The book calls this .32 HE Model of 1903 5th change. 1910-1917 serial numbers 102501-263000. This one is #139870. Can anyone pin it down to the exact year?

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You're into a lot of fun now. Those things are fun to shoot and cheap to reload.

Nice gun.
Walt

Put the gun down and walk away before you...

OOPS! Too late, you're hooked! You'll have lots of fun with that little I-frame. For some reason, a bunch of them followed me home, and it seems like I always wanted "just one more."

As Pondoro mentioned, they are also cheap to reload, in fact if you want to get the maximum enjoyment out of your little I-frame, you will just about have to reload.

Enjoy,
Froggie

I guess I really should learn how to reload. Does the initial set-up for reloading 32 caliber cost much?

You will have about the same basic cost for reloading equipment startup regardless of caliber... probably the basic Lee single stage press and die set, along with an inexpensive powder measure and (electronic?) scale would be the cheapest new startup package. Pick one kind of powder and primers along with a good basic bullet (unless you want to start casting) and you should be pretty much good to go. With some careful shopping, a couple of C-notes should get you in business. This sounds like a chunk of $$$, but since 32 ammo usually brings more than expected at the local shops due to low volume, you’ll probably reach break even within less than 1000 rounds if you set it up on the cheap.

Drop me a PM if you want some guidance... this is one of my current favorite rounds to load.

Froggie

Go on Ebay and get an used single stage press. Lyman, RCBS, Pacific. There are a bunch of them under $100. Several of the smaller RCBS presses for around $60. I loaded a lot of ammo with on of them. The name brands all use the same dies and shell holders. There is really nothing to wear out on them. You can get parts for most easy. You can put a primer attachment on them but a simple hand operated primer tool is a good thing and available for under $50. A set of dies and a shell holder, (Lee carbide under $40) a scale (under $50) and maybe a measure (under $50) and your in business. You can get new brass from Midway on sale right now 500 rds for $80. Throw in a 1000 primers for about $35 and a lb of Bullseye or RedDot powder for another $35. Then 1000 lead bullets for $100. Yes, it adds up. Say $500 for the whole pile, But thats will give you 1000 rounds. ($.50 per rd) The next 1000 rounds is $100 for the bullets and $32 for primers. $132 as the powder will last about 3000 rds for 32 S&W. The 32 brass will last near for ever and should average well over 15 loadings. Buy a bullet mold and scrounge lead and the cost drops to about 4 cents a rd the primer being the biggest expense.

Adding another caliber is cost of dies, right bullets and powder.

I can tell you that 15581x shipped Feb. 3, 1912.

Stu

Thanks guys for the re-loading advice. I might just look into it.
And thank you Stu for that information. That would put my gun at late 1911 or very early 1912? I would guess that the bulk of that total production was in the early years of the time range. With WW1 the factory probably concentrated more on .45 don't you think?

Great little find.

Right on both counts. During the war and up to ~1920, there was no logo stamped on the frame.

Steelslaver is exactly right about buying loading equipment. No better way to buy than eBay.

__________________
Jim
S&WCA #819

Another source of lots of reloading equipment is estate sales. If you know any auctioneers let them know what you're looking for and you may be surprised what shows up.

__________________
H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

Mr. Woods ,

You have yourself a great little shooter , and it came with a good side order of patina.

Congratulations. 'Ski

Very cool!
If that thing could only talk...

Thanks guys. I'm amazed that the original grips are still in such nice shape. Wouldn't the "hard rubber" be getting very brittle after all these years? I like the small size of it. It weighs almost nothing at all. Here it is in my hand compared to my 1951 .357 Magnum pre 27 in my hand.

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Very nice, thanks for sharing.

__________________
Keep on Chooglin'

I started back around 1980 with a Lee Loader in 22 Hornet. (Still got it.) Now they're around $41, but alas, they don't have them in 32. Lee Loader 38 Spl - Lee Precision

They've got kits for $200. Single Stage Reloading Kits - Lee Precision

I would definitely NOT start with a progressive press.