new to me I frame 22/32

[max136]

hello all, just picked up a 22/32. appears used but not abused. haven't shot it yet, hoping to this weekend. can someone let me know the year of manufacture and any other tidbits of knowledge.

the front sight is marked lyman on the LH side and it has red paint on it. is that a factory sight or a add-on?

thanks ahead of time.

[H Richard]

There were several front sights available on that gun and the Lyman was one of them.

Welcome to the S&W Forum, we hope you find all the information you want and enjoy it.

[Hondo44]

Welcome to the forum!

Nice find! That's a Model of 1915 version when the .22/32 Heavy Frame Target became regular production.

That s/n and configuration indicates it can be from the early 1923 to late 1923/early 1924 period. Both of the following sight and stock changes were ordered 8/29/1923.

1. If it still has the small U notch rear sight blade, it's early 1923. If it has the square notch rear sight blade, late 1923/early 1924.

2. If the target stocks have a matching serial # on the back of the right grip, it's from late 1923/early 1924.


The Lyman front sight could be factory installed because in those days, S&W would install any name brand front sight the customer ordered. But if factory installed, it will usually have the last 3 digits of the serial # stamped on it (must remove to see however).

If no serial # stamped, more likely an after market upgrade by the owner.

An historical letter will verify which.

[max136]

thanks for the information. i feel like this revolver needs a historical letter.

the rear sight is "U" shaped and there is no S/N on the rh panel