Model 1?

Annieoakley66 · #1 06-10-2018, 10:00 PM

I inherited this gun. I believe it's a 3rd issue model 1 but I'm not sure. Can anyone verify the model and perhaps let me know what it's worth?

mnrivrat · #2 06-11-2018, 02:40 AM

Your gun is known simply as a Single Action. (a.k.a. Model One-and-a Half Centerfire)
It is a 5 shot break open model in .32S&W caliber.

It is also noted as a reissue 1871 which has the main hammer spring strain screw on the outside of the grip frame.

In good mechanical shooting condition you gun is worth $150 to perhaps $250 range.

In shootable condition it can be fired with the smokeless loadings of the .32 S&W cartridge.

cgt4570 · #3 06-11-2018, 08:06 AM

I have several of these .32SA's and I shoot them occasionally. Fun little guns.

glowe · #4 06-11-2018, 08:45 AM

Welcome to the Forum. Most collectors refer to this revolver as a 32 Single Action. The earliest examples have a mainspring tensioning device under the stocks. By serial number 6580, the tensioning screw was located in the front of the butt-frame. There were almost 100,000 of this model manufactured from 1878 to 1892.

Your revolver was almost certainly manufactured and shipped in the first year of production, 1878. As for shooting, the 32 S&W round is still manufactured by several ammo companies and is safe to shoot in a mechanically sound 32 SA. The gun is 140 years old, and no telling how much wear is already occurred, so even thought it is safe to shoot, there is always a chance a part can break. Nice little gem to be passed down in the family.

Wiregrassguy · #5 06-11-2018, 09:17 AM

Welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass, Annie! Nice heirloom!

Annieoakley66 · #6 06-11-2018, 10:47 AM

Thanks so much everyone!

JSR III · #7 06-14-2018, 09:37 AM

Welcome to the forum.

It is a nice gun but condition is not high end. Due to the numbers of these guns made and the lower interest in older firearms by many of the newer shooters/collectors, guns must be in high 90's condition to command high prices. In what is termed "shooter" condition as opposed to "collector" condition I would agree with the group that value is minimal and probably in the $100 to $200 range.

That said, many of us attach additional value to those guns that have traveled through time within a family. There were thousands produced but only one that was in your family.

OLDSTER · #8 06-14-2018, 10:22 AM

Welcome from North Dakota . Nice little .32 you have there

shouldazagged · #9 06-14-2018, 03:53 PM

Welcome to my all-time favorite gun forum. I hope you'll stick around and enjoy it with us.

JH1951 · #10 06-14-2018, 04:13 PM

Welcome to the forum from Pennsylvania!
That is a nice family piece. I hope you keep it.

S&WsRsweet · #11 06-15-2018, 06:12 AM

Nice little 32 you'll find lots of knowledge here as there are several experts on these guns. I hope you will acquire some 32 S&W ammo and let us know how it shoots . I have several 32 cal revolvers and am a fan of that mild mannered round.If that were mine I would clean it and maybe polish it up with a good automotive type wax it will look nice . Don put wax on the grips as it will make them slick don't ask how I know this.