Thanks. What I like first and foremost is that everything is as it came from the factory. Whilst some may refer to any calibre under the 38 spl as pipsqueak or mouse-gun this might have contributed unto this arm maintaining it's proper coiffe. The market is awash w/cannibalized shooters burdened w/some form of rubberized handle that I'll not dignify by referring to as anything save a grip. Stag, bone, MOP, ivory & aftermarket wood stocks notwithstanding as statement of preference along w/some faux/reproduction as any port in a storm shelter. Possibly being overlooked as not enough gun/obscure chambering was it's saving grace.
I doubt that I'll ever clean the old gal. At this juncture I wouldn't be entertained in tidying anything except possibly the monograms a wee bit. Then, as you so astutely pointed out, one must tread lightly. The dark stocks make for a pleasant contrast against the ole yeller glow of tarnished nickel. Enough of mediocre parry at waxing philosophically.
It appears that this 4 screw HE 32 transitioned when serrated triggers were plentiful, but perhaps 3.25" barrels were no longer available. According to SCSW 3rd ed,, the Model 30 used a smooth trigger w/serrated ramp front sight. I'm not sure if the half round blade sight was available in a 3" barrel though my Model 1903 .32 HE sports the 3.25" half round blade and a smooth trigger.
It's conceivable that this shipped in '55. At 5/11/1956 another .32 w/serrated trigger & 3" ramped serrated barrel also in nickel, per factory letter, shipped w/SN 7,125 difference higher than mine. Of course mine could have also shipped at that time or even later. W/o a letter who knows? Still, it's fun speculating. Perhaps others close in SN will respond.
I lifted a pic from another member's post showing his three .32 HE w/last being a Model 30. Along w/other changes it highlights the three different cylinder latches w/mine being the same as the middle arm. The latch on top is the same as my Model 1903 32 HE & Regulation Police in 38 S&W. I do not have anything w/mod 30 type flat latch, but I enjoy the flat on an angled w/an ear version. I think that latch covered postwar-model 30 w/32 HE/RP though I know of no proper name for the style. I'm sure there's some better moniker than my flat angled w/ear description. As well I've no doubt they used most of the existing inventory of the first type latch just as they surely did the same w/second style when changing over to the flat latch. They probably squirreled away a few for spares/repairs dependent on NOS at hand.
Another thing I note, besides the cylinder length, on the Model 30 is the trigger guard. Elongated as the center arm, yet flattened on the bottom. Here's a shot of my three amigos.
ETA: It seems all mine lacks being a mod 30 is a new style hammer, the third/flat cylinder release & being stamped mod-30. As I understand anyway.
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Caveat venditor.
Last edited by Nicksterdemus; 08-01-2014 at 05:41 AM.
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