32 hand ejector, few questions

beagleye · #1 09-12-2018, 10:06 PM

I have recently taken possession of a cool .32 hand ejector. From studying my SCSW 3rd edition, I have concluded it is a .32 hand ejector 3rd model. The serial number is 471,447 which places it roughly 2/3rds of the way thru the run. It's in fair condition externally, but I like it a lot because the bore and cylinder bores are shiny clean. I think I will tool up to reload for it. My daughter has been asking to do some shooting, and it seems like a great gateway revolver. She has tiny hands!

Couple of questions-

Is my identification basically correct?

The cylinder should be heat treated, right? I'm not going to start shooting anything crazy, far from it, but I like having all the information.

The Standard Catalog of S&W mentions some early example are seen without the 4 line address. This would seem to be a middle to late middle example, still the one line address, just one of those S&W exceptions?

Can anyone post a couple pics and a name or description of the most likely grips for this vintage .32 hand ejector? I would like to find a correct pair, and preferably the wood version if wood is an option for "correct" in this case.

As always, thanks! Pete

Muley Gil · #2 09-12-2018, 10:21 PM

Looks like service grips without medallions would be proper for your .32. Otherwise, you would be seeking hard rubber service grips with S&W monograms molded into the tops.

Wiregrassguy · #3 09-12-2018, 11:03 PM

Your gun was made between 1922 and 1928. The grips that came on those were hard rubber. And I don't believe that S&W heat-treated the cylinders on the I frame guns. Someone like Hondo44 or glowe will be along shortly to confirm or refute that.

Guy

Green Frog · #4 09-13-2018, 07:46 AM

Nice find. From the pictures, it appears to be in outstanding condition for its age. Any grips for I- or J-frame guns that enclose the grip frame will work well with it, but as wiregrassguy told you, it probably came with black, hard rubber grips with cast-in checkering and monograms. There are a couple of companies reproducing acceptable copies of these that would be fine for shooting and carrying, and several companies make (or made) a variety of aftermarket grips for it. Finding originals is pretty hit or miss as that 70+ year old rubber has probably deteriorated by now and the wooden service grips weren’t all that common to begin with.

I heartily concur with your plan to reload for it. A can of Bullseye or Unique and a whole bunch of bullets and primers can be had pretty reasonably and you can shoot a loooong time (if your daughter will give it up!). If you already load for any other calibers, you will find the little 32s to be as easy to load as anything you’ve ever tried. Measuring those tiny little powder charges will be the only challenge.

Looks like you got a winner, enjoy!

Froggie

Hondo44 · #5 09-13-2018, 07:52 AM

Hi Pete,

That's not a bad looking "32 Hand Ejector". It has survived well and will make an excellent shooter/trainer.

I agree with my colleagues as to the period when it was 'produced'. However, when it shipped could have been anytime in the following 10 years or so.

On the .32s heat treating began in 1920 at ~#321000 so yours clearly has a heat treated cyl.

The single line MADE IN USA was ordered in May 1922 and is correct for your gun. The four line address was only a post war stamping; no exceptions. Although sometimes restamped on a pre war gun upon refinishing at the factory after WW II.

Walnut stocks could very well have been special ordered, because they exist in the correct size and 1920 to 1930 configuration for your gun's vintage: round top service grips w/o medallions, and sharp cornered checkering borders.

Just like these shown below, but with a rd butt:

Photo courtesy of H Richard

stu1ritter · #6 09-13-2018, 08:24 AM

Here is 35950x showing its walnut grips.

Stu

Wiregrassguy · #7 09-13-2018, 12:11 PM

Sorry for the misinfo on the heat treated cylinders. I was away from my references. Here are the typical hard rubber panels that are often seen on the round butt I frame. I have to say that unless your daughter only wants to shoot with original stocks, she will get a better grip with magnas or some boot, combat or target style grips that enclose the grip frame. You will also have a wider selection to choose from because stocks that enclose the grip frame can be either I frame or J frame types.

beagleye · #8 09-13-2018, 12:16 PM

Got to find some of those grips, those are BEAUTIFUL! I imagine with a set of those, it's going to be a real nice looking hand ejector.

Thank you Hondo for the confirmation on the heat treatment. That gives me a little more confidence about letting my daughter learn with it. I needed that.

On the subject of .32s, I got a lead on a Regulation Police, .32 nickel, 4" original grips. I am going to look at it today. I am a stickler for a clean bore so most .32 I see I rule out on that alone. Hopefully this will have a clean barrel and cylinder bores.

I think $450 is the price.

Seems like a good price if it's clean, otherwise, I will pass.

Thanks to all who contributed to this thread. Pete

beagleye · #9 09-13-2018, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wiregrassguy

Sorry for the misinfo on the heat treated cylinders. I was away from my references. Here are the typical hard rubber panels that are often seen on the round butt I frame. I have to say that unless your daughter only wants to shoot with original stocks, she will get a better grip with magnas or some boot, combat or target style grips that enclose the grip frame. You will also have a wider selection to choose from because stocks that enclose the grip frame can be either I frame or J frame types.

It came with some fat pachmayers, we can shoot with those, but I like having something wood as an option. And my girls hands are like dolls hands, so small! Those rubber grips look good on that one Wiregrass.

Wiregrassguy · #10 09-13-2018, 12:25 PM

How good are you at woodworking? I suggest you consider some J frame presentation grips (smooth). They will be about 1/8" too long but that can be fixed with a saw, file and sandpaper

. And, would look something like this (K frame but same style):

Dress it up a bit.

glowe · #11 09-13-2018, 12:40 PM

Odds are overwhelming that your I frame came with black hard rubber stocks, since 90% plus of all seen from that era are configured that way. Neal & Jinks state that 32 HEs of that era came with black hard rubber . . .

. . . . besides they are cheaper than wood and are often found on ebay. If you cannot find any, I might have some extras.

two-bit cowboy · #12 09-13-2018, 01:02 PM

That's a nice looking .32 HE.

Here's mine, not as well preserved, but same as you like 'em, its barrel and chambers are flawless. It's 515527 and shipped in November 1929. Due to the extractor rod knob on the one you're looking at I'd guess it to be earlier than 1927.

My grandmother started me at age 7 with her .32 Regulation Police, Model 31. Perfect!

Enjoy sharing the sport with your daughter, and good for her for wanting to learn!

beagleye · #13 09-13-2018, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wiregrassguy

How good are you at woodworking? I suggest you consider some J frame presentation grips (smooth). They will be about 1/8" too long but that can be fixed with a saw, file and sandpaper

. And, would look something like this (K frame but same style):

Dress it up a bit.

I am pretty good at woodworking. That's a good idea.

Hondo44 · #14 09-13-2018, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wiregrassguy

How good are you at woodworking? I suggest you consider some J frame presentation grips (smooth). They will be about 1/8" too long but that can be fixed with a saw, file and sandpaper

. And, would look something like this (K frame but same style):

Dress it up a bit.

Guy,

I don't think you meant K frame. That's a 5 shot, has to be a J frame.

Wiregrassguy · #15 09-13-2018, 07:43 PM

Correct. That's a 940.

Guy

TACC1 · #16 10-05-2018, 08:27 AM

Pete,
None of my old I-frame guns were what you-d call collector-grade.
I just tagged and stored the grips, and put on I-frame Magna's.
I have small hands too, but find that the Magna's give me a great
hold. You should be able to find Magna's on-line.
Great looking firearm you've got there!
TACC1