Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > Smith & Wesson Revolvers > S&W Hand Ejectors: 1896 to 1961
o

Notices

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


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 08-14-2012, 10:51 PM
xb40 xb40 is offline
Member
1903 32 hand ejector prob 2nd change 1903 32 hand ejector prob 2nd change  
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Alabama
Posts: 135
Likes: 23
Liked 35 Times in 11 Posts
Default 1903 32 hand ejector prob 2nd change

I happened on a S&W 1903 hand ejector, 32 long, 4 inch, serial number 599528 today in a pawn shop. The grips are target type, extending probably 2 inches below the the bottom of the grip frame. The gun is in excellent condition with only one small area of surface rust on the barrel. The bluing overall is excellent, showing very little signs of wear. The grips are in excellent condition, checkering and overall, with S&W medallions. The gun to have been fired very little, with almost no signs of the cylinder have been opened and closed.
The price is 525.00, which I am sure is not firm. Is it worth the price? I undestand it is difficult without seeing the gun, just looking for a yea or nea. Thanks xb
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 08-14-2012, 11:00 PM
DCWilson's Avatar
DCWilson DCWilson is online now
SWCA Member
1903 32 hand ejector prob 2nd change 1903 32 hand ejector prob 2nd change 1903 32 hand ejector prob 2nd change 1903 32 hand ejector prob 2nd change 1903 32 hand ejector prob 2nd change  
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Orange County, CA
Posts: 13,993
Likes: 4,998
Liked 7,681 Times in 2,618 Posts
Default

A serial number near 600000 puts the gun in the postwar transitional period, probably 1950-51. I'm not sure about the stocks; S&W made two varieties of oversize square butt stocks for their small frame guns, but one extended only about half an inch below the bottom of the frame, and the other (which had two screws and completely covered the backstrap) nearly a full inch below the frame. Possibly you are describing the smaller first type, as the design covered about half of the backstrap and gives the impression of reaching far below the steel frame.

This sounds like a .32 Regulation Police, but the asking price is high for one of those. Even if the condition is generally as good as you describe, I would discount deeply for the rust spot. At best, this is probably a $300 shooter.

Pictures would of course help, though I understand why it might be hard to provide them.

ADDENDUM: The lower posts made me go back and reread your description. I missed the reference to the rust, which is pretty much a major danger sign. I edited my suggested valuation above to reflect my better understanding of the gun's condition.
__________________
David Wilson

Last edited by DCWilson; 08-15-2012 at 03:04 PM. Reason: Addendum.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 08-15-2012, 10:30 AM
H Richard's Avatar
H Richard H Richard is offline
US Veteran
1903 32 hand ejector prob 2nd change 1903 32 hand ejector prob 2nd change 1903 32 hand ejector prob 2nd change 1903 32 hand ejector prob 2nd change 1903 32 hand ejector prob 2nd change  
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: West Central IL
Posts: 22,758
Likes: 18,437
Liked 22,313 Times in 8,245 Posts
Default

The grips sound like aftermarket target grips, or someone's custom made grips. Not knowing the extent of the rust you state, it is difficult to put any kind of value in this, but the $525 seems somewhat too high, Without pictures we are only guessing.
__________________
H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 08-15-2012, 01:37 PM
Texas Star Texas Star is offline
US Veteran
Absent Comrade
1903 32 hand ejector prob 2nd change 1903 32 hand ejector prob 2nd change  
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Texas
Posts: 20,362
Likes: 24,260
Liked 16,154 Times in 7,408 Posts
Default

I wouldn't buy a gun with ANY rust on it, let alone at that price. And I wouldn't describe it as being in excellent shape, "except for a little rust", as some dealers do.

Excellent shape means that, with NO rust or other blemishes.

Pawn dealers loot their guns from people who were loaned little money on them, usually. IF you decide to buy this item, don't let him get that much from you for it.

I'd buy something else, but you know your tastes.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 08-15-2012, 04:07 PM
xb40 xb40 is offline
Member
1903 32 hand ejector prob 2nd change 1903 32 hand ejector prob 2nd change  
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Alabama
Posts: 135
Likes: 23
Liked 35 Times in 11 Posts
Default

Thanks, I appriciate your assessment of the gun sight unseen. I am in no way committed to buying this gun. The grips are original S&W extended target type with diamond centers, I have no doubt as to that point. I am in no hurry, I'll just see what develops. Thanks again. xb
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Found 1903 First Change Hand Ejector 32 hand Plain Old Dave WANTED to Buy 1 01-04-2017 04:47 PM
FS/Trade .32 Hand ejector m-1903 5th change Shrike6 GUNS - For Sale or Trade 4 09-09-2014 09:59 PM
Hand Ejector model 1903 Fifth Change Dingo Venison S&W Hand Ejectors: 1896 to 1961 8 01-24-2014 06:45 PM
1912 Hand Ejector - 1903 Fifth Change Blanco S&W Hand Ejectors: 1896 to 1961 5 03-25-2013 07:32 AM
.32 Hand Ejector Model of 1903/ 1st change Q pred S&W Hand Ejectors: 1896 to 1961 5 04-28-2009 10:29 AM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 02:49 PM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)