Looking for some help in identifying my revolver

windjunkie · #1 11-04-2014, 11:02 PM

I have a S&W revolver that was handed down from my grandfather to my father, and my father to me. I am trying to find out what the date/year of it's conception was. Here is what I know from resourcing this site to help those of you in assisting me:
1 = It's a hand ejector
2 = Serial # on the butt of the gun is 7141. No letters, just 7141.
3 = The side of the barrel is marked as follows: 32 Long CTG
4 = Barrel length as shown from this site how to measure: front of cylinder to end of barrel.......4 3/16"
5 = Fixed sites

Please help me find out the info I seek. Can I shoot both 32 Long AND 32 Short rounds? Thanks!

murphydog · #2 11-04-2014, 11:15 PM

It sounds to be a .32 Hand Ejector model of 1903, and likely from about that time. It will fire both .32 S & W (also called Short) and Long. I presume it has a thumb latch on the left and doesn't unlock by pulling forward on the ejector rod.

If you are able to post photos we will be more sure of the ID. Hope this is helpful.

windjunkie · #3 11-04-2014, 11:27 PM

Hi Alan,

Thanks for getting back to me. You are correct, it does have a thumb latch on the left side and cannot unlock by pulling forward on the ejector rod. The top of the barrel has a lot of script stamped on it........Smith and Wesson, Springfield, Mass. USA, then 9 patent dates starting with April 9, 1889 and finishing with September 2, 1902.

murphydog · #4 11-04-2014, 11:33 PM

Definitely sounds to be a 1903. Now we need the family story!

windjunkie · #5 11-04-2014, 11:37 PM

Alan,

Thanks so much for your help!! Stay tuned......my father has passed away but I will ask my Mother for the details and get back to you on the revolver's story.

Marty

Absalom · #6 11-05-2014, 12:32 AM

Marty:
With serial #7141, it would be a Model 1903 No-change, which was the first iteration of this model and was made in 1903/04. Your serial places yours pretty firmly in 1903. You don't mention the finish, nickel or blue. Below is a picture of my identical model, with a 3.25" barrel in nickel, #67XX.
Someone will warn you sooner or later (as they did me when I first posted my gun here) not to break anything in this gun: Pretty much every part changed with the next variation, and spare parts for this first version are apparently very hard to find.