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-   -   S&W model 30-1 (https://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1961-1980/100785-s-w-model-30-1-a.html)

jantydog 09-14-2009 07:35 PM

S&W model 30-1
 
I have been unable to find out hardly anything about this snubnose revolver on the internet. It looks brand new. It must not be too common as it is a .32. Serial number is 8163XX. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks.

Docdc 09-14-2009 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jandogty (Post 1096607)
I have been unable to find out hardly anything about this snubnose revolver on the internet. It looks brand new. It must not be too common as it is a .32. Serial number is 8163XX. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks.

God! One of my favoritist guns. I have both the 30-1 and the 31-1. They are a joy to shoot. The 30-1 was made between 1948 and 1976. Originally built on the I-frame, 1961 began the production on the J frame. Diamond grips deleted in 1968. What do you want to know. It's one of the best little guns Smith made.

Serial numbers: 1961-1970 712954-826977. Yours is towards the end so figure 1969 or 1970.

Someone correct me if I messed up the numbers. Wouldn't be the first time.

Doc

ColbyBruce 09-14-2009 08:31 PM

2 Attachment(s)
I don't know much about the snubbies, but I sure like the 3" versions.

Alk8944 09-14-2009 08:47 PM

Well, I bought 30-1 #7635XX during the Summer of 1968 so I would put yours 1969 or '70 leaning more toward early 1970. By "The Book" 1869 started at 786544.

vrichard 09-15-2009 09:17 AM

30-1
 
30-1 is allso one of my favorit s&w,mine is a 3in.pretty low ser.#,H3

Dick

jcelect 09-15-2009 10:27 AM

General info on the mod 30-1
 
The -1 mod number was the change to the J frame in April 1961 at #712954. In 1970 the factory changed the serial numbering system on these guns to using an H serial number prefix at serial #826977. The mod 30 could be bought in a barrel length of 2", 3", and 4". An interesting side note; the mod 30 is a round butt gun and the mod 31 is a square butt gun. This is the only guns that S&W made a model change for the butt configuration with the same caliber and/or barrel length!
jcelect SWCA#723

jantydog 09-15-2009 08:36 PM

Thanks all for this information. It is a 2". The blueing is about 100%, if not 100%. I really like the S&W revolvers but don't know much about them (I only have one other, a 19-6). Until now, I have been a Glock fan (and have a bunch), and somewhat still am, but it is hard not to love the Smiths the most.

I have no idea about value but would like to. I gave $150 for the 30-1 which is what the owner paid and wanted.

Smithboomer 09-15-2009 09:00 PM

The Model 30 is a favorite of mine also. $150 for a near-100% model is a fantastic price.

FYI you can shoot .32 ACP rounds from your new gun. I do this all the time. The ACP rounds are a lot cheaper than factory .32 Long ammo.

peyton 09-16-2009 12:39 AM

You got a great deal. I have been looking for a model 30, or 31 but they are snagged up quick!! I also shoot 32 acp out of my 631. You can find 32 S&W long at the bigger gun shops (if they are not out) but forget about finding it in the big box stores.

Hammerdown 09-16-2009 07:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by peyton (Post 1098408)
You got a great deal. I have been looking for a model 30, or 31 but they are snagged up quick!! I also shoot 32 acp out of my 631. You can find 32 S&W long at the bigger gun shops (if they are not out) but forget about finding it in the big box stores.







Hello Peyton
I grew tired at finding Prime examples costing in the $450.00-$595.00 dollar range, so I Picked up this Cosmetically challenged Blued one for $100.00, That Locked up Tight and had a shinny Bore and sent it off to Ford's in Florida for a re-finish. After a Lengthy conversation, we decided to go with the High Polished chrome finish as they said it would wear the best for daily carry. The Grips are serial numbered to the gun, as you can see it was real Rough Looks wise before I sent it to them. I prepped it prior to sending it, and I will Not take on that chore again as I have Many, Many Hour's in sanding Out all The Rust & Pits. I have carried it more than two years now, and it shows Zero evidence of carry wear. I have $300.00 in it Now, and no regreats to buying one that had not been shot much, but did not get the best of care externally. Ford's also Re-Applied the factory S&W Logo on it. I found it an afordable way to get a Pre-30 and this one is from 1958 Not Model Marked. I felt the Market Prices of Pristeen ones were high and daily carry would have soon Turned them into a shooter grade revolver in no Time, as Blued finish's show carry wear very fast, and even nickel will wear in time so The Hard chrome finish idea has served me well. This changed my out look on daily carry weapons and should I ever need another one, I would Not hesitate to Buy one finish challenged for a Song and have Ford's so their magic to it. Regards, Hammerdown



"Before Re-finishing"



http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/DSCF1310.JPG

http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/DSCF1309.JPG









After Ford's Re-Finishing"




http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/30-1_2.jpg

http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/30-1_3.jpg

jantydog 09-16-2009 08:21 PM

Thanks all for the information. It is so nice looking that I hate to carry/holster it. I still can't find out much about this gun....except for this great site.

smitholdtimer 09-16-2009 09:17 PM

Fords
 
Hammerdown, am I seeing things? Looks like the barrel pin is missing in your photos. jandogty, you have the deal we all are looking for, good shooting. Sorry, don't mean to hyjack your post.

Hammerdown 09-17-2009 06:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smitholdtimer (Post 1099346)
Hammerdown, am I seeing things? Looks like the barrel pin is missing in your photos.


Hello Smithshooter
It was. :o I sent it back and they Placed the Barrel pin back in it. ;) Regards, Hammerdown

Nframe_is_no1 09-19-2009 02:45 PM

I'm not normally a fan of refinishing, but in this case what a difference! I think you did the right thing. Just one question though, why was the barrel pin not finished to match?

jantydog 10-11-2009 08:58 PM

Do, or would you consider this to be a decent carry gun? If so, what ammo? If not, other than a nice piece, I am not sure what the use would be except the obvious fun of shooting it. Thanks.

gagunner 2 10-12-2009 01:49 AM

Georgia Arms makes a 85 gr.JHP , 32 S&W long round advertised at 850FPS.Sounds like it would be pretty good,

Hammerdown 10-12-2009 05:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jandogty (Post 1130770)
Do, or would you consider this to be a decent carry gun? If so, what ammo? If not, other than a nice piece, I am not sure what the use would be except the obvious fun of shooting it. Thanks.


Hello
Sure, Police Departments all over the U.S. Carried this round for years. As The Previous Poster Pointed out, Georgia ammo sells some Potent ammo for the .32 S&W Long Cartridge. I carry it and hand load all my own ammo for it... Hammerdown

peyton 10-12-2009 06:15 AM

Carry the .32 with confidence, it will shine with some good ammo and it is light and easy to carry. Now where are the pictures???

peyton 10-12-2009 06:19 AM

Hammerdown, what a difference that makes!!

Hammerdown 10-12-2009 06:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by peyton (Post 1131207)
Hammerdown, what a difference that makes!!

Hello peyton
Thanks, I simply love the .32 S&W Long round & have worked it up by hand loading recently for both my J-Frame and K-Frames. One can safely shoot this round at .38 Special velocities out of a -J-frame and still have one more round in the -J-Frames compared to the .38 special caliber-j-Frames... Hammerdown

jhp49 03-30-2011 03:03 PM

Model 30 stainless
 
I have a model 30, 2" barrel stainless, serial# H95605. It's maybe had 1 box of shells fired with it. It was my father's gun. Anybody have an idea of it's value for insurance purposes?

Thanks

Green Frog 03-30-2011 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jhp49 (Post 135895083)
I have a model 30, 2" barrel stainless, serial# H95605. It's maybe had 1 box of shells fired with it. It was my father's gun. Anybody have an idea of it's value for insurance purposes?

Thanks

Chances are, if it is a Model 30, you have a nickel finish there rather than stainless steel. AFAIK, there was never a stainless Model 30... but there was a stainless Model 631, IIRC, but it will be a .32 Magnum version with target features.

If it really is a Model 30, the H95605 SN puts into the mid to early 1970s.

HTH ~ Froggie

Florida Guy 03-30-2011 11:17 PM

They did a wonderful job on the gun.
Looks great.

jhp49 04-04-2011 11:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Green Frog (Post 135895798)
Chances are, if it is a Model 30, you have a nickel finish there rather than stainless steel. AFAIK, there was never a stainless Model 30... but there was a stainless Model 631, IIRC, but it will be a .32 Magnum version with target features.

If it really is a Model 30, the H95605 SN puts into the mid to early 1970s.

HTH ~ Froggie

It's a model 30. It may be nickel instead of stainless. My mom and I bought it for my father in the 70's. He owned a service station and wanted to carry it in his pocket on the nights he worked alone. I have the original user documentation to the pistol from S&W. WHat should I insure it for or list it for for an insurance list?

Thanks

SniperX 05-17-2011 04:01 PM

Old thread resurection!
 
Is this a model 30?

http://jasonsguns.com/ImageDisplay.aspx?imageId=7496

http://jasonsguns.com/ImageDisplay.aspx?imageId=7495

Under crane it says,

40973 and the letter E,

On frame it says 400.30

PMRet 05-18-2011 12:20 AM

1 Attachment(s)
Quote:

Originally Posted by peyton (Post 1131205)
Carry the .32 with confidence, it will shine with some good ammo and it is light and easy to carry.

Words of wisdom from the forum's resident .32 guru. These S&W snubbies offer the versatility of either .32 long or .32 magnum ammunition, plus a 6 shot to 5 advantage over .38 and .357 J frames. Bottom to top: 631, 631 Lady Smith, 632 Airweight.

Spuddy 01-13-2012 05:40 PM

Speed Loader?
 
I have a .32 long S&W model 30-1. I wonder if any speed loaders would work for this pistol. There does not appear to be enough clearance between cylinder and frame / grip. Any comments?

I'm3rd 01-15-2012 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jantydog (Post 1096607)
I have been unable to find out hardly anything about this snubnose revolver on the internet. It looks brand new. It must not be too common as it is a .32. Serial number is 8163XX. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks.

I have a 3"model 30-1 in practically new condition. It has checkered wood round butt grips and a beautiful polished blue finish with no wear, rust, pitting, or even a scratch. H 284200 is stamped on the butt of the grip but I'm not sure that it's the serial #, although a guy who is supposed to know the history of the 30-1 series says it is. The only other numbers are stamped on the yoke and I don't think S&W ever put serial #s there.

My wife inherited it from her mother who carried it in her car for many years before she passed away. As far as I know it was never fired by her, but her brother may have fired it a few times. I have fired approximately 200 rounds, mostly lead bullet handloads. I used load data I found in an old Handloader's Digest but reduced it by 15% just to be safe. If the velocity claimed by the writer for his maximum charge handloads is accurate mine should be good for approximately 825 - 850 fps with a 98 grain LSWC bullet.

I also made up a few rounds with the propellant weight he listed as maximum, (98 gr LSWC and 4.5 gr Unique), but I'm hesitant to fire them after being told that those little revolvers in pristine condition have considerable value as collector items.

linde 01-15-2012 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spuddy (Post 136288600)
I have a .32 long S&W model 30-1. I wonder if any speed loaders would work for this pistol. There does not appear to be enough clearance between cylinder and frame / grip. Any comments?

Am not aware of a speedloader made for the model 30-1 . . . or any model chambered for 32 S&W Long.

I did use speed loaders for my model 36s in .38 S&W Special caliber, but encountered the same problem you describe with the factory as well as many after-market stocks. I now use Bianchi SpeedStrip for the .38 and a Tuff Products "QuickStrip" for the .32. They work great, are much easier to carry and - with a little practice - can be as quick to use as a speed loader.

Good luck and enjoy,

Russ

Alk8944 01-16-2012 12:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by linde (Post 136292235)
Am not aware of a speedloader made for the model 30-1 . . . or any model chambered for 32 S&W Long.

I did use speed loaders for my model 36s in .38 S&W Special caliber, but encountered the same problem you describe with the factory as well as many after-market stocks. I now use Bianchi SpeedStrip for the .38 and a Tuff Products "QuickStrip" for the .32. They work great, are much easier to carry and - with a little practice - can be as quick to use as a speed loader.

Good luck and enjoy,

Russ

The H.K.S. 32-J speedloader is for T and J Frame .32 revolvers. It also works for the .32 Caliber Colt Police Positive and Detective Special models.

It will not work with Colt .32-20 Police Positive S[ecial guns.

pennlineman 01-16-2012 05:50 AM

I just put a LNIB 3" 30-1 on layaway. It will be my first .32 caliber revolver. I can't wait to try iy out.

Hammerdown 01-16-2012 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pennlineman (Post 136293082)
I just put a LNIB 3" 30-1 on layaway. It will be my first .32 caliber revolver. I can't wait to try iy out.

Hello pennlineman
I have never owned any J-I- or Improved I-Frame revolver chambered in .32 S&W Long Cartridge that did not shoot well. The Cartridge is super accurate and seem's to shoot at point of aim. I hand Load for all of the families .32 S&W Long Cartridge hand guns as i like to have a more potent round as most loads shown for them are mild. I also use Hornady 85 Grain XTP Bullet's which you can't find in any factory loads as most are wad cutters or Lead round bullets. I came across this 30-1 In Nickel about 4 Months ago. I have looked long and hard for one in Nickel but they don't seem to be out there. It is now in my wife's Purse....Hammerdown







http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...7/04d67aae.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...7/015e309c.jpg

pennlineman 01-22-2012 08:46 PM

Thanks for the information Hammerdown. Beautiful 30 you have there. The nickel examples are scarce around here too in most models. Congrats!

bikerlbf406 09-13-2013 01:33 AM

2 Attachment(s)
I just put a like new (I'd say easily 90-95% condition) 30-1 on lay a way today. I paid $400 out the door price for it. I'll have it paid off in 3-4 months from now unless I can come up w/ the rest of the money sooner. I have 120 days to get it paid off in. The serial number of the gun is 8152xx. Can any body tell me when the gun was likely made and if I got an ok deal on it. From what researched I've found they I'm seeing these in good condition sell for $450-$550. This is my first Smith & Wesson and also my first revolver. I believe it might be the 2" barrel however I haven't measured it so I don't know for fact, just guessing by the looks of how short it is. The pics are of the actual gun, they're descent pics but keep in mind they're ****** cell phone pics & don't do the gun justice and it is a really good looking gun.

hotrod150 09-13-2013 01:09 PM

Regarding ammo, I'm surprised that no one has mentioned Buffalo Bore yet. They produce two varieties of 32 S&W Long (aka 32 Colt New Police): a 115 gr hardcast flatnose at 800 fps, and a 100 gr hardcast wadcutter at 900 fps. My choice would be the wadcutter. From their website, it looks like the claimed velocities must be for a 4" gun, so expect somewhat less from a snubby.
Tha's the good news, the bad news is that they each sell for about $26 for a box of 20.
BTW Hammerdown, that's a beautiful refinish job on your pre-model 30. You say that it is a polished hard chrome finish, not nickel? Never heard of that on a gun before, but it sure looks great & sounds like it will hold up well.

Green Frog 09-13-2013 03:12 PM

As to speedloaders, HKS makes one that oddly enough is their Model #32. If you like HKS speedloaders, it works fine... I prefer the spring loaded type but haven't been able to find one for the 32. :(

Froggie

jeeps 09-13-2013 06:20 PM

My favorite SW the M-30-1 in 3" , a pleasure to shoot and own. I use a 100gr. flat tip hard cast bullet with 3.2 to 3.7 grs of Unique. Super accurate with good power and felon repellent.

Hammerdown 09-14-2013 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeeps (Post 137434453)
My favorite SW the M-30-1 in 3" , a pleasure to shoot and own. I use a 100gr. flat tip hard cast bullet with 3.2 to 3.7 grs of Unique. Super accurate with good power and felon repellent.

Hello Jeep's
Here's a Pair of Pre-30's In Chocolate & Vainilla finish in 3" form shown with original serial numbered diamond magna's. Regards, Hammerdown




http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/Mode...Pre-30_001.jpg

http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/Mode...Pre-30_002.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...-7/Pre-304.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...-7/Pre-302.jpg

Green Frog 09-14-2013 03:34 PM

Jeeps and hotrod150, I like to load my own for the 32 S&W Long with a 95-100 gr SWC and around 2 gr of Bullseye. When I'm going factory, I like the 100 gr JHPs from Georgia Arms. I can safely use them in all of my 32s from my early Reg Police models to my niece's 3" Model 30-1.

And to the person who asked way back when whether or not the 32 S&W L is enough of a round for EDC... I certainly hope so as it's what I generally have. If it looks like I'm going to have real trouble, I usually prefer to just stay home! ;)

Froggie

jeeps 10-03-2013 06:23 PM

100gr.hard cast flat point at 900-950fps is very power full felon repellent. I got rid of my 9mm Shield and carry my M-30-1 3" instead,more reliable and more accurate. It puts them where I aim. While the pristine M30 was worth $500ish unfired , $500 doe's not buy much anymore. My life is priceless.

RussellD 10-03-2013 07:24 PM

My taste run against the grain of conventional wisdom and financial advice. Even though it is cheaper to save a little longer and purchase a higher grade specimen-I still prefer to purchase a shooter grade something that I can enjoy shooting or carrying and refinish to my preference.

I lift my glass to you sir!

Dons1040 02-15-2016 06:09 PM

dons1040
Just aquired a S & W 32L 30-1 S.N. H64029. Can someone tell me the year of Mfg. and what the (H) stands for?.
Condition is 95 To 100 % there are some lite scuff marks in 3 places with a very lite line on the cylinder.

schutzen 04-29-2016 10:08 AM

?.32 H&R?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by PMRet (Post 135960412)
Words of wisdom from the forum's resident .32 guru. These S&W snubbies offer the versatility of either .32 long or .32 magnum ammunition, plus a 6 shot to 5 advantage over .38 and .357 J frames. Bottom to top: 631, 631 Lady Smith, 632 Airweight.

Am I reading this correctly or is it just wishful thinking on my part. Can the cambers of a 30 or 31 be deepened to take the .32 H&R Magnum safely?

I really like the .32 H&R Mag and this would be a sweet package.

wrangler5 09-17-2016 11:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by schutzen (Post 139067050)
Am I reading this correctly or is it just wishful thinking on my part. Can the cambers of a 30 or 31 be deepened to take the .32 H&R Magnum safely?

I really like the .32 H&R Mag and this would be a sweet package.

I know it's been a while, but I've acquired three 32s since this question was posted, including a 3" 31-1 which I had Big Cholla ream to 32 H&R Mag. Drop him a PM if you're interested. He only needs the cylinder, so you can use regular mail back and forth.

Buffalo Bore offers a very potent 100g JHP +P load in 32 H&R that averages 1100fps out of my 2" 432PD and 1234fps from the 3" 31. The muzzle energy of that round from the 2" 432 exceeds the energy of Remington's 38 Special +P 158g lead HP "FBI" load from a 2" Model 49, and from the 3" 31 it exceeds the energy of the Remington +P 38 out of my 4" Model 10. You know one of those BB +Ps is something special when you light one off, but I still find it much more comfortable to shoot from the alloy 432 than the 38 FBI load out of an alloy snubbie. (At $1.30/round I still don't shoot very many of 'em, though.)

The owner of Buffalo Bore advised that that particular +P round was safe for unlimited use in my reamed Model 31. (Which I don't find too surprising, as even with 6 chambers the cylinder walls are still thicker than the thinnest wall of a 38 Special J frame cylinder.)

I just got a beautiful 2" 30-1, which I haven't shot yet. I'll start it next week with 32 Longs, but even though I can theoretically pump a 32 Long up to H&R Mag velocities, I strongly suspect I'll send the cylinder off to Big Cholla for a ream to 32 H&R. Common ammo makes for simpler packing for range trips - I typically take wadcutters, mid-range plinkers and some hot stuff, all in H&R cases. Plus, I never have to worry about a super-hot 32 Long that I made up finding its way into an old weak gun.

ACORN 09-18-2016 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jantydog (Post 1098008)
Thanks all for this information. It is a 2". The blueing is about 100%, if not 100%. I really like the S&W revolvers but don't know much about them (I only have one other, a 19-6). Until now, I have been a Glock fan (and have a bunch), and somewhat still am, but it is hard not to love the Smiths the most.

I have no idea about value but would like to. I gave $150 for the 30-1 which is what the owner paid and wanted.

Glocks are soulless creatures. Sell them off a invest the money in quality S&W's. I'm only half kidding.
BTW $150? You otta be ashamed!;)

Ballenxj 03-05-2017 12:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by peyton (Post 1098408)
I also shoot 32 acp out of my 631.

This is interesting, do you have to use half moon clips to do this?
Another poster here states you can shoot .32 Magnum rounds too? Isn't that a bit dangerous? :eek:

tinstarfirearms 03-05-2017 01:25 AM

I have never fire .32acp out of either of my S&W #30 or #31-1 revolvers but I believe that the cartridge has just enough of a "rim" to accomodate the round. Neither of the factory guns should chamber the .32H&R magnum rounds without some custom work. Hope that helps.

Andrew

Ballenxj 03-05-2017 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tinstarfirearms (Post 139494637)
I have never fire .32acp out of either of my S&W #30 or #31-1 revolvers but I believe that the cartridge has just enough of a "rim" to accomodate the round. Neither of the factory guns should chamber the .32H&R magnum rounds without some custom work. Hope that helps.

Andrew

Even with the chambers reamed out to accept the H&R Mag rounds, wouldn't you consider the pressures a bit high for the gun?
OTOH, it might be just fine. I don't know.

wrangler5 03-05-2017 11:01 AM

The chamber walls on a 32 J frame are thicker than on a 38/357 J frame. S&W has offered J frames chambered for 327 Federal Magnum, which has a maximum pressure of something like 45,000 CUP, which I believe is the same as for 357 Magnum. So, same pressure limit, with thicker walls in the 32 caliber cylinder. There shouldn't be ANY problem for a 32 H&R Magnum round, which has a maximum pressure spec of 21,000 CUP.

Ballenxj 03-05-2017 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wrangler5 (Post 139495012)
The chamber walls on a 32 J frame are thicker than on a 38/357 J frame. S&W has offered J frames chambered for 327 Federal Magnum, which has a maximum pressure of something like 45,000 CUP, which I believe is the same as for 357 Magnum. So, same pressure limit, with thicker walls in the 32 caliber cylinder. There shouldn't be ANY problem for a 32 H&R Magnum round, which has a maximum pressure spec of 21,000 CUP.

Ah, Thanks. Just curious since I found one for sale and wanted to know more about it because everybody that has owned one seems to really like them. :)


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