I have on old .32 Serial # H296xx. It is in real good shape. Shoots good, everything works properly. I was wondering if anyone could give me its value,and how old it is. I think it was re-blued in the early 70's.

Tim,

First, welcome to the Forum. Many knowledgeable folks here willing to share their knowledge. Enjoy!

The H letter prefix started in 1969 and s/n H296XX would make it a late 1970 production. Rather surprising that it would be re-blued in the early 70's.

I'm not very knowledgeable on value but whether it's original finish or re-blued will make a difference. Provide some more information about whether it's a model 30-1 or 31-1, whether 2" or 3" barrel length, and post pictures if you can and hopefully someone with more knowledge on the 32 will be along to offer their input.

Russ

Thanks Russ, gun has been in family since mid 70's.My mother traded for it.She is not sure on the re-bluing.It has a 3"barrel.That is all I know.There are more numbers under the grips,which have a J stamped on them. Tim

Tim,

Thanks for the pictures . . . they're a little blurred but it does not appear to be re-blued.

If you open the cylinder and look in the crane I believe you will find "MOD 30-1". That would confirm that you have a model 30-1 .32 Hand Ejector. The -1 simply means it is the first major engineering change after the model 30 designation was assigned in 1957.

I have H57815 and find the round butt and 3" barrel a great combination. The .32 S&W Long cartridge has a very mild recoil and is a fun caliber to shoot.

Russ

Russ, you are correct, Mod 30-1. I had a friend look up ser # in some book, he told me circa 1900. I do believe he was wrong. I was looking to trade it for a CCW but on second thought, with the right holster this one may be just right. Thanks for the info. Tim

Tim,

The H letter prefix is an integral part of the serial number. Without it, the 296XX will give you a circa 1900 answer. With the H it's 1970 . . . what a difference a letter makes!

Your model 30-1 is a J-frame, perhaps the most popular concealed carry revolver size. A 3" J-frame deserves a good belt holster but I'm sure there are those who will pocket carry one. There are many excellent holsters that will carry it well but my preference is a well-made pancake style. Here is a picture of my model 36-1 with my favorite pancake holster from lobogunleather.com.



Best wishes,

Russ

Your .32 holds six rounds to the five in a J frame .38 special, weighs the same, carries as easily, recoils less, and is just as accurate. You could handload a 115 gr. hollow point or use wadcutters for self defense. That gun will serve you well.

I have a #30-1


Two #31-1's

Thanks guys. Tim

I just got the exact same revolver, SN H195XX from the estate of a friend only with a set of custom made (Roy Fishpaw) grips and am in love! I've gathered up a couple of hundred rounds of brass and a couple of moulds as well as some different powders and of course dies, so I plan to shoot the heck out of it. My pre-War (that's WW I) Regulation Police .32 is now relegated to being a "truck gun" since its younger, prettier sibling has joined the family.

Froggie