Rescued Lemon Squeezer

[Wiregrassguy]

It's not like I needed another well-worn c.1906 S&W revolver. But, this .32 S&W Safety Hammerless 2nd Model called out and I responded. Timing and lockup are good even if it is finish challenged. Grips number to the gun, but it looks like the butt was too close to a fire. When it quits raining, maybe I'll take her to the range.

[texmex]

I think more than half of the small frame break top S&W revolvers with hard rubber grips have breaks in the grips just like yours. The grips become more brittle over the years and get broken when someone disassembles the revolver and then hammers the grips back on during reassembly. These were pocket guns and pocket carry exposes them to dirt, lint and sweat. They needed cleaning sometimes and you couldn't look up the proper procedure on the internet back then. It's a wonder they don't all have sprung side plates and missing parts. My dad left me a small collection of Safety Hammerless 38s. They range from no blue/chopped barrel to mint condition nickle. The nickle one looks like it just came from the factory yesterday. Most of them I have and most I've looked at were more of the "rode hard and put up wet" variety. Not a one of mine still has the factory box. They all work though and all the ones I have are pre 1899. My dad would not purchase one unless it was an antique. The chopped off one would make a good backup or boot gun although 38 S&W is not exactly a powerhouse. It's probably as good as 380 ACP and always better than nothing. I have a few 32s (some 32 S&W, some 32 Long and one 32 H&R Magnum). I consider the 32 and 32 Long good for anything I would usually use a 22 for (plinking, rats, rabbits or snakes). The 32 Magnum is very accurate and pretty close to the 38 Special in power with the advantage of 6 shots instead of 5. It is a 332 Airlite Ti that I purchased new for my wife years ago. Even though it is DAO, I have seen her hit a large wooden fence post 5 out of 6 shots at 75 yards. She loved that little gun and it was her constant companion until she passed away in 2009.

[Wiregrassguy]

Yeah, about the best you can say for them is they are guns. We don't see many of the old top breaks around here. I have a .32 DA in nickel that is in very good condition considering it is 129 years old.

Sorry to hear about your wife. Sounds like she was a magician with the light wheelguns.

[texmex]

She was a good shot with any handgun or rifle. She never did like shotguns much. She loved to shoot my 500. I think she giggled every time she shot it. At the indoor range, the muzzle blast made it look like it was snowing from the dust drifting down from the ceiling tiles.

[VeritasVincit]

Always good to save an old Smith. Who knows, it may return the favor and be there for you when you need it.
I've started collecting the antique Smiths and early hand ejectors. I buy what I can when I can find it. If it's in bad shape but it fills a hole in my collection, I'll bring it home if the price is right. I can always upgrade later, but it's nice to have a more complete collection, even if it is a bit shabby looking.

[dogngun]

I do not mind the honest wear on these old guns a bit. To me, it shows they were carried a lot and maybe proved useful to their owners. The little .32 S&W's were easily concealed, and they were sold until just before WWII, so some people liked them a lot. A lot of people here still do...I'm picking up another one this afternoon...

mark

[H Richard]

After my first 8 or 9 .32's (tip up, top break and hand ejector) I started looking for more pristine models, but I have difficulty passing up an good functioning 32.

[dogngun]

Just posted pics of my new .32 Safety Hammerless along with my "old" .32 Safety Hammerless...both 3rd models, both from the late 1920's, I believe...


mark