Hand ejector with no model number

Holder · #1 03-29-2020, 12:07 PM

First time poster, trying to figure out what model and year I have. I attached some pictures, but if you need more, let me know. Just hoping that someone can figure it out. Thanks- James

ParadiseRoad · #2 03-29-2020, 12:28 PM

...looks like an early Chief's Special...

...they began production in 1950...and became the Model 36 when they began using model numbers in 1956...

...you have it posted in the wrong forum as it's not considered an antique...

...welcome to the forum...

Holder · #3 03-29-2020, 12:32 PM

Couple more pics, and written list instead of just pictures.

1. Hand ejector
2. Serial: 79969
3. 38 S&W CTG
4. Barrel: 2" (actually 1 7/8")
5. Hand ejector fixed

Holder · #4 03-29-2020, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ParadiseRoad

...looks like an early Chief's Special...

...they began production in 1950...and became the Model 36 when they began using model numbers in 1956...

...you have it posted in the wrong forum as it's not considered an antique...

...welcome to the forum...

Thanks Paradise. What section should I post in, and can I move the post? Or would I have to delete this one and repost?

ParadiseRoad · #5 03-29-2020, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Holder

Thanks Paradise. What section should I post in, and can I move the post? Or would I have to delete this one and repost?

...should be in this forum: http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-han...ors-1896-1961/

...Delete and repost would work...or just post it over there with an explanation here...

handejector · #6 03-29-2020, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ParadiseRoad

...you have it posted in the wrong forum as it's not considered an antique...

if you tell us instead of new posters, it saves a lot of confusion and extra work for us.

Use the

at top right of every post to report it.

Holder- welcome aboard. Use the main menu in the navigation bar up top- Forum
to select the correct subforum for your topics. Note the subtitles describing the subforums.

I'll move this.

handejector · #7 03-29-2020, 01:09 PM

And-
You have a Terrier from the mid 50s. The Chiefs Special is in 38 Special. The Terrier is in 38 S&W, a shorter and slightly fatter cartridge. They don't interchange.

Holder · #8 03-29-2020, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by handejector

And-
You have a Terrier from the mid 50s. The Chiefs Special is in 38 Special. The Terrier is in 38 S&W, a shorter and slightly fatter cartridge. They don't interchange.

Thanks handejector.
So, would that make it a model 32?

murphydog · #9 03-29-2020, 01:24 PM

It is a .38/32 Terrier; after 1958 it was also given the model number 32.

Targets Guy · #10 03-29-2020, 01:42 PM

Nice revolver.

Art Doc · #11 03-29-2020, 01:58 PM

Often frame sizes are nicknamed for a typical caliber they serve. Sometimes a name is used to indicate the general caliber on a frame size. A 38/32 is a 38 caliber revolver on a small, 32 size frame. A 38/44 is a 38 built on a larger frame designed for a 44 caliber.

In 1957 S&W designated model numbers. Not sure if anyone knows how they decided which guns got which numbers. The Terrier was assigned Model 32.

FYI the 38 S&W is on left and the 38 S&W Special is on right.

DWalt · #12 03-29-2020, 02:01 PM

I do not have a very nearby SN on my list, but from what SNs I do have, and other features of your gun (lack of upper sideplate screw and no stamped model number), I would estimate it shipped sometime around 1956-57. Terriers in good condition are fairly desirable S&W revolvers. You are fortunate to have one. However, ammunition, while still made, can be a little difficult to find.

Hondo44 · #13 03-29-2020, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Holder

Couple more pics, and written list instead of just pictures.

1. Hand ejector
2. Serial: 79969
3. 38 S&W CTG
4. Barrel: 2" (actually 1 7/8")
5. Hand ejector fixed

Your gun is built on the New Model of 1953 I frame. It became the 32-1 in 1961 when the I frame was discontinued and it was built on the J frame.

All 38 Special small frame guns were built on the J frame from when introduced in 1950.

DWalt · #14 03-29-2020, 02:14 PM

The principal difference between the I and J frames is that the I-frame cylinder window in the frame is a little shorter than the J-frame, front to back. The Terrier's .38 S&W cylinder is shorter than the .38 Special cylinder, as the .38 S&W cartridge is shorter, as shown in the photo. The .38 Special cylinder requires a longer frame window.

Holder · #15 03-29-2020, 05:25 PM

Just got back from shooting it with my daughter. Suprising has almost no kick, so it's probably going to be my wife's carry gun.

DWalt · #16 03-29-2020, 07:23 PM

I think at one time, the Terrier was used by some policewomen. Of course, there weren't too many policewomen back then who carried guns.

Holder · #17 03-29-2020, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Art Doc

Often frame sizes are nicknamed for a typical caliber they serve. Sometimes a name is used to indicate the general caliber on a frame size. A 38/32 is a 38 caliber revolver on a small, 32 size frame. A 38/44 is a 38 built on a larger frame designed for a 44 caliber.

In 1957 S&W designated model numbers. Not sure if anyone knows how they decided which guns got which numbers. The Terrier was assigned Model 32.

FYI the 38 S&W is on left and the 38 S&W Special is on right.

I took a pic today of the 38 s&w, 38 special, and 357 magnum.

DWalt · #18 03-29-2020, 10:20 PM

There is also the .38 Short Colt cartridge (I think which is still loaded), essentially a short-cased .38 Special, and is a real oldie. It's very close in appearance (and power) to the .38 S&W, but having a slightly smaller diameter. It can even be used in revolvers chambered for the .38 S&W.