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S&W Revolvers: 1961 to 1980 3-Screw PINNED Barrel SWING-OUT Cylinder Hand Ejectors WITH Model Numbers


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Old 08-12-2017, 04:01 PM
RawPony03 RawPony03 is offline
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Default Model 32-1

A friend of mine at work said he recently came into possession of a model 32-1, nickel, #103xxx. Any suggestions about date of manufacture?
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Old 08-12-2017, 05:35 PM
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According to the standard catalog, production of the "J-frame" series of these guns (increased size from the I frame) began with the 32-1, in 1961.

Someone will be along shortly to help you with a closer dahe, or year of manufacture.
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Old 08-12-2017, 05:55 PM
g8rb8 g8rb8 is offline
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re: serial #103xxx

So far I can deduct it is from sometime between 1961 and 1969 but using the below information you should be able to narrow the date a bit more until (hopefully) someone with a data base chimes in.

Prior to 1957 S&W used names for their models but from 1957 on used numeric model numbers.

The .38/.32 Terrier (also referred to a a "Terrier" or the "pre-model 32" prior to 1957) and the Model 32 falls into the postwar serial # range of 54474-122678 from 1948 to 1974.

1. Since it's model marked it's from after 1957.
2. Since it is a dash-1, i.e. 32-1, it is from 1961 or later.
3. The thumbpiece was changed from a flat latch in 1966 to a more modern thumbpiece.
4. Diamond center grips were deleted 1968. Check (carefully remove) the inside left side (same side as the thumpiece) grip panel and if original it should have a stamped serial # to match the serial # of the revolver.
5. R prefixes were added to the serial number in 1969 so it is earlier than 1969.

I borrowed an image from a member (Hondo44)
The image in the below link show diamond center grips on all of the wooden grip revolvers EXCEPT for the revolver on the bottom right side.
The image show a flat latch thumbpiece in the 2 revolvers uppermost revolvers on the right side.

http://www.fototime.com/AE0D6AA186D64A9/orig.jpg
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Last edited by g8rb8; 08-12-2017 at 06:03 PM.
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