S&W Hand-Ejector .32 Winchester CTG.

1

1srelluc

Member
Joined
Aug 21, 2012
Messages
256
Reaction score
987
Location
Virginia
Model 1899 or 1902?

I found this H-E in .32 Winchester (.32-20) today. I gave a bit more than usual ($150.00) but it was due to it's tightness, bore, and crown which I would describe as very good +.

Sadly the outside leaves more than a bit to be desired being nickled with most of it gone.

It's been years since I've run across a S&W .32-20 in any kind of sound mechanical condition and it will go well with my Rolling Block Sporter of the same caliber.

The last patent date is 1898, the serial is 5008 and it is matching on the frame, barrel, cylinder, and is also scribed on the right grip panel. The grips are in good shape, no cracks or chips.

One thing puzzles me and that was when I took the crane out of the revolver there was a spring-loaded pin present that engages a shallow hole in the frame. Was that supposed to be the cylinder lock before they went to the barrel lug lock?
 

Attachments

  • DSCN6348 (2).jpg
    DSCN6348 (2).jpg
    85.1 KB · Views: 141
  • DSCN6347 (2).jpg
    DSCN6347 (2).jpg
    82.9 KB · Views: 130
  • DSCN6350 (2).jpg
    DSCN6350 (2).jpg
    39.7 KB · Views: 52
Register to hide this ad
Yes, yours is indeed a Model of 1899, made in both .38 Special and .32-20 (AKA .32 Winchester, .32 WCF). Not many of those were made in .32, only 5311. You have a prize there, even in that condition. The first of the K-frame hand ejectors. Some early S&Ws had such spring detents to aid in keeping the cylinder open during reloading. Easily lost if you remove the yoke.
 
Last edited:
Recent auctions for Model 1899s have been scarce, but I would guess that your gun would sell for over $300 and maybe $400 even with the wear showing. Nice old 32-20 round, but looks to be a rifle round with the lead nose and jacketed bullet. If so, it would be too hot for your 1899. Find some cowboy loads or load your own to around 700 fps and you will have that one around for a long time to come.
 
Probably not HV. The HV rifle loads look like FMJ hollow points and are lighter weight, 80 grains, vs. 100 grains for standard lead and JSP bullets. Winchester and Western called the HV bullets "open point expanding." I believe any .32-20 ammo made today will be safe in any gun.
 
DWalt said:
Probably not HV. The HV rifle loads look like FMJ hollow points and are lighter weight, 80 grains, vs. 100 grains for standard lead and JSP bullets. Winchester and Western called the HV bullets "open point expanding." I believe any .32-20 ammo made today will be safe in any gun.
Click to expand...

I pulled one and yeah, 100grs. Old Peters fodder. Still works fine though. :)

BTW....Anyone know when it was made?
 
Last edited:
glowe said:
Nice old 32-20 round, but looks to be a rifle round with the lead nose and jacketed bullet. If so, it would be too hot for your 1899.
Click to expand...


BUNK! The only cartridge that was loaded specifically for rifles was the "Hi-Speed" with an 80 grain round-nose, jacketed, hollow point. Any 100-120 grain flat point bullet factory load is acceptable for any period of .32-20 revolver.

.32-20 by any designation was, is, and always has been a RIFLE cartridge for which several revolvers have been adapted. The only time a S&W revolver of any vintage would be jeopardized by standard pressure ammunition would be if it was in such decrepit condition as to be mechanically unsafe. And I seriously doubt you, or anyone else for that matter, could make that judgement from a thumbnail size photo posted on an internet forum!
 
Last edited:
Thanks for you usual tactfulness Alk. I could not quite make out the label on the box, besides I believe that jacketed bullets give higher pressures than lead. Copper is harder, tending to deform less. plus plated bullets have no lubrication. Lead offers more lubricity than plated.

I was simply making an observation, and my other observation is that I would not shoot a jacketed bullets in a 1900 revolver, high velocity or not.
 
I am old enough to remember when .32-20 ammunition was readily available in most stores that sold ammunition, and I was interested in .32-20 because my Father carried one as a county police officer from 1937 until @ 1955. All Remington ammo that I saw in the 50's. 60's and 70's was the jacketed soft point 100 gr variety. I have reloaded .32-20 since the 60's with both the Remington jacketed bullet and with the Lyman 3118 cast bullet. The jacket on the Remington bullet is quite thin and I doubt that you could wear out a barre in a lifetime shooting them. SAAMI makes no distinction in pressures between lead and jacketed bullets.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

A
32 wcf Hand ejector
Replies
6
Views
139
Muley Gil
M
T
Model 1896 .32 Hand Ejector
Replies
8
Views
484
Hawg Rider
H
M
Mfg date .32 hand ejector
Replies
2
Views
250
JP@AK
JP@AK
D
Model 1903 .32 Long Hand Ejector
Replies
3
Views
382
Inkgardener
Inkgardener
B
.32 Long Hand Ejector - Did I Get Hosed?
Replies
12
Views
387
SGT ROCK 11B
SGT ROCK 11B

Latest posts

Back
Top