New member, old gun

[Paul L]

Thank you for adding to forum.
I currently have a S&W 32-20 calibur hand ejector revolver. Had many years and I'm embarrassed to say, never fired. I'm trying to identify information on this piece of history. I am excited to try this revolver at the range. Is it collectable? If so I want to keep it more tucked away than the norm.
I found three sets of numbers. Two appear the same. Buttstock and yoke assembly. 98050. Also a number under ejector rod. 86904. Please see the images.
Thank you again.

[K Frame Keith]

No info from me on your cool revolver but welcome from NEPA.

[Pondoro]

That is a K Frame 32-20. Smith made a lot of K frame 38's, far less 32-20's. So somewhat rare (not like worth MEGA $ rare, but not an everyday find). I can't speculate beyond that but experts will chime in soon. Looks to be in good shape.

[wetdog]

Serial # 98050 puts as .32-20 HE Model of 1905, 4th change. Mfg. 1915-1940.

[DWalt]

The closest .32-20 M&P serial number I have listed is 99052 which shipped in 4/1921. From the beginning in 1899 until around 1930, S&W chambered the M&P model in both .38 Special and .32-20. The .38 Special chambering was far more popular, and perhaps only about 20% of the M&Ps sold during that period were .32-20s. It's important to know that the serial number sequences were different for the two calibers, so it is possible to find the same serial number on some M&Ps of different calibers. The M&P .32-20 production stopped around SN 144000 as there was so little market interest in them. However, those in factory inventory continued to be sold until around 1940. Colt also made at least 4 or 5 different revolver models chambered in .32-20, but even they ceased production of them during the 1930s. Despite the relatively small number of .32-20 M&Ps made, used .32-20 M&Ps generally have no price premium over M&Ps in .38 Special, the exception being those in very high original cosmetic condition, which yours is most definitely not. One reason for that is that they do not make very good shooters, as the ammunition, while still made, is difficult to find on dealer shelves and can be fairly expensive. Most .32-20 fans will load their own ammo for that reason, as .32-20 cases and bullets are plentiful and inexpensive as compared to factory loaded ammunition.

[delcrossv]

I'll disagree with DWalt to the extent that they make very GOOD shooters- low recoil, accurate and a real pleasure at the range.

Factory ammo is readily available from websites like ammoseek.com, etc.

I'd recommend you get a box or two and give her a spin. You'll be pleasantly surprised.

[Absalom]

Originally Posted by Paul L

....
I found three sets of numbers. Two appear the same. Buttstock and yoke assembly. 98050. Also a number under ejector rod. 86904. Please see the images.
.

As you probably deducted trom DWalt’s post, the 98050, which is also visible on the cylinder, is the serial. The other one is just a factory assembly number.

I can find a further 98- and a 99- shipping in April 1921, so that is as solid a guess as you’ll get on these.

Originally Posted by delcrossv

I'll disagree with DWalt to the extent that they make very GOOD shooters- low recoil, accurate and a real pleasure at the range.
.

I don’t believe DWalt meant to say they were bad shooters as in, they are bad to shoot

They are just not a good choice for volume shooters except handloaders due to the ammo availability issue.

[Art Doc]

It is a caliber that demands reloading for economy.

[JP@AK]

Originally Posted by DWalt

The closest .32-20 M&P serial number I have listed is 99052 which shipped in 4/1921.

Yes. 96786 also shipped in April, 1921. And 102004 shipped in June, 1921. However, S&W did not ship in serial order, so these are only helpful as "ballpark" dates. it takes a letter from the SWHF to have any certainty. It is safe enough to assume yours left the factory in the early part of the 1920 decade.

Those stocks show a ton of wear. Someone carried this gun a lot!

[reccpd101]

I like the 32-20 cartridge. It is pleasant to fire. There are also a variety of rifles in this cartridge. The modern rifle loads are not the best choice for shooting in your older revolver. I use mild loads in my 32-20 Hand Ejector shipped in 1919. For factory ammo, try HSM cowboy action loads. Available for $29.50 for 50 rd box on ammoseek. It's a good mild load.

[S&W Oldtimer]

Welcome from Va.

[DWalt]

Originally Posted by Absalom

I don’t believe DWalt meant to say they were bad shooters as in, they are bad to shoot
They are just not a good choice for volume shooters except handloaders due to the ammo availability issue.

A Shooter - a gun you can take out and shoot a lot. Not too fitting a term for any .32-20 firearm given the logistical problems and expense of the ammunition. Yes, it can be purchased from multiple internet sources, but unless you are buying in large quantities, the shipping expense can become significant. And you can't find it in stock at most retail outlets, though some might be willing to special order it for you. Reloading is the best way to go for the .32-20, assuming you are already reloading other calibers and have the basic equipment except the die set needed.

[Pondoro]

I have zero experience with 32-20's, other than the desire for one. But I am experienced with 32 short and long. They are cheap to reload and fun to shoot. You have to buy the components on line but they come at a fair price when found. Stock up.

[hsguy]

Paul, welcome to the forum! Neat gun, these are often found in well worn condition but still very shootable, take it out and give it a go. These guns seemed to be very popular in Appalachia and were working guns to put food on the table. Thanks for posting!

[merl67]

Welcome to the forum if you have a Cabelas near you they usually have HSM 32-20 on the shelf for around $30-35 for a 50 round box. Careful they are addictive I started out with one, and now have three, plus a Marlin chambered in 32-20....

[RobertJ.]

Greetings from the Oregon Coast!

Nice gun, BTW!

[delta-419]

Welcome to the S&W Forum, lots of info here and a great bunch of guys and gals with gun knowledge. My first rifle was a very old used Winchester 1892 in 32-20, many, many years ago. It put my feet on the path of the 32-20, one my all time favorites. I now have 3 vintage K frame S&Ws, and 2 Winchesters in this caliber, an 1892 and an 1873. It is true that ammo is expensive that's why I reload for it. You can get the basic reloading setup for less than a 100 bucks using Lee dies, scale, single stage tool. Be ware that reloading can be as addictive as gun collecting. You are among friends! Shoot and enjoy your 32-20!

[mike from st pete]

YouTube

For your listening pleasure while you oil your 32-20.