S&W Model 1902 or 1905 (?), .32 Winchester

photog-shooter · #1 11-11-2015, 06:57 PM

I picked up a ratty & rusty S&W .32 Winchester Hand Ejector (Frame & Cylinder) on the cheap, for my winter project. *(See ugly pics) I am trying to date the revolver, but I some need help.

Serial # is 440xx. Barrel, Frame & Cylinder all match. As the pics show, it is a square butt model, 5-screw. The barrel has ".32 Winchester" stamped on it. Also, the last date on the barrel top is "Feb. 1906" & has a 5" barrel. I have pinned the date range to 1905-1914, approximately.

Currently, the pistol is soaking in rust remover and is virtually absent of all rust, now. The cylinder & ejector rod was frozen, but now is spinning freely and the ejector rod slides as normal, too. My plans are to re-blue it (my 1st time) and possible restore it to a functioning revolver.

As I indicated, I would like to pinpoint a more precise date. ( I know, the date would be the ship date, from S&W)

Also, based on whether it's a Model 1902 or Model 1905 and one of the various changes produced, I would like to know if it was pre-hammer block version or hammer block version, 1st type, that is mounted in the side plate.

Depending on what the dates are for my revolver, will determine what I need to find to make it functional.

I know the pics will make you cringe, but I paid $30 bucks for it. I have less than $100 bucks invested (revolver, rust remover, bluing supplies, etc.) totally, for my "re-blue' project. If it turns out fine, re-blued, than I will look to find all the other parts needed to make it functional.

The only part I would like to find, before re-bluing is the proper side plate for my .32 Winchester.

Any help from Forum Members will be greatly appreciated.

Thank You, CCO

mikepriwer · #2 11-11-2015, 07:49 PM

Shipping date is about 1910.

One thing you should do is remove the cylinder, and dis-assemble it. Use three
of the charge holes, and put empty 32-20 cartridges in them, to stabilize the
extractor. Then, with protected pliers, turn the extractor rod counter-clockwise.
Its a right-hand thread. It will be tight, and will take some effort, but it needs
to come out, so that you can clean the inside of the extractor rod, etc.

Where, oh where, did it get all that rust ?!

Mike Priwer

H Richard · #3 11-11-2015, 08:07 PM

Do you have all the internal parts? That could be quite a chore finding everything.

Skeetr57 · #4 11-11-2015, 08:21 PM

This one would not have had a hammer block without the 29Dec14 patent stamp on the barrel. It probably can be rebuilt with either the 1st ,2nd or 3rd type of hammer block depending on the side plate used, but the hammer, trigger, hand, rebound slide and side plate will all have to match.

photog-shooter · #5 11-11-2015, 08:56 PM

Thanks all for the info. Mucho Gracias.

I figured it was one w/out a hammer block. So, as I understand, the hammer block appeared after Dec. 1914. I have seen all three types of sideplates available online.

To Mike, all that rust occurred in it previous life. I found it cheap, looking to learn re-bluing. This is the perfect candidate. If the reblue is acceptable, then I'll look for the internals.

To H Richard, no I do not have internals. However, the Internet is where I may find what I need if necessary. eBay, GunBroker, Numrich, etc. to name a few.

To Tom, I was wonder that same thing too. I find virtually complete internals online, but unsure if the will fit properly.

Rebuilding it to a functioning revolver is way down the road. I just want to try & re-blue.

Lastly, is my revolver a Model 1902 or 1905? And, do any of the various model changes apply?

Again, thanks for all the info. CCO

Muley Gil · #6 11-11-2015, 09:31 PM

Welcome to the Forum.

I have a number of K frame side plates. It may take some fitting, but we can probably find one that will work for you.

glowe · #7 11-11-2015, 10:57 PM

Almost all parts in these early Hand ejectors had hand fit parts, so you will be finding parts that were hand fit to other frames. As I recall the k frame revolvers did not actually receive other 1914 hammer block safety until 1919.

The early square butt k frames were called Model 1905 and round butt revolvers were called Model 1902 until into the teens, when the dates were dropped by the factory.