32-20 1905 4th Change

[Swissfan]

LGS texted me these pictures asking about revolver and value. (They know I like S&Ws)

I am fairly certain it's a 1905 4th change. Caliber is 32-20 and appears to be original nickel, there is an "N" on frame under grips and no "B" on barrel flat, older aftermarket grips. Serial #103xxx.

I wasn't sure of value, told them $300 plus or minus due to condition, caliber and non original grips.

There was a customer looking at it while I was responding to text. LGS said they would hold it for me if wasn't bought by looker after I gave estimate of value.

Still there when I arrived later, no issues with lock up or timing. Hard to tell in pictures, but hammer and trigger are not nickeled.

These are the only (2) pictures I have and know they aren't the best, is it worth picking up for $300?

I do have a couple boxes of ammo. I have one in 6", just not in as good as condition.

 

[glowe]

Likely shipped on or near 1921, so 4th Change. Nickel is not very good, Plastic Franzite grips really detract from the gun. It would likely clean up some and 1920s S&W walnut stocks would help, but likely to cost $100 today in a decent condition on ebay. Downside is that it would have a serial number different than yours, so would always be non-matching.

All that said, I would have to ask myself the question: Why do I want to buy this gun? It is not a collector grade gun, not a target revolver, does not have original stocks, and nickel is quite bad. I do not collect only pristine guns, but personally would not pick this one at any price. Better examples will come along online, so save your money and keep looking is my advise.

 

[Muley Gil]

If you want to enjoy the fun of shooting the .32-20, buy it, IF the bore is in good condition.

I have had a .32-20 around the house since 1975. I've never regretted buying one. BTW, that nickel will clean up with a little polish. It will never look new again, but you can blend the bare spots into the nickel.

 

[Swissfan]

glowe-The grips are one thing I thought about, knowing they wouldn't be cheap. I would have to change them from what's on there now, even if not the correct grips. I'm not a pristine gun only guy either but do hesitate when there's condition issues even if gun is mechanically good. Thanks for the shipping date estimate, was wondering that also.

Muley Gil-Yes, bore was in good condition. Pictures show it worse than in person. I think it will clean up decent, realizing that it will still have it's character marks. I do enjoy shooting the 32-20.

 

[Wrangler Rich]

My opinion: 1. It's a Smith, 2. It's shooter grade, 3. 32-20's are fun to shoot, 4. It's $300, buy it.


WR

 

[bill-in-texas]

I’m with Gary.

 

[Hawg Rider]

I like .32-20s...fun round to shoot and very accurate. Here's a 6" bbl. version that's close to yours (118705; ca. 1923) that I picked up on GB a few years ago for $475. Finish is a little worn, but stocks are original and it functions beautifully. Back in the day someone installed a copper bead in the front sight, and it works quite well. No barrel bulge, either. I think it's pretty cool for being 100 years old! As you know, the one you're looking at is pretty rough but it might clean up a little. New stocks would make a world of difference. $300 might be a little on the high side if I were looking to buy it...I think I'd offer something like $250 OTD. It would be a fun project gun, so if you really want it, buy it. Good luck with your decision!

 

[TIMETRIPPER]

The condition of the bore would be the selling point for me. I've owned three S&W 32-20 revolvers, none of which had pristine bores. But they all shot well enough with a little corrosion in the rifling. If that one was a 38 Special the shop could get $300, but a 32-20... the average Joe doesn't want to mess will a hard to find, expensive caliber. I agree with Hawg Rider. Make an offer and see how it goes. Or get them to throw in a box of ammo with it. It they have any.

John

 

[Inland7-45]

32-20 M&P

LGS texted me these pictures asking about revolver and value. (They know I like S&Ws)

I am fairly certain it's a 1905 4th change. Caliber is 32-20 and appears to be original nickel, there is an "N" on frame under grips and no "B" on barrel flat, older aftermarket grips. Serial #103xxx.

I wasn't sure of value, told them $300 plus or minus due to condition, caliber and non original grips.

There was a customer looking at it while I was responding to text. LGS said they would hold it for me if wasn't bought by looker after I gave estimate of value.

Still there when I arrived later, no issues with lock up or timing. Hard to tell in pictures, but hammer and trigger are not nickeled.

These are the only (2) pictures I have and know they aren't the best, is it worth picking up for $300?

I do have a couple boxes of ammo. I have one in 6", just not in as good as condition.

If the bore is good and there are no mechanical issues this gun would make a good shooter.

From what I can see in the pictures the side plate fit to frame looks ok. The side plate screws are’nt butchered. Though I can’t say for sure it is very possible that this gun has never been taken apart.

Hard to say for sure from the pictures but this appears to be a rough but original finish. If the plating is original and just dull, chipped and scratched and the finish on the hammer and trigger is worn the gun may be very sound underneath it all. A rough original is better than a badly refinished gun with a non factory nickel or worse yet chrome with the hammer and trigger also refinished.

I have a .32 RP with a scratched milky looking nickel with the hammer and trigger with a dark patina. Bore and action are good, never been taken apart and it shoots as good as it did when it left the factory in 1940.

Some old guns you buy for an investment. Others you buy to rescue and have fun shooting. As far as stocks go, you won’t need to replace them with high condition wood. Any of the pre war square butt styles for the k frame would look ok and you may find a good deal if you shop around.

So if this is mechanically sound enough to make a good shooter it may have possibilities. I would still try to knock the price down a little.

 

[tlawler]

Get your brass while it’s hot!

Swissfan, if you do pick it up, go over to optics planet and get on the list for brass. Myself and others who have recently purchased .32-20 Hand Ejectors are finding ammo and brass almost unobtanium. ArchAngelCD found some, even it’s a few weeks out. It might be your only chance other than GB, where it’s going for $1.50 or more a casing.

 

[Swissfan]

Thanks for the comments everyone. I can get it for $250, just have to get back the the LGS this weekend to get it.

Thanks tlawler, but I do have a couple of boxes of ammo for my other 6" 32 WCF S&W. I have only put 18 or 24 rounds through it, so that leaves me 76-82 rounds remaining. I do have dies for reloading when the time comes.

BTW, The LGS texted me today with a 651 w/box that I want (and a 48 with box that I would also like to have). So the 32 may have to go to someone else, if I can't find the funds for both.

 

[metrotps]

For those that need to shoot their 32/20 S&W's I found an ad on WaGuns that states.
"32-20 150 rounds 80$ a box" by Gutzpilz
"All prices are OBO. TEXT ME 253-677-7637"
I have no connection to this ad. Just providing a service to those who love their 32/20's