32 S&W Ammo, for the 4th Model DA, 8" Barrel

ol777gunnerz · #1 10-17-2021, 11:41 AM

Yesterday I found a much nicer box of Winchester 32 S&W ammo for displaying with my previously posted 4th Model DA with the factory lettered 8 inch barrel. I recently have come across two posts showing 8 & 10 inch barrels should add 10 times the value for the 38 DA 1st Model, my question is how much would the 8 inch barrel add for my 4th Model 32 S&W revolver?

BMur · #2 10-17-2021, 01:09 PM

These two piece barrels are "Extremely Rare". The claim that the first model D/A came with a 8" or 10" barrel is not correct. That length barrel was not available until 1887. The two piece barrel was manufactured for only 3 years. Likely less than that. The vast majority date to 1887-8 with most being sent to Major Distributors for display. (They didn't sell)

By 1890 the one piece barrel was in production. Most if not all are found on target models. So any models that date to earlier than 1887 "if original" would have had to go back to the factory after that timeframe to have the longer barrel installed.

I have seen the model of 91 single action revolver with a two piece barrel but that one was returned to the factory and the barrel installed from old stock.

As far as a price tag? I've seen the two piece barrel revolvers sell at auction for over $2000 when accompanied with a historical letter. I personally think that is low.

I have a 10" 2 piece barrel that letters on a 2nd model Single action 38. That's about as rare as it gets.

There is one "historical exception".... I have a few Major Distributor catalogs in my collection that clearly list the 8" and 10" barrel available in the "PARTS" section of the catalog from 1889-1890 timeframe. So, someone could actually find an earlier gun with a two piece barrel on it with "NO SERIAL NUMBER"....Of course those will not letter but they still have significant value in my opinion.

Murph