Gifted 32 Long Hand Ejector

RetroShark · Dec 28, 2024

Grandad gifted me 2 pistols that are similar in make; one an INA Brazilian pistol I also can't identify, but the other is an S&W 32 Long Hand Ejector I can't identify. All the pictures I look up don't look quite the same as what I have.

Looks like there are marks stamped on top of marks on the yoke as well.

Not sure of the model or anything of the sort.

SN:103914

Casual Smith Nut · Dec 28, 2024

Someone will come along with more thorough info than what I know. That’s an early 1900s one judging by serial range. The barrel is a newer one along with the ejector rod. The ejector rod would normally have a mushroom shaped knob at the end to be correct for the serial number. Also the barrel would be undercut to allow for the ejector rod knob to have a little needed clearance to close properly. The little star underneath the barrel indicates the gun went back to the S&W factory for repair and/or refinish which is when a newer barrel and ejector rod would have been fitted. Remove the stocks/grips and there will likely be a date stamp on the left bottom of the grip frame telling when the work was done. Looks like you have a nice little jewel there OP.

Editing to add: that style barrel and ejector rod would have started in late 40s early 50s I think. Other parts may have been replaced as well but the the barrel and ejector rod are the obvious ones.

Wiregrassguy · Dec 28, 2024

Welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass! I think CSN nailed it. From your butt serial, you have a .32 Hand Ejector, Model 1903, 5th Change made in 1910. Some time after, it went back to S&W for a barrel change and possibly a refinish in nickel. Service Department stamps on the left side grip frame might tell us more.

WRT the INA revolver, it may be a copy of the S&W Model 1917 revolver if it chambers .45 ACP. INA was authorized by S&W to reproduce parts for the guns S&W sold them in 1937 and after WWII. Post some pictures and I'm sure an expert will help you.

RetroShark · Dec 28, 2024

Thank you for the helpful info! Taking a look at the grip frame I did find a service number with the star.

I'll post the INA in another thread though to keep things tidy, but here is what I found.

Wiregrassguy · Dec 28, 2024

Taking a look at the grip frame I did find a service number with the star.

October 1965 is when the work was done. But there are no other stamps to indicate if any other work was done.

Truckman · Dec 28, 2024

A neat find...I can't tell for sure from the first pics, but it looks like the replacement ejector rod is notched signifying a L/H thread...That would indicate a possible cylinder change too...A deep dive into company records following a historical letter might mention it if you wanted to go that far...

...ben

Spurdann · Dec 28, 2024

What ever you do, do not shoot the 32. If you choose to, just realize everything else will move to the back of the safe. Your grandfather did you a solid.

Wiregrassguy · Dec 28, 2024

it looks like the replacement ejector rod is notched signifying a L/H thread...That would indicate a possible cylinder change too.

I don't see it, Ben. I don't think S&W did that for the I and J frames. But, if there is a star or O on the cylinder face or under the extractor star, that might indicate a replacement...or, at least, service work.

RetroShark · Dec 28, 2024

Wow! Every time I go to look at it, there's something new to find. There is indeed an O on the cylinder face.

Wiregrassguy · Dec 28, 2024

Yep, that's a replacement. The original cylinder would have the serial number stamped there. I'm a bit surprised they didn't stamp the serial in the service dept. That was their typical practice like with the barrel replacements.

Ah, by 1965, they had stopped stamping a serial on the cylinder.

BC38 · Dec 28, 2024

What a great gift from your granddad!

Factory refinished (the right way) and updated, would make that one a great shooter.

The 32 S&W Long HE's are a real hoot to shoot! I'd love to have one just like it.

Take it to the range and enjoy it!

jeffrefrig · Dec 29, 2024

I have a similar 1903, 5th, in a very shooter condition. Bought it from a local Forum member. I love shooting this little gun. Very accurate in my hands. S#156743. I’m very sure this one was not a refinish! This is my second Smith with period age but a different number on the stocks. Not an issue for me! I’ll try a couple pics as required! I have a handful of Charter Arms holsters that fit different brand handguns. (Angel was smiling at me as I was checking out a young new neighbor walking her pup. NOT in any picture of mine!)

RetroShark · Dec 31, 2024

Well it just keeps happening. Looks like I found more history on this beauty! The date I found on the cylinder, under the ejector, doesn't match the star stamped number on the frame though.

1965* on the frame, 35* on the cylinder (under the ejector), but also an 'O' on the cylinder face.

BC38 · Dec 31, 2024

RetroShark said:
Well it just keeps happening. Looks like I found more history on this beauty! The date I found on the cylinder, under the ejector, doesn't match the star stamped number on the frame though.

1965* on the frame, 35* on the cylinder (under the ejector), but also an 'O' on the cylinder face.

I see a 34* on the extractor recess (not technically the cylinder face)...

larryofcc · Dec 31, 2024

Wiregrassguy said:
Yep, that's a replacement. The original cylinder would have the serial number stamped there. I'm a bit surprised they didn't stamp the serial in the service dept. That was their typical practice like with the barrel replacements.

Ah, by 1965, they had stopped stamping a serial on the cylinder.

Not completely true. I have a M48-3 that was totally reworked 10-83. The bbl. and cylinder were both serial numbered. Big Larry

RetroShark · Jan 1, 2025

Happy to report the cylinder rotates freely, release is smooth, and cycles nicely. Looks like it hadn't been cleaned in a while. Can definitely tell this is the one granddad liked to shoot.

Nothing intense. Just a wipe down and oil. She's a beauty!

Gifted 32 Long Hand Ejector

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