S&W model 30-1
- Thread starter jantydog
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God! One of my favoritist guns. I have both the 30-1 and the 31-1. They are a joy to shoot. The 30-1 was made between 1948 and 1976. Originally built on the I-frame, 1961 began the production on the J frame. Diamond grips deleted in 1968. What do you want to know. It's one of the best little guns Smith made.
Serial numbers: 1961-1970 712954-826977. Yours is towards the end so figure 1969 or 1970.
Someone correct me if I messed up the numbers. Wouldn't be the first time.
Doc
ColbyBruce
Member
Alk8944
US Veteran
Well, I bought 30-1 #7635XX during the Summer of 1968 so I would put yours 1969 or '70 leaning more toward early 1970. By "The Book" 1869 started at 786544.
General info on the mod 30-1
The -1 mod number was the change to the J frame in April 1961 at #712954. In 1970 the factory changed the serial numbering system on these guns to using an H serial number prefix at serial #826977. The mod 30 could be bought in a barrel length of 2", 3", and 4". An interesting side note; the mod 30 is a round butt gun and the mod 31 is a square butt gun. This is the only guns that S&W made a model change for the butt configuration with the same caliber and/or barrel length!
jcelect SWCA#723
The -1 mod number was the change to the J frame in April 1961 at #712954. In 1970 the factory changed the serial numbering system on these guns to using an H serial number prefix at serial #826977. The mod 30 could be bought in a barrel length of 2", 3", and 4". An interesting side note; the mod 30 is a round butt gun and the mod 31 is a square butt gun. This is the only guns that S&W made a model change for the butt configuration with the same caliber and/or barrel length!
jcelect SWCA#723
Thanks all for this information. It is a 2". The blueing is about 100%, if not 100%. I really like the S&W revolvers but don't know much about them (I only have one other, a 19-6). Until now, I have been a Glock fan (and have a bunch), and somewhat still am, but it is hard not to love the Smiths the most.
I have no idea about value but would like to. I gave $150 for the 30-1 which is what the owner paid and wanted.
I have no idea about value but would like to. I gave $150 for the 30-1 which is what the owner paid and wanted.
Smithboomer
Member
The Model 30 is a favorite of mine also. $150 for a near-100% model is a fantastic price.
FYI you can shoot .32 ACP rounds from your new gun. I do this all the time. The ACP rounds are a lot cheaper than factory .32 Long ammo.
FYI you can shoot .32 ACP rounds from your new gun. I do this all the time. The ACP rounds are a lot cheaper than factory .32 Long ammo.
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You got a great deal. I have been looking for a model 30, or 31 but they are snagged up quick!! I also shoot 32 acp out of my 631. You can find 32 S&W long at the bigger gun shops (if they are not out) but forget about finding it in the big box stores.
Hammerdown
Absent Comrade
Hello Peyton
I grew tired at finding Prime examples costing in the $450.00-$595.00 dollar range, so I Picked up this Cosmetically challenged Blued one for $100.00, That Locked up Tight and had a shinny Bore and sent it off to Ford's in Florida for a re-finish. After a Lengthy conversation, we decided to go with the High Polished chrome finish as they said it would wear the best for daily carry. The Grips are serial numbered to the gun, as you can see it was real Rough Looks wise before I sent it to them. I prepped it prior to sending it, and I will Not take on that chore again as I have Many, Many Hour's in sanding Out all The Rust & Pits. I have carried it more than two years now, and it shows Zero evidence of carry wear. I have $300.00 in it Now, and no regreats to buying one that had not been shot much, but did not get the best of care externally. Ford's also Re-Applied the factory S&W Logo on it. I found it an afordable way to get a Pre-30 and this one is from 1958 Not Model Marked. I felt the Market Prices of Pristeen ones were high and daily carry would have soon Turned them into a shooter grade revolver in no Time, as Blued finish's show carry wear very fast, and even nickel will wear in time so The Hard chrome finish idea has served me well. This changed my out look on daily carry weapons and should I ever need another one, I would Not hesitate to Buy one finish challenged for a Song and have Ford's so their magic to it. Regards, Hammerdown
"Before Re-finishing"
After Ford's Re-Finishing"
Fords
Hammerdown, am I seeing things? Looks like the barrel pin is missing in your photos. jandogty, you have the deal we all are looking for, good shooting. Sorry, don't mean to hyjack your post.
Hammerdown, am I seeing things? Looks like the barrel pin is missing in your photos. jandogty, you have the deal we all are looking for, good shooting. Sorry, don't mean to hyjack your post.
Hammerdown
Absent Comrade
Hello Smithshooter
It was.
I sent it back and they Placed the Barrel pin back in it. 
Regards, HammerdownNframe_is_no1
Member
I'm not normally a fan of refinishing, but in this case what a difference! I think you did the right thing. Just one question though, why was the barrel pin not finished to match?
gagunner 2
US Veteran
Georgia Arms makes a 85 gr.JHP , 32 S&W long round advertised at 850FPS.Sounds like it would be pretty good,
Hammerdown
Absent Comrade
Hello
Sure, Police Departments all over the U.S. Carried this round for years. As The Previous Poster Pointed out, Georgia ammo sells some Potent ammo for the .32 S&W Long Cartridge. I carry it and hand load all my own ammo for it... Hammerdown
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Carry the .32 with confidence, it will shine with some good ammo and it is light and easy to carry. Now where are the pictures???
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Hammerdown, what a difference that makes!!
Hammerdown
Absent Comrade
Hello peyton
Thanks, I simply love the .32 S&W Long round & have worked it up by hand loading recently for both my J-Frame and K-Frames. One can safely shoot this round at .38 Special velocities out of a -J-frame and still have one more round in the -J-Frames compared to the .38 special caliber-j-Frames... Hammerdown
