32/20 Hand Ejector

[OldChief]

Here's the latest addition to my collection, a 32/20 Hand Ejector Model of 1905, 3rd Change. From the serial number (56xxx), I figure it probably came out of the factory anywhere from 1911 to 1913. It has been re-blued and obviously doesn't sport it's original grips. As you can see, the trigger and hammer have been plated.
Anyway, the price was right, it was a gift.

 

[dwh]

What a great gift. I picked up my first 32-20 HE last week. I think this is going to be addictive.

 

[StrawHat]

The 32 WCF was a magnum in it’s day. K frame 32-20 heat treating began in 1919 at approximate serial number 81,287. So, yours is older and even though that is a lot of steel around those chambers, handloads should respect it’s age.

Factory loads are fine but pricey. The old high velocity “rifle only” factory loads are mostly in collections and very rarely encountered.

I have two of the Winchester Models, a 5” and a 6 1/2”. Both are great revolvers that do not get out often enough.

Kevin

 

[DWalt]

The closest .32-20 SN I have listed is 59043 which shipped in 12/1913. I have only a few SNs listed for 1912, and those are in the low 5xxxx range.

 

[OldChief]

The closest .32-20 SN I have listed is 59043 which shipped in 12/1913. I have only a few SNs listed for 1912, and those are in the low 5xxxx range.

I guess that would put mine in the 1912-13 range, my guess was pretty close.

 

[oddshooter]

I grew up in Texas shooting a 32-20 first gen Colt SAA; Fantastic accuracy and very little recoil.

I still love this cartridge and have it in several shooters. I personally think it will run side by side with the 327 Federal Magnum in the new Ruger Buckeye and BH8.

I keep my Army Special down under 900fps.

I have become a .32 junkie.

Prescut

 

[DWalt]

Colt offered a considerably wider choice of revolvers chambered in .32-20 than S&W, including the SAA and Bisley models. In fact, .32-20 is the most common Bisley caliber.

 

[Muley Gil]

Colt offered a considerably wider choice of revolvers chambered in .32-20 than S&W, including the SAA and Bisley models. In fact, .32-20 is the most common Bisley caliber.

Yes, in addition, the Police Positive Special, the Army Special and the Official Police all were available in .32-20. I think one or two of the older DA revolvers were also chambered in .32-20.

 

[DWalt]

Yes, in addition, the Police Positive Special, the Army Special and the Official Police all were available in .32-20. I think one or two of the older DA revolvers were also chambered in .32-20.

I have both an Army Special (1911) and an OP (1932) in .32-20. Actually they are 99% the same gun but under different names (only a slight cosmetic difference). Colt thought it would be better for police sales if the Army Special was renamed the Official Police.