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S&W Hand Ejectors: 1896 to 1961 All 5-Screw & Vintage 4-Screw SWING-OUT Cylinder REVOLVERS, and the 35 Autos and 32 Autos


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Old 02-22-2010, 02:49 PM
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I was recently grand-fathered this gun and currently doing a little research on it. I searched a lot of the forum with no luck.

I may send the info into S&W for a full write-up but wanted to start here first. Can anyone offer any obvious info?



Thanks,

Jason
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Old 02-22-2010, 04:15 PM
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S&W made about 150,000 revolvers in .32-20 caliber (also known as .32 WCF for Winchester Center Fire) between 1900 and the onset of WW2. They did not resume production of guns in this caliber after the war.

Most of the .32-20 revolvers had six-inch barrels, but obviously some were four inchers.

If you can let us know the serial number (or all of it but with xx for the last two digits), we can probably narrow the production date down to a year or two. The serial number is the one on the butt of the gun, also found on the back of the cylinder and on the flat underside of the barrel.

If the gun is in good shape, you can still shoot modern .32-20 ammunition in it as long as the ammo is not marked for rifle use.

Can you show us a picture of the entire gun? There may be something to say about the stocks on the gun as well.
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Old 02-22-2010, 04:55 PM
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Thanks for the info. It is much appreciated. I have attached the serial # from the butt of the gun...

Also, is it a good idea to "XX" out the last two as you mentioned?
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Old 02-22-2010, 06:03 PM
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I have more pics if needed...

Admin: Thanks for placing this thread where it belongs. :thumbsup:
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Old 02-22-2010, 06:14 PM
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Probably 1924. Those stocks are from the 1920s and may be original to the gun. You can pull the wood to see if the gun's serial number is pressed into the inside surface of one panel.

It's hard for me to read the amount of remaining blue finish because of the flash illumination, but it might be over 80 percent. I see a couple of spots of apparent corrosion that you probably want to soak down with a good penetrating oil like Kroil and work with a toothbrush. Then store it oiled in a gunsock or flannel cloth. That looks like a completely shootable gun to me, though it would be good to have it inspected by a gunsmith before you start firing it. Congratulations. I have an old .32-20 that was ineptly renickeled, but the bore and action are first rate -- lot of fun to shoot, so who cares what it looks like?

The point about blocking the last couple of digits in a serial number is just to preserve a little ownership privacy. It doesn't bother me to reveal whole serial numbers, but some people don't like to.

Just FYI, the .32-20 was offered on the same frame as the .38 Special Military & Police, S&W's bread-and-butter revolver during the 20th century; millions of the .38 Special version were made. The smaller caliber version is sometimes called the .32 M&P or .32-20 M&P.
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Old 02-22-2010, 06:26 PM
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Wow, thanks! You're better than Google DW! I really appreciate the info. I will definately have the gun looked at and maybe even professionally cleaned. As I stated before, it belonged to my grand-father so I really want to take care of it.

Thanks again,

Jason
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Old 02-22-2010, 07:53 PM
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finding ammo might be a chore. i think remington makes one load called express rifle. search gunbroker and get some winchester for rifle or handgun, it will be older ammo and save the brass. or get some cowboy action loads. it will all be about 100 grain lead round nose bullets.

then youtube an old blues tune by the master Robert Johnson ".32-20 blues. " clapton made a version..

" ah baby where you stay last night. your hair all tangled and you aint talkin right..
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Old 02-22-2010, 08:07 PM
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Good stuff! I love the history in these guns. They're like minature time machines...

Not sure if I'm going to shoot it but it would be nice to have ammo for it... thanks El T
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Old 02-22-2010, 10:27 PM
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"Not sure if I'm going to shoot it but it would be nice to have ammo for it... thanks El T"

Oh, you NEED to shoot it. .32-20s are FUN. I've owned a number of them over the years-S&Ws, Colts, Uberti single actions, Marlin lever guns, and a Martini single shot.

Did I mention that they are FUN to shoot?
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Old 02-23-2010, 12:14 AM
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Besides Remington and Winchester, Black Hills also makes ammo in 32-20. All three would be safe to shoot out of your old 32-20. I have one with a 4" barrel that dates to 1907. I have two boxes of ammo, but have yet to shoot it. I really want to, but the situation just hasn't been right.
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Old 02-23-2010, 12:34 AM
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Hello

I just got a Cabela's Catalogue in the mail today. I do recall seeing .32"-20 cartridges listed, but they were around $40 a box of 50. Not cheap, but at least they are available.

Update: I just took another look at the catalogue and the .32"-20 cartridges are made by a company called "Ultramax", and they are "Cowboy Loads".

I would like to find a .32"-20 M&P one of these days nw.
Thanks
Mark

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Old 02-23-2010, 03:31 AM
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Jason
I have a 32-20 like yours and with the help of forum members they traced the ship date to 1920. You can purchase ammo from USA Midway (Shooting Supplies, Reloading, Gunsmithing, Hunting, Ammunition, Gun Parts & Rifle Scopes — MidwayUSA) Ultramax Cowboy Action Ammo 32-20 WCF 115 Grain Lead Flat Nose Ammo. It comes in box of 50 rounds. I bought 100 rounds at a total cost of $76.64. It is a bit expensive but fun to shoot. My 32-20 is very accurate at 40 ft. but I tried 25 yds. last week and I was not to good at that distance. Have fun with yours.
Paul
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Old 02-23-2010, 12:41 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Muley Gil View Post
"Not sure if I'm going to shoot
Oh, you NEED to shoot it. .32-20s are FUN. I've owned a number of them over the years-S&Ws, Colts, Uberti single actions, Marlin lever guns, and a Martini single shot.
Did I mention that they are FUN to shoot?
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Besides Remington and Winchester, Black Hills also makes ammo in 32-20. All three would be safe to shoot out of your old 32-20. I have one with a 4" barrel that dates to 1907. I have two boxes of ammo, but have yet to shoot it. I really want to, but the situation just hasn't been right.
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I just got a Cabela's Catalogue in the mail today. I do recall seeing .32"-20 cartridges listed, but they were around $40 a box of 50. Not cheap, but at least they are available.
I would like to find a .32"-20 M&P one of these days nw.
Thanks
Mark
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Originally Posted by oldguy66 View Post
I have a 32-20 like yours and with the help of forum members they traced the ship date to 1920. You can purchase ammo from USA Midway (Shooting Supplies, Reloading, Gunsmithing, Hunting, Ammunition, Gun Parts & Rifle Scopes — MidwayUSA) Ultramax Cowboy Action Ammo 32-20 WCF 115 Grain Lead Flat Nose Ammo. It comes in box of 50 rounds. I bought 100 rounds at a total cost of $76.64. It is a bit expensive but fun to shoot. My 32-20 is very accurate at 40 ft. but I tried 25 yds. last week and I was not to good at that distance. Have fun with yours.
Paul
Well that settles it! After I get a gunsmith to take a look at it, it NEEDS to be shot! I'm really likin' this forum by the way. I've only been on here a short time but have already learned so much! Cheers!

Jason

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Old 02-23-2010, 05:03 PM
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Hello

When I got my Webley & Scott Ltd. Mk. IV revolver and then my S&W "Victory Model" Revolver, both of which are .38" S&W Calibre, and I saw the "sticker shock" from the price of .38" S&W ammunition. That prompted me to check into starting reloading on a small scale. I think I paid around $25(U.S.) for a Lee Hand Press and about the same for a set of Lee .38" S&W Dies.

If/when I find a decent priced .32"-20 M&P Revolver, I will reload for that cartridge as well. This might be something to consider if you plan on shooting your revolver (if it were mine, I'd shoot it LOL).

This sounds like a neat little cartridge-revolver combination to shoot. Never really knew or heard much about these revolvers until I came here.
Thanks
Mark
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Old 02-23-2010, 05:18 PM
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Quote:
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Hello
When I got my Webley & Scott Ltd. Mk. IV revolver and then my S&W "Victory Model" Revolver, both of which are .38" S&W Calibre, and I saw the "sticker shock" from the price of .38" S&W ammunition. That prompted me to check into starting reloading on a small scale. I think I paid around $25(U.S.) for a Lee Hand Press and about the same for a set of Lee .38" S&W Dies.
If/when I find a decent priced .32"-20 M&P Revolver, I will reload for that cartridge as well. This might be something to consider if you plan on shooting your revolver (if it were mine, I'd shoot it LOL).
This sounds like a neat little cartridge-revolver combination to shoot. Never really knew or heard much about these revolvers until I came here.
Thanks
Mark
Reloading has always intrigued me. My good buddy/co-worker and person responsible for getting me hooked on firearms does his own re-loading. Maybe if I buy a 12-pack one of these weekends he can walk me through the process.

Reloading is definately an art worth mastering. I mean, where else are you going to get ammo when the poop hits the fan? lmao!
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Old 02-23-2010, 05:29 PM
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5_Is_Alive, definitely get some ammo and give the gun a try. 32-20 is a mild fun caliber to shoot. Let us know who you liked it after you try it out. John
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Old 02-24-2010, 05:52 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by oldguy66 View Post
I have a 32-20 like yours and with the help of forum members they traced the ship date to 1920...
Paul
Are there any specific members that are able & willing to do this? I'd really like to know.

Also, does anyone know what the turn-around is for S&W's "Weapon History Request"? I will attach more pics (w/serial) just in case...











Thanks,

Jason
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Old 02-24-2010, 10:16 PM
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si----------------

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Old 02-24-2010, 11:38 PM
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5 Is Alive,
I would guess that your .32-20 shipped around 1924.

sw282, IIRC, the advertised velocity was 1600-1800 fps, from a 24" rifle barrel. DON'T SHOOT THIS "RIFLE ONLY" AMMO FROM A REVOLVER if you were to buy it.
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Old 02-25-2010, 09:14 AM
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In the line of trivia (since we already mentioned Robert Johnson's blues song) - the ill-fated Jimmy Blevins in Cormac McCarthy's "All The Pretty Horses" carried a .32-20 revolver with "worn gutta-percha grips".

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Old 02-25-2010, 03:30 PM
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Just some comments on .32-20 ammo. Go looking. Visit gunshows if there are any in your region. Around here, we have a bunch of private tables at our shows. Its not at all uncommon for a good ole boy to empty his closet to scrape some money together for a new gun. I hate to call it this, but.....its generally considered obsolete ammo. As such it sometimes sells pretty cheap, particularly in partial boxes.

Reloading is fun and a good way to keep shooting. But its also a long term proposition. I was lucky enough to score about 500 bullets for about $20 a while back. I then managed to find and buy about 5 boxes of ammo and more empties for another $50. But it sometimes means you've got to always be looking and then be willing to buy when you see it for sale.

If you go on vacation, google gun shows in the places you're going. Folks there don't care where you came from. Ammo in the free states is much like buying a belt or hamburger. Also, stop at every old gun shop you can find. The older and more run down, the better. Some of the proprietors have closets full of **** they couldn't sell 20 years ago, or more.
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Old 02-25-2010, 07:42 PM
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I gree with Dick on finding .32-20 ammo. However, avoid any jacket hollowpoint loadings. These cartridges, loaded with 80 grain JHPs, were intended for RIFLES ONLY and are generally considered too hot for revolvers.

And avoid any reloads, unless they are made by a reputable company.
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Old 02-26-2010, 12:04 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rburg View Post
Just some comments on .32-20 ammo. Go looking. Visit gunshows if there are any in your region. Around here, we have a bunch of private tables at our shows. Its not at all uncommon for a good ole boy to empty his closet to scrape some money together for a new gun. I hate to call it this, but.....its generally considered obsolete ammo. As such it sometimes sells pretty cheap, particularly in partial boxes.
Reloading is fun and a good way to keep shooting. But its also a long term proposition. I was lucky enough to score about 500 bullets for about $20 a while back. I then managed to find and buy about 5 boxes of ammo and more empties for another $50. But it sometimes means you've got to always be looking and then be willing to buy when you see it for sale.
If you go on vacation, google gun shows in the places you're going. Folks there don't care where you came from. Ammo in the free states is much like buying a belt or hamburger. Also, stop at every old gun shop you can find. The older and more run down, the better. Some of the proprietors have closets full of **** they couldn't sell 20 years ago, or more.
Good idea regarding the gun shows while on vacation. Never really thought about that before. This will work especially well when visiting family in Texas! I did however attend the Orange County Gun Show last month and didn't run across any. Probably just looking in all the wrong places as that gun show is pretty huge.

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I gree with Dick on finding .32-20 ammo. However, avoid any jacket hollowpoint loadings. These cartridges, loaded with 80 grain JHPs, were intended for RIFLES ONLY and are generally considered too hot for revolvers.
And avoid any reloads, unless they are made by a reputable company.
No JHPs (rifle only ammo), and No unreputable reloads,

Got it!

Thanks everyone,

Jason
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Old 02-27-2010, 11:00 AM
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I'll chime in here as a new poster to S&W forum. I have a 5" .32-20 M&P in Nickel that my Father in Law gave me for a wedding gift 12 years ago. Lots of fun to shoot. He passed away last November, so I want to start reloading for it so I can shoot more. My wife shot it a few months ago and liked it, too.

I figure it would make a fun trail gun for easy hikes as well, where you might kick up a rabbit. I don't ahve the serial # handy right now, but IIRC, it was manufactured in the mid '30's, according to an old blue book I had.

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Old 02-27-2010, 12:06 PM
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Welcome to the Forum, Brian.

I've had at least one .32-20 since the mid '70s. Yes, they are a lot of fun. Just make sure you wear good hearing protecton, as they can be LOUD.

The .32-20 is not the easiest cartridge to reload, due to the thin, tapered walls, and having to lube the cases. Just be careful and make sure and get the cases started into the dies. If you have any other handguns, such as a .38 special or .357, start with those first to gain experience reloading.

Please don't let my comments discourage you from reloading though. It can be a great hobby.
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Old 02-04-2017, 09:47 AM
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Hello, I just recentlt purchased a 32-20 serial #75794 I am needing sideplate screws for it, any ideas on where to find and what year is this firearm

thanks
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Old 02-04-2017, 10:45 AM
KarmannGhia KarmannGhia is offline
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32-20 is the caliber that got me started into reloading in the late 1980s (out of necessity). As stated earlier, it is not the easiest cartridge to load. Factory ammo can be found. Midway and Aimsurplus have it.

Try Brownells for screws.
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Old 02-04-2017, 12:41 PM
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Originally Posted by signman920 View Post
Hello, I just recentlt purchased a 32-20 serial #75794 I am needing sideplate screws for it, any ideas on where to find and what year is this firearm

thanks
As for the year, it likely shipped around 1917. I have a reference to #76926 shipped Aug. 1917.

Last edited by Absalom; 02-04-2017 at 12:45 PM.
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