1905 4th change .32 WCF serial# locations
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The number on the butt is the one to go by. On the yoke is just a number used for fitting at the factory. Underneath the barrel directly above the extractor rod should have a serial matching the butt as well as on the cylinder face.
Good luck! 32 wcf is a lot of fun. Hope you reload to save costs and shoot more.
Good luck! 32 wcf is a lot of fun. Hope you reload to save costs and shoot more.
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Thanks, I was going by this verse in the Bible - 5th edition
"The serial numbers are found on the butt, cylinder face, behind the star extractor, on the yoke, and on the barrel flat. Heat-treated cylinders began at serial number 81287."
That would confirm the cylinder is heat treated, I suppose. I'll try to get a look at the barrel flat but this is an online kinda thing.
"The serial numbers are found on the butt, cylinder face, behind the star extractor, on the yoke, and on the barrel flat. Heat-treated cylinders began at serial number 81287."
That would confirm the cylinder is heat treated, I suppose. I'll try to get a look at the barrel flat but this is an online kinda thing.
pics of serial number areas
Welcome to the Forum. Don't look too long at that 1905 4th Change....they just don't last long around here! Like said you should see matching serial number on butt, and barrel flat with cylinder swung out.
Mine was shipped in October 1921 per Roy Jinks.
If you are not a reloader the factory ammo is hard to find and very expensive when you do. I have been keeping the brass from mine and will probably have to think about reloading.
Great guns to shoot.
Come back and post some pics once you grab that guy. We love pictures!!
Welcome to the Forum. Don't look too long at that 1905 4th Change....they just don't last long around here! Like said you should see matching serial number on butt, and barrel flat with cylinder swung out.
Mine was shipped in October 1921 per Roy Jinks.
If you are not a reloader the factory ammo is hard to find and very expensive when you do. I have been keeping the brass from mine and will probably have to think about reloading.
Great guns to shoot.
Come back and post some pics once you grab that guy. We love pictures!!
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austintexas
Member
32-20
When they say the serial number is on the yoke, You have to look thru the cylinder charge holes to see it. With the cylinder open shine a light on the back of the yoke and look thru the cylinder.
SWCA 892
When they say the serial number is on the yoke, You have to look thru the cylinder charge holes to see it. With the cylinder open shine a light on the back of the yoke and look thru the cylinder.
SWCA 892
32 W.C.F. hand ejector, serial number 89914, probably shipped in 1920. It should NOT have Made in U.S.A. on the frame's right side.
What barrel length does this unit have? Can you post more pictures?
What barrel length does this unit have? Can you post more pictures?
DWalt
Member
Yours is very probably from the early 1920s. It is actually not a Model of 1905, as S&W ceased using that terminology around 1915. They would have cataloged yours as a ".32-20 Military and Police Model." Some prefer to continue use of the "Model of 1905" nomenclature until WWII. And that is OK, as M&P revolvers made in 1940 are only slightly changed from what they were in 1915. Regarding ammunition, factory .32-20 ammunition is scarce and expensive and those partial to that caliber are usually reloaders due to the logistics and fiscal difficulties associated with obtaining factory ammunition today. BTW, S&W ceased production of .32-20 revolvers around the late 1920s, but some were sold out of inventory for another 10 years or so. It was not a popular caliber and had low market demand.
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Alk8944
US Veteran
The last production year for the .32-20 revolvers was 1929 or 1930. They continued to be catalogued until 1940, but the last 2 revolvers that were still in inventory were finally shipped in 1965! Hardly only "10 years or so" after final production!
Everything looks Original and untouched.
Except for that Sight,,??
Very interesting, intriguing repair or modification on this one.
I was "expecting to see the top screw,, chewed up from a "Wonder Sight" ,,, but no.
Value? I like Penny (start) Auctions
Did you check on the underside of the barrel to see if the serial number there matches the one on the butt? This barrel has a target sight and the blue is more worn than on the frame. The target front sight adds to the mystery, although "half targets" are not unknown.
That is a rifle front sight, dovetailed into a cut down front sight boss.
If the bore is good, it should be a good shooter. I like it!
If the bore is good, it should be a good shooter. I like it!
I have seen 5" target revolvers posted on the forum. They had adjustable rear sights and pinned in front blades.
Welcome to the Forum! That .32-20 M&P (aka Model of 1905 4th Change) looks correct to me except for the front sight. However, many of these revolvers were heavily used and modified in some way over the years and I don't think it affects the value very much. My 6" (s/n 118705, ca. 1923) is just a little younger than the one you're looking at, and it also shows some honest wear. The barrel on mine is marked ".32-20 CTG", whereas that earlier one is stamped ".32 WCF". Sometime back in the day a previous owner added a copper bead to the front sight of my revolver but it's actually a helpful modification. If the price is right, jump on that revolver...they're a lot of fun to shoot when you can find some ammo for it. Enjoy!
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DWalt
Member
Colt was more prolific in their production of revolvers chambered for the .32-20 cartridge. I do not know how many .32-20 Colts were made, but Colt offered at least five different .32-20 revolver models up until WWII. Most sell for fairly handsome prices today. .32-20 was the most common caliber chambering for the Colt Bisley Model revolver.
Yes they should as described above.
And to note,,, the "assembly numbers" are stamped on the
1. Frame
2. Yoke
IF these two visible stampings ,, numbers Match.
The serial number on the Yoke will most probably match
The serial number on the butt (frame)
The picture you provided of the assembly number in the Opening post is awesome!! The sharp edges are noticeable,, very little wear on these moving parts.
And the butt,,, those dings and dents.
Are 100 years old
I'm speculating that 5" is the original barrel.
The pin looks undisturbed but as Jack pointed out the finish on the barrel is???
Here is a 5" target model in my collection. It is much older than the one that is the subject of this thread, but it demonstrates that they exist. This one shipped to Philip Bekeart on March 15, 1904.
The OP's unit is not a factory target revolver. As has been pointed out, the front sight has been altered.
My buddy had to return his under warranty for excessive cylinder/barrel gap. I believe it was .01, which is in spec but they took care of it gratis. Now .004
