The .32-20 Hand Ejector Thread

[bmcgilvray]

Have we had a recent "reference" thread on the .32-20 revolvers? We'll start one and see how far it gets and how many .32-20 Smith & Wesson fans there are. Only .32-20 guns need apply.

I just got a dandy set of stocks from ctg4570 who posted them in our Accessories Classifieds. These gave the best fit I've ever experienced on replacement originals and made a good match to the revolver. I was so pleased that I took updated photos. Yea Chris! Thanks!

Serial No. 1335xx. A fairly late production .32-20, I've not lettered it yet but, based on data gleaned here, am guessing that it falls in the 1927-1929 range. Would this be a close guess?

[David LaPell]

This is my .32-20 HE 6 inch barrel. Someone filed down the front sight to a small bead and I added the Wondersight. Not sure the year or the history, someday I will get it lettered.

[Combat]

This is a pic of the last one I got a 6" from around 1916 or so. SN.689xx.

[DCWilson]

My only .32-20 so far, but in time there will be others.

S/N 54269: shipped April 1913. Model 1905, Third Change. Clumsily renickeled (note dip loop shadow near muzzle), but at least the hammer and trigger were left alone; they look gray because the case coloring has almost completely faded. Action fine, muzzle and bore in great shape. Stocks appropriate, but not original.

[Dan M]

Do Targets count?

Serial # 76926 shipped August of 1917, 99.9% condition all original parts.

[mikepriwer]

Here are a couple of early targets in the 32-20 serial number series.
This first one is 32-20:





Now - this next one is actually chambered in 32 Long, but serial-
numbered in the 32-20 series. I regard this gun as the first K-32
target revolver. Serial-numbering it in the 32-20 series makes more
sense than in the 38 series, because the barrel caliber is the same as
the 32-20.





Regards, Mike Priwer

[N7BLW]

FYI, s/n 76910 shipped 8/9/1917, per info in my database.
Jim

[longranger]

Not S&W but meets the requirement of 32-20 1913 Colt Army Special.

[badshot48]

Originally Posted by longranger

Not S&W but meets the requirement of 32-20 1913 Colt Army Special.

I saw your Colt so I figured it was OK to add this one.

I believe I'm getting the 32.20 bug since I've been shooting my S&W more. Yesterday I had to go over the mountain to Medford for a VA appointment and stopped in a gun shop nearby and bought this nice 1924 Colt, pictured with my S&W. I dickered for half an hour but they would only come off their price by $75. Paid too much I'm sure but I wanted it.

My girlfriend wasn't happy when I came home with another gun but what the heck......I'll probably miss her for a while after she's gone.

[bigolddave]

Here's mine; about 1920

[otteray]

Mine is a 1905 4th Model from before the heat treated cylinder era. I have recently added the Wonder Sight, too!

[Walter Rego]

This one shipped in June, 1922 to the Simon Levalley Co. in Buffalo, NY. Serial number is in the 108600 range. I have the original stocks for it as well. Mechanically, it is as new.

[hsguy]

Here is another.

[liteningjack]

I have this gun and would like any info you might be willing to share.

Smith and Wesson 32 WCF CTG Serial 633xx
very nice, possibly re blued at sometime, not sure.
4" barrel. walnut square grips, (original), no rear site, front blade only (large). #s match butt, cylinder and yoke. would post picture, but don't know how to aquire "url".

[Dr.-d]

Here is my 32 WCF 1902 First Change I just recently lettered. Shipped November 15, 1902 to Powell and Clement in Ohio. Sent back to the factory 10-21.

Here's my newly acquired 5" 32-20 in the 134xxx range. A real sweetheart to shoot.
Bullets and mold are Ideal 311316. Brass from Starline currently runs $175 per 1000. After the initial investment, shooting becomes cheap.

Great thread, thanks to all!

[rburg]

Originally Posted by Dr.-d

Shipped November 15, 1902 to Powell and Clement in Ohio.

Powell and Clemmens was still up and operating back in the 1970s. It was owned by Frank "somebody's" wife. He was a city employee and for some reason couldn't own a gun store. He's still alive an kicking, appearing at all the OGCA shows at his tables on the front wall (the only tables on that wall.) Back when I worked nearby, I used to walk up to window shop at lunch. That was all I could do because the guns he had were always top notch. Engraved Brownings and the like. The guy's last name will come to me..maybe.. He's a past president of OGCA, too.

[ColbyBruce]

Does anyone know if there is a speedloader that works for a K frame .32/20?

[Hondo44]

Originally Posted by ColbyBruce

Does anyone know if there is a speedloader that works for a K frame .32/20?

Colby,
I think your in luck. When I look at cartridges that speedloaders are commonly made for, the closest size to 32-20 is 9MM which fortunately has a base slightly smaller than 32-20. Therefore it might work as is depending on brand of speedloader or worst case you'd have to trim slightly with a dremel tool.

Good luck and if you try it, let us know if it works.

[lgeorge1]

Originally Posted by hsguy

Here is another.

hsguy - where did you find those grips? I have a reg. magnum & would love to put a set on it.

[bmcgilvray]

Do Targets count?

Sure they do. Targets count, stray Colts count, even .32 Longs numbered within the .32-20 series count (like we would ever be inundated with .32 Longs numbered within the .32-20 series).

It would be great to see them all. I've always been keen on the .32-20 as a revolver cartridge as well as a rifle cartridge. I'd love a 6-inch Colt Army Special in .32-20 too.

Who on the Forum has the lowest number and who has the highest number. Any information from factory letters or connections with family histories or law enforcement would be welcome. Model revisions and changes in markings could be noted as well. Those who still shoot theirs regularly could post tales and favorite loads. We could even speculate whether Robert Johnson was referring to a Colt or a Smith & Wesson in his song ".32-20 Blues."


Hey Mike Priwer;

You refer to your second revolver as .32 Long. I assume that means .32 S&W Long rather than the obsolete .32 Long Colt. Is it marked ".32 Long?" That revolver has to be a major rarity. Any idea of the total production or if it was a special order?

Even your early .32-20 Target must be uncommon with a 4-inch barrel.

[bobf]

S/N 1418XX* 4-49 rework stamp.

[N7BLW]

The lowest s/n in my database that I've personally inspected is #38. When I saw it in 1992 it was owned by Ray Shoemaker, since deceased. I have #207, a badly reblued 4 inch piece.

Jim

[Newtire]

Who on the Forum has the lowest number and who has the highest number. Any information from factory letters or connections with family histories or law enforcement would be welcome. Model revisions and changes in markings could be noted as well. Those who still shoot theirs regularly could post tales and fi

According to the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, I have a Mo del of 1902. It has a serial number of 7xxx. Could sure use a new barrel. Kind of rough looking on the inside. Will have to load up some nice mild cast boolit loads & take her out and see how it does. I'm stuck working now for awhile. As soon as things let up a bit, I'll get to it. I'm in the market for another one of these soon!

[Muley Gil]

Here's a target model that I sold this year. Serial number 30xxx, it shipped in March 1907. ****** finish, but a mirror bore and matching grips.

I need to take a group shot of my other .32-20s: a 5" M&P; a Colt PPS, an Official Police, a Cimmaron Model P Jr, and a Martini-Henry.

[bgrafsr]

Here is mine. I have also put a Wonder Sight on it for shooting.

[gjamison]

This is great, I just went out yesterday and shoot this .32-20 and this post appears. This gun was going to be sold but now after shooting it I just may keep it. .32-20 6" barrel serial #63756 everything numbers correct, model of 1905 3rd change, she has alot of ware on her but like most old smith's the single and double auction are great. just a good old classic S&W.

[mikepriwer]

You refer to your second revolver as .32 Long. I assume that means .32 S&W Long rather than the obsolete .32 Long Colt. Is it marked ".32 Long?"

Here is the letter on the gun. You'll see that its characterized as
a Special Caliber Variation, not a special order. In the records, there
appears to be 6 or 8, or so, of these special chamberings. They are
in the 43XXX serial number range, which is 1910. There is another
handful made up in 1916 - I think the 61XXX serial number range.
Again, there was less that a dozen - maybe 8 or so.

The barrel has no caliber marking on it.



Regards, Mike Priwer

[bmcgilvray]

Thanks for posting the letter too, Mike. Explains a lot about probably one of the rarest S&Ws pictured on the forum.

[mikepriwer]

Even your early .32-20 Target must be uncommon with a 4-inch barrel.

You had asked about the 4" 32-20 target. Its the only 4" target in
32-20 that I am aware of. There may be others, but I have never
seen, nor heard, of one. A fellow in Idaho found it, and happened
to be reading some of my postings, and told me about it. Took over a
year to buy it !

It had a lot of metal wear, with a couple of significant dings and dents. The grips were worn smooth.
Keith Brown did a magnificient job of recheckering them, and then finished them much like the factory
did in the first place. Dave Chicoine Jr spent a lot of time dealing with the worn areas, but I had him
try to keep the roll markings in tact. This is why the major dents are still there !

Regards, Mike Priwer

[mikepriwer]

Here are a couple of pictures of the 32-20 4" target before refinishing.





Mike Priwer

[nutsforsmiths]

Here is the one I have.

S&W Model of 1905 shipped February of 1907. Serial number 21188.

[bmcgilvray]

Thanks for the story on the 4-inch .32-20 Target and posting the "before and after" photos Mike. That really is a good job of restoration. Nice to make comparisons.

Nutsforsmiths;

Nice old revolver that reminds me of the first .32-20 I had. It fell very close in serial number, looked much like that one except was a square butt.

[nutsforsmiths]

bmcgilvray, what happened to that first 32-20 you had?

Always like to hear the stories on these guns.

[bmcgilvray]

I did that which is evil. I didn't like the nickel finish which was beginning to look shopworn so took the .32-20 and a 70% nickel Model of 1926 .44 Special to a local shop for stripping and refinishing in blue. They came out looking rather nice but then I wasn't happy with them for being non-original so swapped them away. This happened some 25 years ago when the oldies weren't quite the collectibles they they have become.

[nutsforsmiths]

Ouch! That sounds painful, even 25 years later. Live and learn I guess.

[mikepriwer]

S&W Model of 1905 shipped February of 1907. Serial number 21188.

For the record, this gun has a round butt, not a square butt. It is a
Model of 1902, not a model of 1905.

Mike Priwer

[Dan M]

Originally Posted by mikepriwer

For the record, this gun has a round butt, not a square butt. It is a
Model of 1902, not a model of 1905.

Mike Priwer

I was waiting for that Mike

Dan

[mikepriwer]

Dan

In Chicago, the byword used to be "Vote early, and vote often."

If I repeat the mantra about 1902's vs 1905's often enough, it just
might stick !

Regards, Mike Priwer

[nutsforsmiths]

Mike,

Either I'm confused or you are trying to pull my leg. I can't tell which it is?

[jdh]

Here is one that was at the local shop.




Engraved
Plated
Gold accents
Real mother of pearl grips

Showing signs of wear but quite the bling back in the day.

[Speedo2]

A couple more; but not a target:

The top 2 are 32-20's; the others are pre-war K38's of one sort or another. Here's some singles of the 1902-1st:

[jdh]

I knew I never should have read this thread. The one in my post above is now mine less the MOP grips. Anyone have a good source of 32-20 ammo?

[rburg]

Originally Posted by jdh

Anyone have a good source of 32-20 ammo?

Good luck with your search... Larger gun shows usually have sellers. You're much better off finding an individual with an assortment of old ammo he no longer needs. It was how I managed to find a couple of boxes that didn't cost an arm and a leg.

But then at an OGCA show a guy had a coffee can and a jar full of gas check cast bullets. He wanted $5 and $8 for them. But he compromised and sold me both for $11. I got about 500 of them!

The next stroke of luck was at a tiny gun show my son wanted me to attend. I was bored to death, looking at the **** he enjoyed (AR ****). But then on an end cap was a bunch of .32-20 stuff. Loaded ammo, one box of 50 Winchester brand bullets (cute little box) and a bunch of brass.

Some of it was unfired, some looked to be once fired. He wanted me to make him an offer. I learned long ago not to do that. Sometimes it insults the other party, other times its way high. So we did the dance for a while, him trying to feel me out as to what I'd pay, me being non-committal. Finally he gave up and said "How about $50". Done! It was a steal, given current prices.

So it means you're going to reload. If you don't already, you're going to start. And its kind of a difficult cartridge to reload. Especially if you have acquired bad habits on other calibers. Trim your cases to length. Don't let it go, do it. Every time. What happens is the cases are kind of thin and weak. If one is too long, the die will crumple it. Brass is to hard to find to waste any. And spend some time getting your dies set the way you want them. With brass that expensive and hard to get, keep your loads down. Its not a magnum, and it will never become one.

From there, its easy.

If you don't reload and have a sucker who's willing, make sure he has a case trimmer.

Buying any "off caliber" at retail is costly. With the ongoing ammo shortages and price jumps, you'll pay dearly. Remember, the .32-20 isn't high on the popularity lists these days.

If you can live with used dies, they're not hard to find.

[Cricker]

Originally Posted by jdh

I knew I never should have read this thread. The one in my post above is now mine less the MOP grips. Anyone have a good source of 32-20 ammo?

32-20 ammo is still available new. It should run around $45 per 50 rounds. We carry a box or 2 in our shop at all times and the wholesaler currently has 45 boxes in stock. Your local shop should be able to aquire it for you.

[lgeorge1]

Originally Posted by jdh

I knew I never should have read this thread. The one in my post above is now mine less the MOP grips. Anyone have a good source of 32-20 ammo?

Georgia Arms is only source I've found. Takes about 2 weeks to get.

[ar15ed]

i found this one at a local pawn shop last week. unbelieveably clean and crisp fourth change from about 1923. the addiction overpowered me, and i had to add it to the herd! this is the first 32-20 i have ever owned!

[mikepriwer]

Jim

As Jeff noted, the checkered trigger is not noted in the letter.
The gun appears to have been shipped to an individual, so presumably
he must have ordered it. There is less than a dozen of these
Special Caliber Variation, so I presume that they had to have been
special orders.

I don't know if Roy was able to find the invoice for this gun, which
maybe would note the trigger.

Regards, Mike Priwer

[valkyriekl]

My own little abomination, a .32-20 Hand Ejector Model of 1905, 3rd Change, wearing an Aimtech K-frame scope base and a cheap 2x20 scope (the scope practically weighs as much as the gun!):



Picked it up for a song and a dance, with the Parkerizing already done to it. It has also had a trigger- and lock-up job done -- one of the tightest lock-ups and smoothest triggers I've ever seen.

I've since removed the scope and base, and I'll be looking to add a WonderSight to it.

[bmcgilvray]

"My own little abomination, a .32-20 Hand Ejector Model of 1905, 3rd Change, wearing an Aimtech K-frame scope base and a cheap 2x20 scope (the scope practically weighs as much as the gun!):

Picked it up for a song and a dance, with the Parkerizing already done to it. It has also had a trigger- and lock-up job done -- one of the tightest lock-ups and smoothest triggers I've ever seen.

I've since removed the scope and base, and I'll be looking to add a WonderSight to it."



Wow! Never saw that one coming! Who'd a' thunk it? A scoped .32-20 Hand Ejector in this thread.

Did you shoot it before you removed the scope?