Online auction was wrong about the model & caliber… please help

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TheRedRocket

TheRedRocket

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Online auction listed this revolver as a “model” 1905 chambered in .38 which it is clearly 32 long caliber and based off my research not a 1905. Seems to be in nice condition and has a 4” barrel. The grip feels smaller than a J-Frame!

Any help with a proper identification would be much appreciated.

Thank you kindly,
Rocket
 

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TheRedRocket said:
Online auction listed this revolver as a “model” 1905 chambered in .38 which it is clearly 32 long caliber and based off my research not a 1905. Seems to be in nice condition and has a 4” barrel. The grip feels smaller than a J-Frame!

Any help with a proper identification would be much appreciated.

Thank you kindly,
Rocket
Click to expand...
Based on the serial number, it's a model of 1903 .32 HE 5th change somewhere around 1915. It looks like a nice one. The book shows them valued at about $650. They list it as a 4.25 inch barrel (from the front of the cylinder). The book says few came with the came with the logo on the sideplate, most had it on the left side. The book rates the .38 model of 1905 at a little higher value.

Auctions by Mr. Magoo should be avoided.
 
Gun Relics said:
Based on the serial number, it's a model of 1903 .32 HE 5th change somewhere around 1915. It looks like a nice one. The book shows them valued at about $650. They list it as a 4.25 inch barrel (from the front of the cylinder). The book says few came with the came with the logo on the sideplate, most had it on the left side. The book rates the .38 model of 1905 at a little higher value.

Auctions by Mr. Magoo should be avoided.
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Wow thank you sir. Which book are you referring too and are they readily available for purchase? Thanks again.
 
TheRedRocket said:
Wow thank you sir. Which book are you referring too and are they readily available for purchase? Thanks again.
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The book we all use is the Standard Catalog of the Smith and Wesson 5th edition by Jim Supica. It's almost 600 pages and is literally a treasure chest of information.

I can say, categorically, buying one is the best book purchase I have ever made.
 
Gun Relics said:
The book we all use is the Standard Catalog of the Smith and Wesson 5th edition by Jim Supica. It's almost 600 pages and is literally a treasure chest of information.

I can say, categorically, buying one is the best book purchase I have ever made.
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Nice only 50 bucks, I’m ordering one now!
 
Welcome to the Forum! I hope you didn't pay too much for that 1903. The revolver and the hard rubber stocks do appear to be in pretty nice condition, and it doesn't look like it's been refinished. I think you'll really enjoy the "SCSW 5th Ed.", it's the Forum's S&W bible! But don't be afraid to ask questions, our Forum members and gurus are always willing to share their extensive knowledge.
 
Looks an awful lot like mine. As was mentioned, it is a 1903 Hand-Ejector. Mine is a 5-digit, actually made the first year of production. You are correct that it is smaller than a J-frame. It is actually built on the I-frame. They are pretty cool, little guns.
 

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kscharlie said:
Mis-identification of firearms happens more often than you might think. I just notified a seller yesterday that his 2 " .32 S&W Long was not a Terrier. It pays to know what you are buying in spite of what the seller may say it is.
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Especially when someone reads the big old ,*32 LONG CTG* stamp as .38 special. :)
 
Here is my wife's 1903 hand ejector 2nd change S&W 32long ctg and a funny story about it.
bpd303

Thread 'S&W Model 1903 Hand ejector 2nd change'

Found this in 1990 and paid too much for it. It is chambered for 32 S&W long cartridge. A 3 1/4 inch pinned barrel 4 screw, serial no 584xxx. It is in excellent shape and there is a funny story that goes with it. I used gold embossing powder to gold all the writing and emblems but a lot has worn off over the years.

100_2743.webp
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100_2739.webp100_2740.webp100_2741.webp100_2742.webpOnce again the date & time stamp are wrong.
Now the funny story.
Not too long after obtaining it, I was sitting at the kitchen island messing with it before going to work. I was on the swing shift...
  • Like
  • Haha
 
TheRedRocket said:
lol I will post it tomorrow!
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I have noticed a lot of renewed interest in 32 handguns ...
The 32 Long has a lot of reloading data availoable and at one time was favored by many Bullseye Target shooters .
The lighter recoil has a lot of us looking with renewed interest at the 32 Long .
I might think long and hard about working a deal that would allow me to keep this one ...
In good shape , Classy Classic ...
might be Fun to own and shoot !
Gary
 
Indeed...nice gun! As a geezer (83) with arthritis in both hands and shoulders, shooting heavy or even moderate recoiling guns is becoming a true pain. I have a couple of .32s, and my daily carry is a .32 H&R Magnum; I don't feel 'under-gunned' and recoil is very manageable. You may grow to love it....if not, I guarantee I'll be in the line to buy it!
 
Sorry to bring bad news, but the OP's gun is definitely refinished. Above average, but refinished.
 
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