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S&W Antiques S&W Lever Action Pistols, Tip-Up Revolvers, ALL Top-Break Revolvers, and ALL Single Shots


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Old 02-11-2021, 05:11 PM
rhaas90 rhaas90 is offline
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Default Revolver identification! HELP

My grandfather passed before I could know him, and now one of the few things that Dad and I have left of his is this revolver. Dad has kept it stored away in the back of the safe for the last 30 or so years. He is moving and during the packing process, got this out and decided he wants to know more about it.


Please help. This is a 32 other than the serial number I have no additional info that what is pictured.


538** serial #

Thanks in advance!

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Last edited by rhaas90; 02-11-2021 at 07:29 PM.
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Old 02-11-2021, 05:53 PM
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2nd model revolver (long cylinder grooves and only 2 frame pins near the trigger guards). Clearly has been refinished, easy to see. You can tell by the hammer and trigger/trigger guard which would not have had the finish applied. Whoever refinished that kinda overdid it, the plating is way too thick.

The sideplate also appears to have been repaired or replaced or edges somehow smoothed as it doesn't fit as snug as it should, maybe its just the pics.

Grips appear original to the gun.

Post more pics if you can.
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Last edited by GaryHK; 02-11-2021 at 06:01 PM.
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Old 02-11-2021, 06:02 PM
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murphydog murphydog is offline
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Welcome! It is a .32 Double Action (its official name). With the grooved cylinder it is either a 1st model (only about 30 made), or a 2nd model (just over 22000 made).

If you can share its (partial or complete) serial number we can estimate how old it is. If the partial, just leave an x in the empty spots - so 12345 would be 123xx.
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Old 02-11-2021, 06:55 PM
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Default 38 S&W

That’s not a 32 caliber!

It’s a 38 S&W Double Action Second Model. Manufactured from 1880-1884. Total produced was 115,000. Barrel lengths 3 1/4”, 4”, and 5”.

The easiest way to tell Is the cylinder flutes. The 32 has very small flutes. See photos. 1st photo is a 32. 2nd photo is a 38.
As mentioned, yours has been refinished.

**Warning**
This is an Antique revolver and was designed to shoot black powder cartridges. Refinishing often hides flaws, weld repairs, and other abnormal conditions that would render this revolver unsafe to shoot. Especially with modern smokeless loads! Strongly recommend you have it checked out “ Prior” to shooting by a licensed gunsmith!!!

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Last edited by BMur; 02-11-2021 at 07:04 PM.
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