Pics of my "new" 32 Hand Ejector (56k users beware)

[IrvJr]

I managed to take some digital photos of my "new" Smith and Wesson 32 Long Hand Ejector revolver. The Serial # for this gun is 101xxx. The finish is OK, considering that the gun is almost 100 years old. Mechanically, the gun is in very good shape. The trigger action is a little heavy, but very smooth. The bore is OK - it's got some corrosion and such, but I can still see the lands and grooves clearly, in spite of some minor pitting/rust.

I need to clean the gun - I haven't had a chance to clean it. Also, the grips on the left hand side are cracked. I might try some of those reproduction grips that I've seen on the net to see if they would be a suitable replacement (I'll keep the originals of course).

I bought some Remington factory 98gr lead round nose cartridges from the shop as well. I also plan on working up a low pressure handload using Unique powder and lead round nose bullets (also 98 gr). I hope to get a chance to go to the range this week.

Here are some pictures. Sorry for the poor quality - even though my dad was a photographer in the US Army, I am a poor photographer! I've included a picture of the gun with an old Lightweight Commander that I bought a couple of years ago from the same shop.

 

[DCWilson]

You're going to have fun with that. Even the process of cleaning it up is going to be a treat. Enjoy!

 

[Vfeldman]

That is a nice looking 32. I have two 32's and hope to grow that part of my collection larger.

I also am planning on handloading for them. Have you located a good source for brass yet? It seems everyone is out of 32 brass at the moment. I did find some wadcutters at Midway and I also managed to pick up a box of 50 round nose factory loads when I bought the gun. So I'll have 100 pieces of brass when I get it all shot. Sure would like at least 200 more.

I also have a Ruger Single six in 32 H&R magnum. 32 sure is a sweet caliber!!

Enjoy your new toy!!!

Vic

 

[MSgt G]

Not bad at all I love those little .32's!

 

[m1gunner]

There are a bunch of grips available for that 32. I have run across a dozen or more trying to find some for my Regulation Police (same gun as yours with a chunk missing from the frame backstrap).

Gunbroker seems to always have some for the 32 HE

 

[IrvJr]

Thanks fellas!

Vfeldman - haven't looked online yet for a good source of 32 Long brass, but I did see that Midway USA had some round nose 98gr bullets available that I am going to buy in addition to some carbide dies.

The local shop had a Ruger 32 Single Six there too! I saw it and liked it a lot, but I decided to go with the double action vintage gun instead.

 

[mikepriwer]

While I don't often recommend it, that's a gun in need of a
refinish. Other than its lost most of the original blue, the physical
surface condition looks very good. Ie, no visible dings, dents,
scratches, etc. A straight factory-style refinish ( not a restoration )
would do wonders for it. You may or may not get all the money back,
but it will look a lot better - assuming that's important to you.

Mike Priwer

 

[PattonTime]

32 S&W Long brass

Here is some from a place I have been ordering from, they seem to specialize in unusual brass. I found them to be the only people that had 348 Winchester brass for my new old rifle.

It is Chestnut Ridge supply

32 S&W, New, 100 pc (Win) $19.93 Winchester factory new brass.
32 S&W Long, New, Starline, 100 pc $17.69 Starline (made in USA) factory new brass.

 

[Green Frog]

For simply covering up the grip frame, there is an outfit in North Carolina that makes black epoxy-type castings of many period grips, including, IIRC, those for the .32 HE. Just don't put them beside originals or the detail will probably disappoint you! I agree with Mike that this specimen will benefit from a quality reblue, and at that time you might wish to install a pair of custom or aftermarket grips, proclaiming proudly that this is your personalized revolver.

As for reloading, StarLine brass has been good for me in other calibers, so I would expect it to be similarly good in this caliber... if I didn't have a large stash of factory Remington ammo, that's how I would go. Dies are a no-brainer, with the set from Lee coming complete with carbide full length sizer and shell holder. I like the heavy 3118 SWC bullet from Ideal, but am looking at Hornaday's swaged HBWC and the Lyman 311316 (used w/o GC) for less recoil and stress on the 100 year old gun.

Welcome to the insanity!!

Froggie

 

[TNDave]

Congrats on a nice old gun. It looks pretty good.

 

[walnutred]

I know this is not the reloading section but since you mentioned reloading for your new revolver I'll chime in. For my 32 S&W Longs I normally use the Lee 90 gn SWC TL bullet lubed with LLA over 2.3gns of W231. I have no idea what the velocity is but for me this load tends to shoot to POA in my I frames and J frames and gives no extraction problems.

I also use this bullet for 32 S&W loads, different powder charge of course. By the way, I've found 32 S&W brass harder to find than 32 S&W Long, so I normally use 32 ACP brass loaded to 32 S&W ballistics. As long as you remember to tip the muzzle up when ejecting fired ctgs they work pretty well.

Be REAL cautious when measuring powder charges, the small cases give little margin of error. A 0.2 error in weighing powder can make a big difference in the 32s.

 

[IrvJr]

Thanks folks for the replies!

And thanks Walnutred for the reloading tips.

I will be careful when handloading for this gun. I measure each charge when I reload and only do small batches at a time (50 or less) to keep the quality and safety levels higher.

 

[Vfeldman]

Thanks fellas!

Vfeldman - haven't looked online yet for a good source of 32 Long brass, but I did see that Midway USA had some round nose 98gr bullets available that I am going to buy in addition to some carbide dies.

The local shop had a Ruger 32 Single Six there too! I saw it and liked it a lot, but I decided to go with the double action vintage gun instead.

I get all of my lead bullets from Terry at Magnus bullets. He is local to me so I save on shipping.

The same week I found my 4 screw 3" S&W 32 I frame, I saw a preowned but unfired Ruger 32 single six with the case hardened frame & bird head grip. So I did what I needed to do..I bought both of them. Truth be told, The Ruger is still on lay a way along with 4 other handguns. Everytime I go to make a payment, I find something else I can't live without!

 

[IrvJr]

VFeldman - You are a man of good taste! I so very much wanted to buy the Ruger in .32, but I figured I should save some money so I can buy food and Christmas presents for the kids!

I feel the urge to go to every gun shop in the state and look for old .32's. Eventually, if it's still there, I might have to go back and get that Ruger .32. It looked like a mini vaquero - no adjustable sights, regular (non-birdshead) grip.

Enjoy your guns and thanks for the tip on Magnus bullets. I'll check them out.