Quote:
Originally Posted by Retired W4
The cylinder release on my 32 HE, SN: 693005 has a flat latch. BTW it shipped March 1960. Slow moving 32's. Would a 32 HE, SN: 56XXXX have a standard latch? Asking for a friend.  |
There is a very good write-up on I-frame revolvers in the SCSW 4th Edition by James Carter that details the features of the various I-frames, Improved I-frames and New I-frames (model of 1953). Jim states that the flat latch first appeared in very late Improved I-frame revolvers, and beginning with the New I-frame model of 1953, flat latches were used until discontinued in 1966.
I have a .32 HE, sn 654621, shipped June 1957 (New I-frame) with flat latch. I have .32 RP, sn 594084, shipped January 1953 (Improved I-frame) with standard latch.
Your 56xxxx would be an Improved I-frame with the standard latch. I hope James comes along to correct anything I said that might be incorrect.