I run across ol revolvers all the time and don't know enough to make an educated valuation to buy or not. I see a lot of old M&Ps, and maybe they're easter eggs or not. I can usually value things that I work with a lot, but guns are not in that familiar territory. One LGD had an M&P nickel 38spl with a lot of wear that seemed to be cheap. After a close look I seemed tight and in good mechanical condition. On closer look, it was marked 32 S&W. This was the second 32 in 2 days. Both seemed to be priced right, but I just didn't have the knowledge at my fingertips. I have traded guns for 60 years now, but the market is just too complex for me to keep a close handle to spot deals. I will continue to plod on and just follow my heart and realize that I may get stuck so just make sure it's something I like if I buy it. I guess that's really all you can expect.
I Wish I Knew More About Old S&Ws
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You need to buy a copy of the STandard Catalog of S&W, 5th Edition and study it.
Thanks
^^^ What Guy said. 32s seem "hot" right now, however, I do not own one. Good luch. The fun is in the learning and searching. You have a bunch of (blasted) enablers here, but a really good crowd.
AND, read this Forum. The combined knowledge of the membership is AWESOME!
Paying attention to the details is the most important lesson to learn. First is caliber, not part of the caliber line, but the entire caliber stamping. From your post, it sounds like you were looking at a hand ejector revolver. Pre-WWII there were only four frame sizes made - M, I, K, and N frames, sizes shown below. Size differences are easy to spot once you do some homework on them. The M frame was a tiny 22 LONG CTG revolver. The I frame came in 22 LONG RIFLE CTG and 32 LONG CTG. only. K frame revolvers were typically made in 22 LONG RIFLE CTG., 32 WINCHESTER ( which is the same as 32 W C.F. CTG & 32-20 CTG), and 38 SPECIAL CTG. Only a handful of K frames were made in 32 Long. The N frame came in 357 Magnum, 38-44 and several 44 and 45 calibers.
I notice you stated 32 S&W, which was a top-break caliber only, so must have had a different barrel stamping then you remember.
Reprints of Smith & Wesson 1857 - 1945, by Roy Jinks is affordable and offers a full history of S&W manufacture. A great resource for pre-WWII Smith & Wesson guns.
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45NUTT
Member
18 months ago I knew very little about pre WWII S&W revolvers. I bought the Jinks book mentioned and it has been an invaluable resource. My next book with be the Standard Catalog 5th edition. This is what I have accumulated using that knowledge.
I just Googled the S&W catalog and got sticker shock. After scrolling down a bit I found a FREE copy on line. If any of you don't already know about Internet Archive at Archive.com, The catalog is free for the viewing. I am already using it. Great FREE resource. Thanks again to all of you for the heads up on the book.
Seems I have seen most of these guns in shops in the last few weeks. I saw 3 top breaks yesterday at what seemed tobe be cheap prices, but had no way of knowing
I have been gravitating towards the older pre-war era S&W revolvers, especially the M&P's. I like the fit and finish as the
craftsmanship of that era was second to none, and they didn't have CNC technology. I prefer the ones that show honest
wear, but no rust or pitting due to misuse. If they function as designed and the grips are original, I'm in. Of course they
made a lot of them, so I also look for reasonable prices. The last two I picked up needed to have worn or damaged/home made
parts replaced, and a good cleaning and light lube. They work great.
craftsmanship of that era was second to none, and they didn't have CNC technology. I prefer the ones that show honest
wear, but no rust or pitting due to misuse. If they function as designed and the grips are original, I'm in. Of course they
made a lot of them, so I also look for reasonable prices. The last two I picked up needed to have worn or damaged/home made
parts replaced, and a good cleaning and light lube. They work great.
Fair condition? $200 to $250.
You had me going there for a while as you mentioned M&P and 32.. The 32 S&W line calmed me down. The 32 M&P is a pretty scarce bird but it is 32 S&W Long. As mentioned above the 32 S&W you looked at is most likely a top break gun or one of several variations of 32 Hand Ejectors and not technically an M&P. The experts here can sort out all the nomenclature and collector speak. I need another cup of expresso before I get myself in trouble.
It was not a top break. There were some top breaks in the case though. There was a blurred letter or number in front of the 3 in 32. Almost looked like an X. I have decided that I must take pictures of all my finds in the future so that I can refresh my old memory. This one and the one I saw Monday were nickeled 6'' barrels.
If the dealer would let you take pictures it would be great. There is a name for the little symbol that I cannot recall. Someone will be along with the name.
Dingbat… always wanted to say it. Mostly I’ve heard it used as an insult. “Ya dingbat!”
hkcavalier
US Veteran
I've been coming here frequently for over 10 years, own both a 4th edition and the Neal & Jinks book, and still make mistakes or miss obvious things. But at the local gun store, or at a gun show, or on a regional forum, that's enough to be an "expert." The one eyed man leading the blind and all that.
I have an ex-wife who is a certified dingbat. There was a mental block on the name. Trying to forget.
Don't we all?...OK, just some of us then...
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