Help Identify this gun

C Broad Arrow · #1 11-08-2016, 05:44 PM

My hunting partner was out scouting our area in advance our deer hunt. He stopped by diner he knows and the owner showed him this. He knows I am into S&W so he forwarded them on to me so that I could plan on stopping by if I was interested.

The thing is no one seems to have a clue, other than it is 32 something (lots of wear on the barrel).

Any help on IDing, age, value would be of help.

Hondo44 · #2 11-08-2016, 05:52 PM

It's a ".32 Regulation Police Model I frame" chambered for .32 S&W and .32 S&W Long, with a 4 1/4" barrel.

It's from after 1922 and before 1927 with it's original finish and stocks, albeit aged and worn. Makes a great camp or kit gun. They are very accurate and comfortable shooters. Wives love them as well as the guys. Worth $200 to $300.

rburg · #3 11-08-2016, 07:22 PM

The only part of Hondo's post I don't agree with is about it being a great camp gun. These days .32 ammo is outrageously expensive. If you have one of these guns and cart it along, don't plan on shooting it much. Or take along plenty of ammo.

There is a work around. Buy a cheapo reloading tool, like a Lee or Lyman 310 tool. Then bring primers, powder and you can use O buckshot if you can find it. Kind of messy in a camp, but it can be done.

DWalt · #4 11-08-2016, 09:06 PM

It is a .32 Regulation Police as stated. It will have a SN stamped on the front grip strap, and if you want a reasonable dating estimate, that SN is needed. If you don't care, then its features would place it as being from the 1923-27 period. These are fun to shoot, but ammunition is a bit of a problem if you don't reload, as many retailers will not stock it as it is a slow mover. .32 S&W Long is still made and is available. In its condition, it is more in the "Shooter" realm than being a collectible. At retail, one like it would probably sell somewhere in the $300-$400 range.

DocB · #5 11-08-2016, 09:20 PM

I'd pay $300 for it in a heartbeat. I love the 32 and would be delighted to have a shooter to go with my others. Over $300 I would be tempted and might buy it. Look at what the new Smiths cost and look at what you get. Much rather have this old 32.

model3sw · #6 11-08-2016, 09:51 PM

No opinion here. Thanks for the save, Jim.

Hondo44 · #7 11-08-2016, 11:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by model3sw

I bought one EXACTLY like yours with British proofs all over it and the US inspectors marks, too. I purchased it as a curiosity item to go with other pre-victories, victories and early post war M&P .38s. I don't mind saying I paid $300 out the door at a LGS. The barrel is cut EXACTLY like the one you show.

But these are K frames in .38 cal.: "other pre victories". The OP's subject gun is an I frame .32. Kind of a proportional miniature I guess of a pre victory.

Hondo44 · #8 11-08-2016, 11:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rburg

The only part of Hondo's post I don't agree with is about it being a great camp gun. These days .32 ammo is outrageously expensive. If you have one of these guns and cart it along, don't plan on shooting it much. Or take along plenty of ammo.

There is a work around. Buy a cheapo reloading tool, like a Lee or Lyman 310 tool. Then bring primers, powder and you can use O buckshot if you can find it. Kind of messy in a camp, but it can be done.

That's very true Dick,

And you can't fit as many 32s in a full pocket as 22s.

But then there's the cheaper 32 ACP which most find acceptable for safe use in the I frame revolvers later than 1920 and with heat treated cyls.

model3sw · #9 11-09-2016, 01:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hondo44

But these are K frames in .38 cal.: "other pre victories". The OP's subject gun is an I frame .32. Kind of a proportional miniature I guess of a pre victory.

I replied with the right answer but the wrong thread. LOL. I was replying to a guy who posted of a clipped short 2" barrel either Victory or a pre-Victory lend-lease gun. I remember because the barrel was cut out to clear the extractor the same way as mine. now i have to go find that post.

Here it is: S&W British 38-200 .38 S&W original bbl?

Hondo44 · #10 11-09-2016, 05:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by model3sw

I replied with the right answer but the wrong thread. LOL. I was replying to a guy who posted of a clipped short 2" barrel either Victory or a pre-Victory lend-lease gun. I remember because the barrel was cut out to clear the extractor the same way as mine. now i have to go find that post.

Here it is: S&W British 38-200 .38 S&W original bbl?

Oh...I've been there, done that. :-(