I have joined the wonderful world of early 32-20 Hand Ejectors and it appears to be no rules on what part was used when and in what model. SCOSW has some info but I would really like much more and more detailed info. Is there another source? book website?

Have you read the entire .32-20 thread?

The .32-20 Hand Ejector Thread

__________________
John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

I'm not sure I understand your question. The .32-20 K-frames were in a series parallel with those in .38 Special, but separately serial numbered, up until the cessation of .32-20 production in 1929-30. What parts and models are you referring to?

Went back through them but no answers. I have 2 early ones 32478 4in is completely matching numbers but the barrel says 32-20 ctg on the right side and Smith & Wesson on the left side. The frame is grooved for a guide on the rebound slide something I find no reference to any where. The star has 2 guide pins. 43112 is a 6 1/2 in, same rebound slide but no guides for the star also completely matching numbers.

32478 - 1907 (first change)
43112 - 1908 (second change)

Both should have a barrel caliber marking of ".32 Winchester CTG" if barrels are original. Barrel lengths of 4", 5", 6", and 6-1/2" were available in both. I cannot say exactly what engineering changes were made between the first and second changes, but someone here should know. I remember a posting here once which went into some detail regarding the nature of all the changes, but I do not have it.

Did more research, it appears to be a late 1905 1st change that has parts from first and second change. All numbers match including the barrel that has me completely stumped as far as I can see S&W didn't make a barrel that says 32-20 ctg on one side and Smith & Wesson on the other.

A lot of the 1899's have no roll markings on either side of the barrel. The early 1902's
and 1905's have the cartridge on the left side of the barrel, but nothing on the right
side, except for the 4" guns which have the patent date roll markings on the right
side. Later on, they switched sides, putting the cartridge on the right side and
Smith & Wesson on the left side.

Mike Priwer

If your barrels are indeed caliber stamped as being .32-20 CTG, then it is virtually certain they are replacement barrels. When sent back to S&W for barrel replacement, the replacement barrels would have been stamped with the frame SN. The .32-20 stamping was not used until 1922, far later than your SNs suggest the revolver was made.

How about posting some good detailed pictures of your revolvers?

I thought of that but there is no star stamped anywhere on the frame like Smith normally does when they do repair at the factory, that would explain alot. Will try to get pictures when I get back home next week.

Took a closer look during daylight at the first change it has a 1914 pat. date on the top of the barrel that would be a little tough for a weapon made in 1909.
The cartridge designation still has me confused I have a late 30s 32-20 that says 32 WCF CTG on the barrel with the rest of the markings matching first change barrel but the first change barrel says 32-20 CTG with no mention of winchestor. Will get pictures up next week.

The cartridge designation changes came in approximately the following years:

32 Winchester CTG - until about 1914
32 W.C.F. CTG - until about 1922
32-20 CTG - from about 1922 until the end of production in 1929-30.

__________________
Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

I hope you enjoy your 32-20's, I find it an interesting caliber. You got me curious about my pistol so I got it out and did some checking. Mine is also nickle plated although the plating has worn more severely than yours. It is an all numbers matching pistol with a serial number 78xxx. It appears in every way to match with what the book and others on the forum have to say with regards to having SMITH & WESSON on the left side with 32 W.C.F. CTG on the right. It has the appropriate markings on the top of the barrel. The only marking it does not have which the book says it should is the S&W Logo on the left side of the frame...that is the mystery about my pistol. You have to love this site...that thread on the 32-20's is amazing.

Not really a big mystery. In the years around WWI, up until about 1920 or so, some did not have the S&W monogram on either side of the frame. It would seem that your revolver is one of them. Others here might have more detailed information about the matter.

__________________
Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

The story goes that the S&W logo was dropped at the start of WWI M1917 production in 1917 to reduce the operations required and speed production. 1916 guns are known to have the logo. Postwar guns shipping in 1919 and 1920 also did not have the logo. Allegedly, even some guns shipped early in 1921 had no logo. I have an early 1922 M&P which does have the small logo on the left side.