Unknown 32

[Southbend]

This S&W revolver came in to my shop missing the mainspring, rod, and swivel. I'm not sure of identification so that I can try to find the missing parts. The gun is 3" barrel, appears to be J-frame, has modern lockwork, but it has no model number. Serial number is in the 6071xx range. It is chambered for 32 S&W long. The mainspring rod would have to have a round head based on the pocket for it in the rear of the hammer. There is no pin for a stirrup to fit over. Is this a "pre-31"? Any idea where I can go for the missing parts? Thanks!

S&W32 by William Jacobs, on Flickr

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Howdy, and Welcome aboard!

Yes, it's a pre-Model 31 from about 1957, the year S&W ordered model numbers.

I have 689371, and it's a Model 31 that shipped in August 1958.

"Ball and socket" is the mechanism. Shouldn't be that difficult to find what you need. Numrich is one of the popular supply houses. If you don't find something soon, send a PM to me. I might have one that will fit.

One of the experts should be along shortly with more info.

Best of luck.

 

[Green Frog]

Two-bit cowboy seems to have nailed it. from what I can see, it appears that everything for the internal workings is there except the mainspring assembly. These parts are available most of the time from all of the parts houses. You might also look into a parts kit from one of the auction sites... more or less complete Model 36 kits show up on Gun Broker and similar sites pretty often and fairly cheaply... then if any small parts are missing, you're covered. Looks like your customer got a nice gun, but I can't help but wonder who took it apart and why they lost the spring assembly. The parts kit would be good insurance that you don't get going and find some other internal part missing.

Froggie

 

[Hondo44]

Welcome to the forum.

Bob is correct on the parts needed.

It's a .32 Hand Ejector Improved I frame Model, Pre Model of 1953, and due to the round butt, it later became the Mod 30. Parts needed:

Smith & Wesson Model 30 Parts | Numrich Gun Parts

Mainspring Plunger, Old Style, Used, Original (Ball Type)
Manufacturer: SMITH & WESSON
Model: 30, 32, 33, 35
Product #: 397420D


Smith & Wesson 31-2 Revolver Parts, Schematics | Gun Parts Corp.

Mainspring, Used Factory - Condition May Vary
Product #: 1658060


Smith & Wesson 31-2 Revolver Parts, Schematics | Gun Parts Corp.

Mainspring Rod Swivel, Steel, Used - Condition May Vary
Product #: 312150A

Something is definitely wrong with the rebound slide, it looks chewed up in your photo!

Smith & Wesson 31-2 Revolver Parts, Schematics | Gun Parts Corp.

Rebound Slide (w/o Pin) (use old pin)
Product #: 1235400A

 

[Southbend]

Thanks to all! Parts are on the way. I think the gun has been reblued. Not a horrible job, but it looks like a reblue to me. I would guess that the spring assembly was lost in that process. Also, the sideplate has a very slight pry mark on it from someone who did not know how to disassemble the revolver. Pity.

Bill Jacobs
Bolt&Barrel Gunsmithing, LLC

 

[OLDSTER]

Hello from North Dakota

 

[Muley Gil]

Welcome to the Forum.

The pre Model 30 is a round butt. The pre Model 31 is a square butt.

 

[Hondo44]

Thanks to all! Parts are on the way. I think the gun has been reblued. Not a horrible job, but it looks like a reblue to me. I would guess that the spring assembly was lost in that process. Also, the sideplate has a very slight pry mark on it from someone who did not know how to disassemble the revolver. Pity.

Bill Jacobs
Bolt&Barrel Gunsmithing, LLC

Hi Bill,

If you're motivated, the pry mark can be massaged an not look near as bad. Can you send a photo?

Can you tell what it was that chewed up the rebound slide? I'm completely dumbfounded by what could have caused that! It's a safety feature.

 

[Southbend]

The lighting gremlins got me on that first picture. The rebound slide is actually OK. This photo (hopefully) shows the rebound slide and the sideplate with the dimpled spot on the forward edge.

Bill Jacobs

S&Wpre30 by William Jacobs, on Flickr

 

[Muley Gil]

If you have access to an anvil or the flat spot on a vise, you could use a large piece of brass or copper to flatten out the side plate. Tap lightly.

 

[Hondo44]

Hi Bill,

Muley Gil above is correct, the side plate could really be improved. Put the outside surface on a piece of sheet brass on a very flat surface. You want to use a flat piece of steel against the inside surface of the side plate to hammer gently on, until the front surface is flat. Then polish the brass 'smudge' off of the bluing.