32 hand ejector I or k frame

raljr1 · #1 09-05-2018, 10:28 AM

Is there any way to tell if this is an I frame or K frame from this picture?
Sn is 233xxx and is on the bottpm of the butt.

32 s&w long ctg

Thanks

Robert

DWalt · #2 09-05-2018, 10:40 AM

K-frames in .32 S&W Long are very scarce and yours is an I-frame. 233xxx would date its shipment as likely being sometime in early 1916 based upon those I have on my SN list.

raljr1 · #3 09-05-2018, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DWalt

K-frames in .32 S&W Long are very scarce and yours is an I-frame. 233xxx would date its shipment as likely being sometime in early 1916 based upon those I have on my SN list.

Thank you. I assumed that to be the case....this one is not mine....just thinking on it, but not in search of another I frame 32.

Robert

handejector · #4 09-05-2018, 10:49 AM

Agreed- I Frame.

Memory key-
I frame cyl looks about "square", meaning length and diameter look about the same.
K and J Frame cyls look rectangular, meaning they are noticeably longer than the diameter.

No charge for this great wisdom.

glowe · #5 09-06-2018, 08:47 AM

I try to judge frame opening/cylinder dimensions by sight and often am wrong. Maybe the perspective or angle of the image, but it is tough for me.

I usually go by the size of the butt and the narrow flutes in the cylinder of the 32 Long HEs, but side by side comparisons of K and I are often needed if you are only looking at pictures. The height of an I frame stock is 2.3", while the height of a K frame stock is 3". That is almost 3/4" and if studied, might be another thing to look at.