1905 32-20 little info please
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Well, it is a .32-20 Military & Police model made around 1907. Grips are not original and made in the modern era. Some might call it a Model 1902 since it has a round butt. The star indicates it went back to the factory for service. The service date will be stamped on the left side toe of the grip frame in MM.YY format. Given the condition of the bluing, my guess is it was refinished at the factory.
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The star (assuming my brain is working correctly) means it was returned to Smith at some point for some sort of factory service. If I am reading the book correctly that serial number is in the "first change" series, from 1906-1907. I THINK it should have sharp shoulder stocks but that is no my field of expertise. I am fully confident that somebody with better info will jump in soon.
Typically, round butt K frames had black hard rubber stocks. Walnut, checkered diamond, service grips with a flat round top and no medallion were optional. The latter are pretty hard to find. This is what to look for:
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Well ya hopefully keep learning each day. When I was looking at it I noticed the S&W logo stamp was pretty much washed out on its right hand side. I also noticed no “Made in the USA” on right side of frame. Interestingly tho the side plate seam looked right. Now knowing the star indicates a return of some type, it makes sense on a refinish. Thanks again, Don
Those smooth round butt magnas (grips) have value so they may offset the cost a little.
The other down side is 32-20 ammo is expensive, when you find it. It is a nice looking gun though, especially for it's age.
Made in USA was not used until 1922.
daddio202
Member
The S&W logo is NOT washed out because of a factory refinish. Factory work done pre WW2 was exquisite. My guess is that its been refinished by somebody else since the factory did the work. Made in U.S.A. stamp did not start until 1922. This means the gun was refinished in factory before 1922. If had been refinshed after 1922-1923 the factory would have stamped it Made in U.S.A. at the time of refinish. Hard to tell what has been done to it in the past almost 120 years. I would pass on it too.
See, learned another thing today! Thanks Tom and daddio. Did not know that, my limited knowledge only goes back to the late 50’s and even then it’s hit or miss. I enjoy the learning tho.
I'd say 1907 is a good bet for a ship date on 31972. I'd also bet money it shipped with black hard rubber stocks.
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If the price was right, I would buy it, because of the caliber. I love the 32/20 and it is easy to reload, offsetting the cost of new ammo.
Alk8944
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Jack's (JP@AK) estimate of date is probably very close.
S&W round butt K-Frame revolvers all the way from the 1899 until the early 1950s came with either walnut stocks or black hard rubber. NC Ordnance makes a very good replica of the RB hard Rubber stocks. They are listed as for the Number 3 top break revolvers, but are correct for the K-Frame too. I have several of my own guns with these stocks on them because I like the look so I know they fit. The real hard rubber stocks become brittle with age and this may be why your gun has the later walnut stocks on it. The NC Ordnance replicas are made from Urethane and are durable. Here is a link to the correct stocks you need: https://gungrip.com/smith-and-wesson-no-3-grips.aspx
S&W round butt K-Frame revolvers all the way from the 1899 until the early 1950s came with either walnut stocks or black hard rubber. NC Ordnance makes a very good replica of the RB hard Rubber stocks. They are listed as for the Number 3 top break revolvers, but are correct for the K-Frame too. I have several of my own guns with these stocks on them because I like the look so I know they fit. The real hard rubber stocks become brittle with age and this may be why your gun has the later walnut stocks on it. The NC Ordnance replicas are made from Urethane and are durable. Here is a link to the correct stocks you need: https://gungrip.com/smith-and-wesson-no-3-grips.aspx
I would pass on that one, even if it were relatively cheap as the serial number is well below serial number 81287 which is where S&W started heat treating the cylinders, so it may not be safe for modern ammo. I sold my 4th change model 1905 that shipped in 1921 and yes...the ammo is very costly (I don't reload). The HSM Cowboy Action ammo is still available on-line with new Starline brass, but $$$$.
daddio202
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This 38 M&P I own is an example of a refinish done in Novemvember 1911. 
Cotis
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Tell Mike Maher. They belong to him.
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Seems like a factory reblue
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