Help identifying old s&w 32

[killswitch917]

Super tight, good rifling , marked 32 Winchester ctg. serial 89xx. Had to lay it away since I'm at work . Price wa $235.00

 

[glowe]

Could you supply the serial number? I assume it is a K frame, if chambered in 32-20, but serial number will determine what you have. There were several changes in this model, as almost 150,000 of these were made in total.

 

[DCWilson]

That's a .32 WCF Military & Police Model of 1902, probably shipped no later than 1903. The straight profile barrel means it is initial production of this model, and not the "first change" variety. It has the old style trigger return spring rather than the modern coil spring and slide that has been central to S&W revolvers since 1906. You can tell about the spring by the location of the stud ends on the left side of the frame.

 

[killswitch917]

Serial on grip is : 89xx

 

[killswitch917]

Worth $235.00?

 

[DCWilson]

Worth $235.00?

Easily! You got a deal.

Even with a slightly rough finish, there is a lot of eye appeal there, and it's good to hear the action and bore are good. I'd think that gun could go for $400 in a lot of places.

If you are going to shoot it, be careful about old ammo loaded for rifle use. Modern ammo is loaded for use in handguns or rifles, but the rifle-only loads from decades past, should you come across any, are too hot for revolvers like this one. Actually, I'd probably limit myself to lower-speed cowboy action loads.

 

[killswitch917]

That's what I was thinking, the other side has better finish than the one shown, I just snapped a quick pic while I was paying a deposit. The lock up is tight , all chambers index perfect and barrel is way good. I was gonna get cowboy action loads and just shoot it from time to time.

 

[Muley Gil]

"If you are going to shoot it, be careful about old ammo loaded for rifle use. Modern ammo is loaded for use in handguns or rifles, but the rifle-only loads from decades past, should you come across any, are too hot for revolvers like this one."

The factory rifle-only .32-20 loads were loaded with a 80 grain jacketed hollow point bullet and the case head was stamped with a "HV" for High Velocity". Also, beware of old handloaded ammo, as you have no idea HOW HOT it was loaded. If you do encounter cheap handloads, they can be broken down for the components.

.32-20 revolvers are FUN! I feel that you got a good deal.

 

[Green Frog]

That's what I was thinking, the other side has better finish than the one shown, I just snapped a quick pic while I was paying a deposit. The lock up is tight , all chambers index perfect and barrel is way good. I was gonna get cowboy action loads and just shoot it from time to time.

You were doing fine until the last phrase, "and just shoot it from time to time." You'll want to get loading dies and bullet moulds so you can load and shoot it a lot!! Nice find. I had almost the exact same gun and sold it in a moment of weakness... but now I have it in blue and I think it will be staying with me for a loooong time!

Froggie

 

[killswitch917]

I don't reload but my friend does. I'll get dies and some components and have him hook me up. Thanks again!

 

[Dr.-d]

I have one just like it, just slightly older in the 7***. I have owned for 15yrs or so and reload and used to shoot it a lot years back. A lot of fun.