Hello the Board! I joined your group at the suggestion of Dale53 last weekend and am just starting to find my way around here. My immediate question has to do with the I-frame and J-frame revolvers. I have an I in .32 S&W Long, in nickel with a 6" barrel. It is a sort of beat up example, but is reasonably tight with good bore and only needs the hand adjusted/replaced to make it a solid shooter (he says hopefully.) I hope to find just such a piece and get it going, but on the long term, would like to find/build a 4" version with adjustable sights. My questions for the board are several.

First, does anyone have a spare hand or source of same for the hand I need? I would accept a funky used one to work on so I could keep my current semi-functional one to fall back on.

Second, was there an I-frame with adjustable sights? Would it be possible to machine the top of an I-frame to accept a J-frame adjustable sight?

Third, was there ever a J-frame with the flat mainspring like the I-frame? All I have seen have the coil spring and plunger.

TIA, and I look forward to chatting with you.
Froggie

Welcome to the forum.

The last I-frames ("improved" I-frames) and all J-frames have coil springs.

Over the half century of their existence, a few I-frame models were issued with adjustable sights. The .32 Regulation Police is one model that was issued in a target version. All of the .22/32 revolvers came with adjustable sights (.22 rimfire built on the .32 caliber frame).

It ought to be possible to convert a fixed-sight early .32 to a target model with modifications to the frame to permit installation of a small-frame adjustable rear sight. I have wondered about this too, as I would like to have a small .32 (four inch barrel, round butt) with adjustable sights. If the company ever made these, they were special orders rather than recognized models.

For old S&W parts, check out Numrich, oldwestgunsmith.com, Jack First, or Popperts Gun Parts

__________________
David Wilson

as far as the sight is concerned I would try one of these before missing up your S&W!! Wondersight « Hollow Point Bullet Mold Service heard very good reviews about them have one coming for my S&W 1917 Hope this helps

__________________
De Oppresso Liber Μολὼν λαβέ

Thanks for the reply, James56 and I am aware of the old Wondersight. It's been around for at least 40-50 years, but has sort of fallen to disuse since the top side plate screw was deleted. I have only seen them in pictures, I think, but the impression I get is that they are sort of delicate for what I have in mind, and they certainly don't make the neat, compact package (especially for use in a holster) that we see with the factory style adjustables. I will be quite interested to hear about your experiences when you put a Wondersight on your 1917 and would appreciate a report, even if it refutes my preconceived notions!

If I proceed with this project, I promise not to ruin any otherwise pristine examples, and hope to make a finished custom carry piece that will do credit to the marque!

Regards,
Froggie