The .32-20 Hand Ejector Thread

[IMC]

Wow, what a great S&W resource. I have just discovered this site and this is a first post, so please forgive any mistakes I may make regarding protocol and etiquette.

I have a nice old 32/20 hand ejector revolver and have several questions. The revolver is blued, has a round butt, hard rubber grips, has S & W logos on both grips and right side of frame, the barrel is marked "32 Winchester Ctg." on the left side and is 5" long. The serial # is 15XXX and the last patent date on the barrel is Dec. 17, '01. This is a nice old revolver in tight, completely original condition -- perhaps fired fewer than 10 or 15 times -- ownership believed always in the same family.

(1) From the low serial number and last patent date of 1901, I would guess this is an early revolver, maybe the original or first variation -- your thoughts anyone?

(2) The bluing on the frame and cylinder is in pretty nice condition for the age, but the barrel is a fairly uniform brownish/grey color -- can anyone offer an explanation for this difference (it looks sort of like the barrel finish "aged" differently)?

(3) From the above information, can anyone offer some general idea of what this revolver might be worth in today's market (complete with original flap type leather holster)?

(4) Any one interested in purchasing this one?

Thanks for any information you might provide and for this great S & W website.

IMC

[Mike McLellan]

Where has this fine old thread been hiding? I'm tempted to print out the whole thing. My two .32-20s are great shooters. I have #54785 with fixed sights (circa 1913) & #65575 with target sights (circa 1915).

[Muley Gil]

Originally Posted by IMC

Wow, what a great S&W resource. I have just discovered this site and this is a first post, so please forgive any mistakes I may make regarding protocol and etiquette.

I have a nice old 32/20 hand ejector revolver and have several questions. The revolver is blued, has a round butt, hard rubber grips, has S & W logos on both grips and right side of frame, the barrel is marked "32 Winchester Ctg." on the left side and is 5" long. The serial # is 15XXX and the last patent date on the barrel is Dec. 17, '01. This is a nice old revolver in tight, completely original condition -- perhaps fired fewer than 10 or 15 times -- ownership believed always in the same family.

(1) From the low serial number and last patent date of 1901, I would guess this is an early revolver, maybe the original or first variation -- your thoughts anyone?

(2) The bluing on the frame and cylinder is in pretty nice condition for the age, but the barrel is a fairly uniform brownish/grey color -- can anyone offer an explanation for this difference (it looks sort of like the barrel finish "aged" differently)?

(3) From the above information, can anyone offer some general idea of what this revolver might be worth in today's market (complete with original flap type leather holster)?

(4) Any one interested in purchasing this one?

Thanks for any information you might provide and for this great S & W website.

IMC

Welcome to the Forum.

You have .32-20 Hand Ejector Model 1902-1st Change. It was shipped from the factory between 1903-1905.

[IMC]

War Eagle,

Thanks for the scripture quote, your welcome, your reply, and the helpful information.

Best,
IMC

[IMC]

War Eagle, or anyone -- Help!

I among the many confused folks about what ammo is safe to shoot in my early, apparently not heat treated cylinder, Model 1902, 1 st change 32/20 hand ejector revolver of about 1903-1905.

I have a full box (green box) of factory Remington Hi-Speed cartridges marked on the box: 32-20 WIN., 100 GRAIN LEAD, INDEX 4232 -- are these OK to shoot in my revolver?

I believe this is the ammo used by the previous owner, but still wonder. I don't want to damage this fine old gun, or myself.

Thanks for your help,

IMC

[Hondo44]

Originally Posted by IMC

War Eagle, or anyone -- Help!

I among the many confused folks about what ammo is safe to shoot in my early, apparently not heat treated cylinder, Model 1902, 1 st change 32/20 hand ejector revolver of about 1903-1905.

I have a full box (green box) of factory Remington Hi-Speed cartridges marked on the box: 32-20 WIN., 100 GRAIN LEAD, INDEX 4232 -- are these OK to shoot in my revolver?

I believe this is the ammo used by the previous owner, but still wonder. I don't want to damage this fine old gun, or myself.

Thanks for your help,

IMC

As long as it isn't marked "For Rifles Only", you're OK.

[BlackAgnes]

Here's a crummy picture of an old-timer that I had restored--just because I wanted to. I picked it up, sad as it was, because many years ago I read a Skeeter Skelton piece describing how he once used a round-butt .32-20 with a 4: barrel--so I had to have it!

[Muley Gil]

"Here's a crummy picture of an old-timer that I had restored--just because I wanted to. I picked it up, sad as it was, because many years ago I read a Skeeter Skelton piece describing how he once used a round-butt .32-20 with a 4: barrel--so I had to have it!"

I feel for you. Ole Skeet is directly responsible for the .32-20s that have passed through my hands. Also, M27s, M19s, and of course-THE .44 SPECIALS!!!!!!!!!!!!

[45Wheelgun]

A few pictures of my 1923 vintage 1905 4th Change .32-20 Target. Seen on the forum before, but she belongs here in this thread.

[TejanoViejo]

Apologies, in advance, please, from a "new" ol' guy, if my question(s) have already been asked & answered elsewhere; however, my search efforts have proven unnsuccesful thus far:

I recently acquired a nice example of a Model 1905 (1st change), .32-20, serial # 30832, with a round butt, which needs approriate grips.

My Question(s), Please: 1. On what frame is this revolver, if not a K?? {{ my guess] 2. Which are the correct/original type grips? 3. What other info other than correct frame/model designation (w/round butt) do I need to obtain a proper fit via on-line search/order?

Thanks !!!, ... in advance, as well ;>)

[DWalt]

TV, with a round butt, some here would insist with great vigor that you have a Model of 1902, ca. 1907, not a Model of 1905, which has a square butt. There have been many postings here concerning "correct" nomenclature, but the fact is there is no real difference between the Model of 1902 and the Model of 1905 other than the shape of the grip - I like to call it a distinction without a difference. They are both K frames - one round butt, the other square butt. The original period grip panels would normally have been black hard rubber. However, there are lots of other round butt K type grips on the market if you are flexible. There are even grips that "convert" a round butt to a square butt. Look on eBay. Lots of different round butt grips show up there, including originals. There are also replica grips available, and internet gun auction sites are also good sources.

[TejanoViejo]

First of all, my apologies, in advance, please, if my questions have already been asked & answered elsewhere; however, my search efforts have otherwise proven unsuccessful . . .

I recently acquired a very nice example of a Model 1905 (1st change), .32-20, serial # 30832, round butt, but which is sorely in need of grips.

My question(s) are as follows, please
1.- On what frame is this model, if not the K ? {unknown by me, only my best guess]
2.- What is/are the correct/orginal type grips ??
3.- What additional info << other than "correct" frame designation and butt type >> is required to increase my chances of a proper fit via on-line search/order - i.e., will grips for other model/frame size(s) "work", too ???

Thanks, also, in advance, for any assistance whatsoever as being most appreciated . . .

[DWalt]

TV, You just made a duplicate posting. I responded to the first one.

[TejanoViejo]

Thanks, DW . . . Sorry about the double post, I thought I lost the first one.

[ibewbull]

[IMG][/IMG]

[sigp220.45]

I can finally join the club, now that I have my first one that says this:





Its probably as common as they come, but it sure feels nice. The holster looks old, but its from the 70s I think. They look good together.



I missed the mismatched grips, but the price was alarmingly low, so I don't mind. They started off with diamonds and checkering, but have worn smooth over the decades.



I think I'll invest in a letter for this one. I feel lucky - maybe it wasn't shipped to Simmons Hardware in St Louis like almost everything else I letter.

I just imagine this one under the scratchy wool suit coat of a Baldwin-Felts gunthug riding the train to a West Virginia coal town to bust some heads.

Serial number is 126592.

[Seven3]

I saw a .32-20 1905 hand ejector in a LGS a few days ago, and was sorely tempted. The main thing that stopped me is ammo availability ( or lack thereof). Do most of you guys who own these guns reload, and if not, where do you get ammo? I don't buy 'em if I can't shoot 'em.

[sigp220.45]

Originally Posted by Seven3

I saw a .32-20 1905 hand ejector in a LGS a few days ago, and was sorely tempted. The main thing that stopped me is ammo availability ( or lack thereof). Do most of you guys who own these guns reload, and if not, where do you get ammo? I don't buy 'em if I can't shoot 'em.

I haven't shot mine yet, but I had a box squirreled away. .32-20 is still loaded by Black Hills in a Cowboy loading, and by Remington and Winchester, but it ain't cheap. I'm on the hunt for some Lyman 310 dies for it.

[Sebago Son]

I have a few .32-20 HE's but the photos of this one were already on file..





5", late flat-top. 124,000 or so IIRC.



I shoot this one because I can actually see the sights!

[Skeetr57]

sigp220.45: I think that the holster is older than you believe. My Father carried a 4" S&W in a holster like that at one time. He was an officer in the local sheriffs department from 1937 to 1961, and carried the .32-20 from the beginning until about 1955. His first holster was like the one shown, and was designed for cross draw use. Dad carried his revolvers in the cross draw style because it was easier to draw the gun that way while driving.

[sigp220.45]

I took my new adoptee out to the BLM and went through my one box of ammo. I was very impressed with the low recoil and accuracy of the gun. No paper targets, but I was able to bust rocks and clay bird fragments with regularity. Now its time to try my hand at reloading.

[badshot48]

I'm new here but do own a couple of S&W model 10's. My question is this. I have an opportunity to buy an early model 1899 .32-20, serial number below 900. The gun is in reasonably good condition for as old as it is, in working order and the stocks seem original and in good shape also. No bluing left. Is paying $350-400 too much for a gun like this. I have read this entire thread and was impressed by all the comments and thought adding another older S&W might be a good way to start the year. I thought going straight to the horses mouth was the best place to start.

Thanks, Dan

[Muley Gil]

Welcome to the Forum.

IMHO, $300 is what I would pay for the revolver you described. Others may pay more.

[badshot48]

I sort of thought the guy was a little high but sometimes never know till you ask. Something could look like a piece of junk and really be worth big bucks. Thanks for your HO.

[Absalom]

Hello.
I just acquired a hand ejector .32 WCF. I'll get it lettered eventually, but given the concentrated expertise in this thread, I'm hoping someone can tell me more about it already. I'm not able to post pictures right now, but here is a description:
Serial number is 606XX. Four inch barrel. Wood grips with goldish-colored medallion. Nickel-plated. S&W logo on right side plate. Barrel labeled .32 WCF CTG. Thanks!

[DWalt]

Originally Posted by Absalom

Hello.
I just acquired a hand ejector .32 WCF. I'll get it lettered eventually, but given the concentrated expertise in this thread, I'm hoping someone can tell me more about it already. I'm not able to post pictures right now, but here is a description:
Serial number is 606XX. Four inch barrel. Wood grips with goldish-colored medallion. Nickel-plated. S&W logo on right side plate. Barrel labeled .32 WCF CTG. Thanks!

That would put it in the 1913-14 period. It would be a .32 Model of 1905, 3rd Change. If it has a round butt instead of a square butt, some collectors would call it a Model of 1902. Your grips are probably original. I call them deep-dish gold medallions. Some do not appreciate that terminology. They should be SNed to the gun - just look on the back side of the right grip panel. Nickel plated from the factory is possible, but I can't really tell if yours is correct in that regard or not. .32 WCF is identical to .32-20, which is the most common name of the correct cartridge. .32-20 ammunition is still made, but is difficult to find and expensive.

[Twrex]

IMG_20140303_205133_156.jpg

IMG_20140303_205859_889.jpgserial # on butt 336xx ... on the cylinder 31491...5" barrel

[Twrex]

Any help would be greatly apreciated. I found it in a forclosed house I was hired to clean out and I have been trying to figure out the specifics on it for a while. It was missing a spring ...kinda froze up on all the moving parts. I lubed it up and found a spring on numerich. Everything seems to be working. I am itching to shoot it !

[DWalt]

Originally Posted by Twrex

Any help would be greatly apreciated. I found it in a forclosed house I was hired to clean out and I have been trying to figure out the specifics on it for a while. It was missing a spring ...kinda froze up on all the moving parts. I lubed it up and found a spring on numerich. Everything seems to be working. I am itching to shoot it !

Looks like your .32-20 has mixed parts, but would be an early one, ca. 1908. Probably a .32 Model of 1905, First Change (or, with a rounded butt, a Model of 1902)

[Absalom]

Originally Posted by DWalt

If it has a round butt instead of a square butt, some collectors would call it a Model of 1902. ........
Nickel plated from the factory is possible, but I can't really tell if yours is correct in that regard or not..

Thanks for the thorough reply. The butt is square; I should have thought to mention that. I'm pretty certain the nickel is factory; all the inscriptions are very crisp and the use marks are on the nickel and not underneath; it does not look like a re-finish to me. I'll find out for sure when I get the letter.

[Twrex]

thanks for the input.

[badshot48]

I've been wanting a 32.20 and finally found one in a pawn shop across the street from where I was getting gas on my way to visit my sister. Great looking gun and doesn't look to be used much. No history on it other than I probably paid too much.

[JP@AK]

Originally Posted by badshot48

No history on it other than I probably paid too much.

Looks pretty nice. If those stocks are correct, it comes from the period 1911-1920. What is the serial number? Does the barrel say 32 Winchester CTG or 32 W.C.F. CTG? The change came in 1914.

[badshot48]

Originally Posted by JP@AK

Looks pretty nice. If those stocks are correct, it comes from the period 1911-1920. What is the serial number? Does the barrel say 32 Winchester CTG or 32 W.C.F. CTG? The change came in 1914.

I'll have to get it out and check the serial number but I think it's 50616. The barrel says 32 Winchester.

I'll get some better pictures and post them. Some say it's reblued some say not and I have taken it to several local experts.

[rburg]

Well, today my youngest son abducted me and took me to a range. Not too painful. I took along my .32-20 Target, just for fun (serial in the 126,000s). I've heard from others the load I'm using works well. This is the first time I've shot it. Its just the powder charge I use in my .38 wadcutters. Its just 3.0 grains of Bullseye. It does give a satisfying snap and even some flame when my son was shooting it and I was off to the side. I've got most of a 2,000 bullet box of Remington soft points to use.

And the gun shot just as I expected. The target sights are a lot easier to use than the fixed sights on my other revolver. Its also Probably cheaper than a 22 because you can't find or buy them for love or money. Next in line to shoot is my M92.

I can't speak to accuracy because we went to an indoor range and I don't really like it.

[DWalt]

"Its just 3.0 grains of Bullseye."

My standard .32-20 load has always been 3.5 grains of Bullseye and a 100 grain cast lead bullet (.313" dia). That's actually fairly mild. Last summer, I was shooting with another guy who had one of those orange plastic "balls" you shoot at and roll it around on the ground. He was shooting .22s, which easily penetrated the plastic, which was about 1/4" thick. My .32-20 bullets stuck in the plastic, not penetrating completely. Not too encouraging.

[JP@AK]

Originally Posted by rburg

I can't speak to accuracy because we went to an indoor range and I don't really like it.

I'm with you there, Dick. There's an indoor range a quarter mile from my house. I never shoot there. I joined a few years back, went a whole year without firing a shot, so did not renew my membership. I'd rather drive a little farther and shoot outdoors. Or walk over the ridge and shoot in the gravel pit west of me.
Cheers.

[JP@AK]

And BTW, I love my .32 Winchester target model. It shoots well and I can still see the sights!
Left hand side in this photo.

[tjpopkin]

I got this one from David Carroll to supplement my .32 collection…



I have had this one stashed away for 2 reasons….
1. Condition is not the best
2. I do not collect Colts….
However, an old acquisition that I could never sell….

[JP@AK]

tjpopkin
On the S&W .32-20 HE, you have it labeled "c. 1939." Did you get that from a letter, or from Roy, or are you just guessing based on the serial number?
Keep in mind, production ended c. 1930, so shipping dates on the high number guns are all over the map. I know of one with a number over 142,000 that shipped in 1930. Others with much lower numbers shipped in the mid-1930s.

BTW - both are nice looking revolvers. Thanks for posting!

[Alk8944]

tjpopkin,

What Jack didn't point out is the more likely production date of your (1939) revolver is 1928-1929. Any earlier and it would have had the large "Mushroom shaped" ejector rod knob (I can't get around calling it a LERK!). If any later the stocks would have had the large silver medallions instead of being smooth convex top.

The last shipping date for a Winchester Model was in 1965!

As Jack commented, very nice guns!

Badshot48,

From your posted photos your revolver has definitely appears to have been re-finished, although apparently a very good job. The color is a Nitre blue, wrong for the period this gun was built. It's just one of those "Doesn't quite look right" things from seeing a bunch of these over the years. If I am remembering the posted SN correctly (50,000 range) it would date from 1911-1912, although it may have shipped somewhat later.

[JP@AK]

Yes. It would be interesting to know what the serial number is on this revolver.

[badshot48]

Originally Posted by JP@AK

Yes. It would be interesting to know what the serial number is on this revolver.

Finally getting back with this info with pictures to help. As far as I can determine on my own this is the third change. The stocks aren't numbered to the gun so I don't know if they are original. 5 inch barrel. The serial number is 50616. Obviously I either need a new camera or need more practice with this one I've had for 13 years.

[JP@AK]

Pretty nice looking piece. I would agree with Alk8944 that this shipped c. 1912.
Nice looking stocks and the case colors are wonderful, particularly on the hammer.
I would not kick this one out of my safe!

[badshot48]

Thanks, I appreciate everyone's comments. I've been shotting this in the back yard when the weather is good along with a 38 and 45. I need the practice, as they say, I still can't hit a bullet with the broadside of a barn............Dan

[badshot48]

Originally Posted by longranger

Not S&W but meets the requirement of 32-20 1913 Colt Army Special.

I saw your Colt so I figured it was OK to add this one.

I believe I'm getting the 32.20 bug since I've been shooting my S&W more. Yesterday I had to go over the mountain to Medford for a VA appointment and stopped in a gun shop nearby and bought this nice 1924 Colt, pictured with my S&W. I dickered for half an hour but they would only come off their price by $75. Paid too much I'm sure but I wanted it.

My girlfriend wasn't happy when I came home with another gun but what the heck......I'll probably miss her for a while after she's gone.

[DWalt]

Last Fall, I picked up a very nice Colt Army Special in .32-20 from 1911, with the unusual 4-1/2" barrel length to go with my 1931 .32-20 Colt Official Police with a 6" barrel. There is very little difference between the Army Special and the Official Police, aside from the name.

[badshot48]

I noticed that there wasn't much difference when I looked on the Colt Autos website, the change came in 1927.

I took both the Smith and the Colt out back yesterday and shot up a box for comparison. I seem to be more accurate with the Colt, maybe because of the extra inch barrel length. Both are excellent shooters. I was thinking someday I'd get a 32.20 rifle if I ever found an affordable one.

[DWalt]

The story is that Colt was heavily pursuing police sales at that time (in that there was no military market for revolvers in the 1920s), so it was deemed that "Official Police" was a much more appropriate model name than "Army Special." The same frame (with several changes) was later used for the "Officer's Model" series of target revolvers, the .357, the early Trooper, and finally the Python.

[mcpilot]

I picked this up at the LGS a few weeks ago. I saw it in the case and could't leave without it. There is some pitting but does not look like it was fired a lot. There is some holster wear at the end of the barrel. I am thinking it was a service weapon and then put away for a long time....