Have a model 30 that is marked MOD-30, I cannot figure out if it's an Improved I frame or a J frame. All parts are marked with the same assembly number. It has the ramp front sight and the 1-7/8" barrel is marked SMITH & WESSON on the left side and 32 LONG CTG. on the right side. The frame has the usual later markings on both sides. The grips are replacement and are not numbered to the frame. I could post pics., but don't think that would help very much. I will appreciate any help you all provide and if there are any questions I'll answer them best I can.

Your Model 30 is from the latter half of the 1950s. It is built on the New I frame (beginning in 1953), not the "Improved" I Frame of the early 1950s.

The Model 30 didn't migrate to the J frame until 1961, and those are marked MOD 30-1.

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

NEW I FRAME! Thanks for clearing that up for me. The replacement grips are the same size as the ones on my J frame model 36 .38 cal. and fit it like a glove. I wonder if other J frame 30-1 parts will interchange with the New I frame? The hammer on mine has been filed down for easy carry and I would like to replace it.

Yes. The grip frame on the New I frame and on the J frame are the same size, after 1953. They were the same size on the pre-1953 I frame and on the Baby Chief also, but smaller than the post-1953 grip frame.

Some parts will probably interchange, but I can't tell you for sure which of them. Certainly not the cylinder!

Hondo44 is our resident expert on this. Perhaps he will stop by and assist you.

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

There were two types of hammers. One uses a round mainspring guide rod that has a rounded, ball end. The hammer has a rounded depression for the ball end. Think "ball and socket."

The other type hammer has a cross pin and the mainspring guide rod is flat and has a forked end that mates with the cross pin.

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John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

Thanks, tomorrow I'll check and see which hammer it is. Since this is just a home protection gun for my dear wife, I'll see if I can fab an extension so she can handle it single action. I can cock it the way it is, but she can't.

Sounds like the hammer spur has been 'bobbed' for quick draw from concealment w/o snagging the hammer spur on clothing.

Model of 1953 New I frames (.22, .32, & .38) and New J frames share all action parts and grips, but not extraction rods and cyl parts.
The 22/32 Kit Gun I frames of course have rim fire hammers unique to them otherwise all other parts interchange as stated above.

And even better than that:

Pre Model 1953 I frames and new I frames, both share most parts with Baby J frames and Model 1953 New J frames with the above exceptions. But pre ~1951 post war Transitional I frames have a leaf mainspring and compatible hammer, while all the later models have coil main springs/hammers.

Pre '53 I and J frames have the same grip size and '53 New I and New J share the same 1/8" longer round butt grips.

The vintage of your Mod 30 - .32 Hand Ejector most likely still has the 'ball end spring strut and socket' type hammer which lasted until ~1962 on both I and J frames; then replaced by the 'forked end spring strut and pin' type hammer which are much easier to find. If you can't find a ball socket hammer you can substitute the later hammer with pin and change to the forked spring strut for sale part #80 in the index here :

Smith & Wesson 31 Revolver Parts, Schematics | Numrich Gun Parts

You can search for a hammer on Ebay, Gunbroker, or post a want ad in the classified section of this forum.

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Jim
S&WCA #819

Thanks, it is the ball socket type hammer. I better start looking for one.

Rough, but it works.

FYI to all! On the J frame guns the -1 implies built on the J frame(not I frame). There is one exception! On the mod 36 guns it means a 3" heavy barrel gun!
jcelect

Ah, ol' wise one, you have taught me well.

There are two other exceptions!

Model 60-1 (1972 or thereabouts), 171 manufactured, 3" Heavy Barrel, stainless steel

Model 60-1 (1985) 660 manufactured, 2" Chiefs Special Target, stainless steel

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Wrangler of stray Chiefs
Bob

Sorry Bob! My mind don't think about the "later" J frame guns! I can't walk and chew gum at the same time so please don't ask me to think of two different eras of guns! ! !
jcelect

These 32long j-frames are hard to find and a 31-1 4" shooter went for $625 on gunbroker, is that the going price these days? I have a 2" already.