Quote:
Originally Posted by g8rb8
Welcome to the S&W Forum.
The SCSW (Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson), third edition, is only modestly helpful.
Yours is most likely either a ".32 Hand Ejector" or a ".32 Regulation Police". After 1957 they were known as either Models 30 or Model 31. Serial # range 536685-712953 was produced from 1946-1960. Your serial # of 690xxx would be consistent with a gun purchased in the 1950's.
I used to think I remembered how to tell a .32 Hand Ejector from a .32 Regulation Police but after looking at the SCSW tonight either I didn't or the catalog has a misprint.
The catalog says the .32 Hand Ejector has a round butt frame. I thought the .32 Regulation Police had a square butt frame but the catalog says differently. Hopefully another member will clarify. Pictures would be helpful.
Square butt versus round butt frame. Round butt is on the bottom.
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The SCSW is an excellent resource and the 3rd edition is the best to date. However the small I frame sections have been the least updated with new known information and therefore a little confusing.
Click on the yellow 3 in the upper right corner of this post for up to date details on these confusing and highly evolutionary 1950s I frame models. It's been shared with the author and I hope as much as possible is included in the upcoming SCSW 4th ed.