Recent content by Bastogne71

Your model 41 falls in the middle of 1969 range of production. As mentioned above, the box with number A448319 is from 1978 just before the 7 3/8” that’s on your model 41 was discontinued. The grips are aftermarket and totally unsuitable for me, a left hand shooter. But they are still very nice...

The muzzle break is held on by a screw that attaches to the internal weight. The weight, aluminum or steel, is screwed in the barrel from the bottom so it is not directly attached to the barrel. S&W included a false muzzle cap that replaced the break if so desired. Some competitors believed the...

1. The muzzle break was shortened from 1 9/16” to 1 5/16” in 1961 2. The model number was moved to the right side about #27500 in 1961 3. The early stocks were usually darker walnut with a matte finish. Around 1970 they were changed to a normally a shinier lighter walnut. 4. A minor frame...

The Standard Catalog of S&W isn’t too helpful. It lists the models 32 & 33 starting post war production in 1949 with #54479 and ending with #122678 in 1969. Fortunately, you provided excellent photos of the box that offers several clues. Your 38 RP is a dash 1 J frame. The J frames started in...

S&W did not manufacture or ship their products in serial number order so it is not possible to accurately date by serial number. That understood, yours most likely was shipped by S&W in 1981 because others in that number range were shipped that year.

The SAAMI standards for 38 Special, 357 Magnum, and 9mm Luger all are for a 0.355 inch (9.02mm) bore diameter.

The smooth target stocks make it an even better buy. I would buy it at that price if I didn’t already have a 34-1.

Skeletor1978 Most likely your model 41 would have been shipped in 1958. But remember what I posted about S&W’s manufacturing and shipping practices. Consider that model 41 serial numbers 12112 & 18968 were both shipped on the same invoice on September 11, 1959 and you see the problem with dating...

I prefer the combat stocks on my 4” J frames. Purchased them when they were available new in blister packs at you local gun shop for a reasonable price. Turns out to be a great investment considering today’s prices. From the top, you see a model 63, a 651, and a 631.

Bear Creek Supply lists a 118 grain, labeled as “Original 32-20 WCF”

Another vote for Beltman. I’ve been wearing one for over 15 years every day except for dress pants on Sunday. It’s going as strong as ever and would certainly get another just to get a different color.

UPS delivered my order of 32 H&R Hydra-Shoc ammunition Saturday and I got to the range this morning to try it out in my model 432UC. Thought that my fellow 32 fans would like a report. I was shooting from a bench at 25 yards, 77 degrees, and a dead calm morning. Ten rounds: Average velocity...

Froggie, Ken Waters in Handloader Pet Loads May 1979 has the duplicate of the British 380 Mk I as 2.0 grains of Bullseye under a 200 grain lead round nose loaded to 1.19” OAL. He reports that this load yields 610 fps from a 4” barrel Ruger. He warns that this load should never be used in a top...

Another one to consider is the Federal Hydra-Shoc Deep 32 H&R. This is a new release by Federal that is just beginning to reach the market that was designed for self defense in short barrel revolvers. There are not many reviews of the H&R version yet but the Hydra-Shoc Deep in other calibers are...

Hi neighbor! I’m right next door in Roanoke. Welcome to the forum!