.

Price wise on the gun you did pretty good for a shooter. .32's aren't big sellers and the prices on them are fairly reasonable. On the PRVI ammo, in my opinion, you paid too much. I don't know about Virginia, but in Ohio that PRVI ammo goes for about $15-$16 a box.

Enjoy your gun,

jsmith

The ammo was priced fair out the door for 16 a box. That is a fun shooting gun and one of my favorite rounds. It is powerful enough to play with and an accurate gun and round.

Great price on the gun! Fun little plinkers. And, you can use the same cast bullet you are using in your .32-20. Go back tomorrow and find some dies!

Thanks gentlemen for the comments.

I'm quite happy with how it cleaned-up.
I didn't pull the rebound slide or the ejector rod - just drowned them in Break-Free, then wiped and blew-off the excess.

I almost bought a 98% Terrier in the same caliber for $550.
But, I could have had the new Ruger .327 for about the same money.

Figured I should show some restraint and just buy one gun.
Considering the economics, I wanted this one more anyway.

After a seven-year hiatus from reloading, the new bench is taking shape.
Definitely will be hobby-festing the .32 caliber.

The bench-top is made of MDF, and got buggered a bit during shipment.
Last round of JB-Weld repairs is about cured.



Prefer to get it outdoors to apply smelly urethane finish, but the weather is not cooperating!


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__________________
WWSSD?
What would Skeeter do?

Which show did you attend?

__________________
John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

Nations Gun Show - Chantilly VA

The Nation's Gun Show > Home
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__________________
WWSSD?
What would Skeeter do?

That's been a good show for me. I picked up a 3rd model .44 Special there a few years ago. It is the lowest reported serial number in the 3rd model series, so far.

Also got a few other good buys over the years, like a decent New Service .45 Colt.

__________________
John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!