Hello everyone,

This gun was my great grandfathers and I've been wanting to get some information on it so any help would be appreciated. The serial # is 9760 which can be seen in the 3rd picture.

I have never brought this gun to the range but I really would like to try it out. The gun does look as though its had a rough life but everything still operates as it should and the inside of the barrel is actually the cleanest part. I'm guessing if it was shot, the barrel and chambers got cleaned but the outside was neglected.

Could someone let me know a little history about this gun and what type of ammo is safe to shoot through it?

Greetings and welcome! From you pictures, it appears that you have a 32 Hand Ejector, 2nd Model made in 1903 or 1904. In addition to the finish wear, it appears that the front of the ejector rod, the knob, is either missing or has been cut down for some(?) reason. Since you don't mention it, I assume the cylinder releases as it should when you push forward on the thumb release, right? I would suggest you seek out David Chicoine, who specializes in old S&Ws and probably has that part in stock. If everything else is reasonably tight and functioning correctly, your gun should be OK to fire with modern, factory loaded 32 S&W Long ammo or hand loaded equivalents, but since the one part was missing/damaged, I would have it checked over by a gunsmith before it was fired. I'm one of the folks who really likes the old 32 HEs, but I don't own one quite that old. It looks like it would be fun to play with, though!

Froggie

Welcome to the forum. Nice old gun and just what Froggie said. Looks like one of those that was carried a lot and shot a little. The extractor rod knob on that model is a separate piece that screws on and off. Easy to install if you find one. If you want to replace it and need some parts sources, let me know.

Shoot it and enjoy it, they are a lot of fun; accurate and low recoil.

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Jim
S&WCA #819

Fiocchi makes a 32 S&W Long in both WC Target loads (very mild), and SWC standard loads. Normally available from Midway, but in the present Panic buying are probably sold out like everything else.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

.32 HE, 2nd model, serial number 9760 was manufactured on Oct. 27, 1903. Ed.