.32 Hand Ejector 2nd Model (Model of 1903)

jsmith · #1 07-25-2009, 10:31 AM

Bought this for $175 at a flea market in Ohio. It is a S&W .32 Hand Ejector 2nd Model, the Model of 1903. Chambered for the .32 S&W Long cartridge. This is the original 2nd Model before they started the 5 changes to it.

This gun is a five screw, has a nickel finish, 4-1/4" barrel, and checkered walnut extension target grips with medallions. Scarce to see these kind of grips on a .32. The grips are in great shape but any evidence of them being numbered to the gun has long since disappeared. The rifling is still strong and crisp but with a little minor pitting in the barrel. The nickel finish has suffered the worse. There is some minor rust coming through the nickel with some pitting. But the greatest disservice that has been done is that someone in the past appears to have taken an abrasive pad, such as scotchbrite, and tried to clean the rust off. The cylinder and a few parts of the frame are scratched up from this. The cylinder has suffered the worst of this indignity.

Serial number is 18825 and all the number match. The SCSW3 states these were made from about 1903-1904 with 19,425 made in a serial number range from 1-19,425. Mine would most likely been made in 1904.

Normally I wouldn't buy a gun that is all scratched up from somebody's carelessness. But this one is in great mechanical condition. It will make a nice shooter! And the fact that it has checkered walnut target medallion grips. As we all know they were special order on a gun. For the price I paid for it I believe I did quite well. Not bad for a 105 year old gun!

jsmith

H Richard · #2 07-25-2009, 10:47 AM

If the scratch's aren't too deep, you may be able to polish some out with Flitz or Mothers Mag Polish. Be careful and don't rub too hard as it is a mild abrasive. Nice piece. The old .32 I Frames are neat little guns.

jsmith · #3 07-25-2009, 11:06 AM

I was thinking of the same thing. Since somebody in the past has used some kind of abrasive on it already, I have nothing to loose in trying.

The problem with flea markets is often times people find these at auctions or estate sales, crudely clean them or try to shine them up, and resell them. Often they just hurt the value of the gun because now there is damage done that normally can't be reversed. It's always best just to leave it alone unless you know what you are doing.

I've always liked the I-frame's, especially the .32's. They can be picked up for very reasonable prices. Most people avoid the .32 because they think it is not a good self defense round or it is useless. Everybody always wants .38 Specials or bigger. I often carry a .32 revolver because it is a very accurate round and delivers more power that the .22. This is one that I plan on using as one of my concealed carry guns. I have nothing against carrying a 100+ year old gun!

gandl2123 · #4 06-27-2012, 07:34 PM

I have recently picked up a 32 HE which is the 1st or 2nd change I think. I think it was produced in 1904. One change I notice about mine is that it has a main spring in the handle as well as two other springs. It does not have the lower slide below the hammer and to the rear of the trigger like I see in some of the parts manuals. This gun is for sale for $200. if anyone is interested in "bringing it back". All of the patent dates, logos and serial numbers are in fine shape. One of the grips has been repaired by plastic filler or something and I just recently broke the main spring...guess I over tightened it and was lying on the bench and I heard a popping noise and she had broken inside the gun. Weird. Tks and if interested in getting this gun from me, please send me an e-mail while I still have it.

Nframe_is_no1 · #5 06-27-2012, 08:10 PM

Nice find, especially with the target stocks! I have one just like it in blue, #15xxx, from 1904:

I tend to like a bit more barrel, so here's one I just found today, the 6" version, #70xxx, from 1907:

(looks like a buntline doesn't it?)

Finally, here's the shortest length, 3 1/4", #573xxx from 1952:

Green Frog · #6 06-27-2012, 10:14 PM

Good on ya! I am another supporter of the "little" 32 for a carry gun. I have a couple of 6 inchers, but my little post-War snub nose is my favorite, and believe it or not, the one I shoot most effectively as well. It's my every day CCW, and I don't feel undergunned at all. It's not the size of the dog, it's the fight in the dog that counts!

One of my 6 inchers is also nickel plated and in much the same state as yours. You know what? It still shoots just as well! A little Mother's Mag Polish or Flitz will do wonders for its looks, but it's still the shooting that gets the job done. Ya aint takin' it to no Bar-b-ques to show off, are ya?

Froggie

Hondo44 · #7 06-28-2012, 01:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jsmith

I was thinking of the same thing. Since somebody in the past has used some kind of abrasive on it already, I have nothing to loose in trying.

The problem with flea markets is often times people find these at auctions or estate sales, crudely clean them or try to shine them up, and resell them. Often they just hurt the value of the gun because now there is damage done that normally can't be reversed. It's always best just to leave it alone unless you know what you are doing.

I've always liked the I-frame's, especially the .32's. They can be picked up for very reasonable prices. Most people avoid the .32 because they think it is not a good self defense round or it is useless. Everybody always wants .38 Specials or bigger. I often carry a .32 revolver because it is a very accurate round and delivers more power that the .22. This is one that I plan on using as one of my concealed carry guns. I have nothing against carrying a 100+ year old gun!

I love the .32s. That's a great deal and you could make it look like new money! If Mothers doesn't cut it, try 3000 grit wet or dry paper then go back to the Mothers. You can get all the black/rust spots off and where the pits are deep a dab of Naval jelly (rust remover) on those will get the black out of the pits. Like you said, you've got nothing to lose. You'll be surprised how nice these can be brought back!

TACC1 · #8 06-28-2012, 01:43 AM

That is one nice looking 32. You get extra points for
rescuing it.
The S&W 32's are really elegant looking, if that's the
term for a firearm.
I'll be looking forward to any further developments with
this one, including any thoughts you might share after a trip
to the range. TACC1

Ken NC · #9 06-28-2012, 07:00 AM

you might also try simply a bronze brush and oil on some of the corroded surfaces, I've had luck with that. Then Flitz on surfaces that aren't corroded through. Protect the finished product with Renaissance wax or the like.