A mystery gun...

[Truckman]

OK, so it's surely not a mystery to those here familiar with them, but I've never had a .32 Long before, and this one just appealed to me...If I'm reading SCSW4 correctly it's a Model of 1953, possibly a first year production given the serial number of 2158...My guess is an improved I-frame with a four screw sideplate and no TG screw...But what is the double mainspring, I don't recall ever seeing one, or am I just that absent minded?...

My poor photography doesn't show it clearly but there is a star next to the serial number at the bottom, and the stamps at the toe of the left grip frame show a return date of 11/16...I don't think it was for a refinish given the condition of the bluing...The S/N appears on the rear of the cylinder and the barrel flat with the addition of a B on the barrel flat to indicate original blued finish...

Left side of barrel says .32 Long, three lines on barrel top indicate address and patent dates, nothing on right side...I notice a large ejector knob, a pinned front sight and a checkered hammer spur...Trademark is on the sideplate, and cylinder length is 1.25"...Barrel length from cylinder to muzzle end is 4.25"...

I won't even bother asking an estimate of value since I always assume I'm getting screwed, but at least the stag grips are real, and nicely done...If anyone needs additional pics to help identify this rescued orphan while I make a place for it in its new home, I'll do my best......Ben

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Ben I think you're about 118 years off on the date on that gun. Looks like a model 1903 to me. Someone will be along shortly to give you more pertinent information.

 

[cgt4570]

Yep. That's a very early Model of 1903 since it has the leaf trigger return spring.
Odds are that the front sight has been replaced, but on rare occasions, one turns up that's a "semi-target" meaning it has either a front or rear original target sight, but not both.
I have a first year 4-digit, but mine has target front and rear sights.

 

[Truckman]

Ben I think you're about 118 years off on the date on that gun. Looks like a model 1903 to me. Someone will be along shortly to give you more pertinent information.

Well, I wasn't sure, Guy, that's why I ask for info here...It just looked forlorn sitting there surrounded by all those more modern kids, and I figured it needed a better home...

I'm hoping someone can nail down a closer guess as to what to call it before I ask Roy for a ship date...I haven't even entered it into my book yet, because I didn't know what ewxactly to call it......Ben

 

[Truckman]

Chris, what frame would we call this with a 4 screw sideplate and no TG screw?......Ben

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Ben, it is called the .32 Hand Ejector Model 1903 (AKA .32 Hand Ejector 2nd Model). With that low a serial, it had to have been made in 1903. It has the Model 1896 action made up of flat springs and levers. The ubiquitous rebound slide didn't come along until a few years later. The refinish it got in 1916 seems to have held up quite well. Looks like a good acquisition to me.

 

[StrawHat]

That is an I frame. I have a similar revolver, great shooter and almost forgettable when carried! I load mine with wad cutter ammunition. It makes a nice impression on whatever it hits.

Kevin

 

[Truckman]

Looks like a good acquisition to me.

Considering I traded even for a 4" Model 10-5, I'm beginning to agree......Ben

 

[Truckman]

This is getting interestinger and interestinger......Ben

 

[Truckman]

That is an I frame.

Thanks, Kevin, I also noticed it barely carried any weight when I put it in my holster at the gun show...I like that holster you use......Ben

 

[Modified]

Looks like a king blade on the front there? I can't tell from the pictures.

Any work done to the rear sight?

Personally I love these upgraded "fixed sight targets". I really enjoy being able to shoot an old old gun that has great sights that were installed long long ago.

 

[StrawHat]

Thanks, Kevin, I also noticed it barely carried any weight when I put it in my holster at the gun show...I like that holster you use......Ben

They are lightweight, especially when compared to my normal N frame! That holster is one I commissioned from Leathersmith Mike in Colorado. A copy of an early Sunday holster. Not quite correct but close and still usable. I like it a lot.

Kevin

 

[Truckman]

Looks like a king blade on the front there? I can't tell from the pictures.

Any work done to the rear sight?

The rear sight is just the standard grooved topstrap...I can't seem to get a better focus this morning with my Canon (still on the first pot of coffee), but maybe these are clear enough for an ID of the front sight...Could the front sight have been a factory alteration when it went back to the mothership?...I'll be lettering this one......Ben

 

[SS336]

Cool revolver. The front sight looks like a gunsmith modification to me.
The old sights are hard to see, a logical mod for a revolver that old.

 

[Dale53]

First of all, to the O.P. congratulations on a VERY interesting little revolver.

Looking at the front sight, that tells me that a prior owner was a SHOOTER!
That brings a smile on my face. I, too, truly enjoy my .32's and have shot them a good bit. Frankly, a good .32 with a proper shaped cast bullet at reasonable speeds is a truly practical edible small game gun. I have found them FAR superior to the .22 rimfire. I would NOT exceed the loading manual loads for that early revolver as there is NO need to beat a fine revolver like that to death. However, a properly shaped bullet loaded appropriately will do a fine job in the field.

I favor the group buy 100 gr Keith bullet as well as the RCBS 98 gr. SWC.

There are many on board here who have experienced excellent field results with a properly loaded .32.

FWIW
Dale53

 

[Truckman]

That's good information, Dale, I regret selling all my handloading equipment when I went into business full time......Ben

 

[Truckman]

Roy just confirmed that my gun shipped August 1903......Ben

 

[delcrossv]

1st I frame? Warning, it won't be your last...

 

[Truckman]

1st I frame? Warning, it won't be your last...

Nope, my Regulation Police is still in the body shop getting chopped and channeled......Ben