My father has an old Smith & Wesson revolver that belonged to my grandfather that is chambered for .32-20. I'll need to get a serial number off that gun to get a better date, but was wondering if anyone knew what years that caliber was offered?
.32-20
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The K frame .32-20 Hand Ejector was made from 1899 to 1940. We can tell you the date of manufacture within a year or two with the SN; just giving the first few digits (like 123xxx) will be enough. Now you must post photos 
.
.It's not much to look at, as my grandfather was quite the outdoorsman, but my father still shoots it from time to time. I will get some numbers and some pics, as I'd really like to know more about this gun. I'm sure my Dad will too.
mkk41
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The 32-20 was quite popular way back when. IIRC , there were 2 factory loads , 1 for pistol and 1 for rifles. There were warnings not to shoot the rifle fodder in pistols , but , gunmen being gunmen , , , .
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This is a model of 1905, 2nd change, probably made in 1909. 11699 made of this type.
You have identified all the easily visible areas with the serial number. You may see also it on the back side of the extractor star. If the stocks (grips) are original to the gun - they appear to be from the 1930s, however - you will also see the serial number penciled on the inside, usually the right one.
Looks like it saw lots of "honest use". Let us know what stories come with it.
You have identified all the easily visible areas with the serial number. You may see also it on the back side of the extractor star. If the stocks (grips) are original to the gun - they appear to be from the 1930s, however - you will also see the serial number penciled on the inside, usually the right one.
Looks like it saw lots of "honest use". Let us know what stories come with it.
I pulled the grips off and can't see any serial numbers on them. I would imagine my grandfather came upon this second hand because in 1909 he would have been in his teens.
I asked my Dad about it and he said he doesn't ever recall his father having a side arm in the field and doesn't remember him having a revolver. They primarily hunted everything with shotguns; birds, duck, squirrel and rabbit. Now my grandfather owned a pool hall, a movie theater and served as a director on a savings and loan and bank. He also served in both world wars. Since he spoke French, it kept him out of the trenches in the first world war, but he was still exposed to mustard gas.
The story goes he was thought to have been killed in action and his fiancé got engaged to another, about to be married when he shows up in town. The wedding was quickly called off and they got married a short time later. My Dad said he found it in a drawer after my grandfather died in 1967. So I guess it's lineage remains a mystery.
I think I'll give it a good cleaning, give it back to my Dad and wait until I take ownership. Thanks so much for the information. Can you get letter on something this old?
I asked my Dad about it and he said he doesn't ever recall his father having a side arm in the field and doesn't remember him having a revolver. They primarily hunted everything with shotguns; birds, duck, squirrel and rabbit. Now my grandfather owned a pool hall, a movie theater and served as a director on a savings and loan and bank. He also served in both world wars. Since he spoke French, it kept him out of the trenches in the first world war, but he was still exposed to mustard gas.
The story goes he was thought to have been killed in action and his fiancé got engaged to another, about to be married when he shows up in town. The wedding was quickly called off and they got married a short time later. My Dad said he found it in a drawer after my grandfather died in 1967. So I guess it's lineage remains a mystery.
I think I'll give it a good cleaning, give it back to my Dad and wait until I take ownership. Thanks so much for the information. Can you get letter on something this old?
Don't get over zealous in the cleaning. We've all seen firearms that were hurt more by being "cleaned" than by the years of sitting. You want to try and preserve as much of the original finish as possible.
NFrameFred
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I know some would not agree and I don't want to start a flame war, but if it was mine and was passed down from my grandfather, in that condition I would send it to S&W for a re-finish.
I'm not recommending the OP do so, I am simply saying that having that old heirloom in a nice finish from the factory would enhance it's value to me. The preservation of old guns in original condition is overdone , in my opinion, when they have obviously degenerated to a condition where they are only for looking at and not much use for shooting and enjoyment; especially specimens that were made in plentiful numbers and can still be found in abundance. I can see not touching one that has some unique properties and was made only in small numbers with few surviving, but that's not what we're talking about.
I was tempted not long ago by an older S&W in 32-30 that was in 90% condition in original nickel. Sadly, I have just so many pennies to alot to the hobby and other wants/desires took precedence. But that's why I like these threads; they're educational, enjoyable, and very gratifying for me to see folks keeping family guns in the family.
I'm not recommending the OP do so, I am simply saying that having that old heirloom in a nice finish from the factory would enhance it's value to me. The preservation of old guns in original condition is overdone , in my opinion, when they have obviously degenerated to a condition where they are only for looking at and not much use for shooting and enjoyment; especially specimens that were made in plentiful numbers and can still be found in abundance. I can see not touching one that has some unique properties and was made only in small numbers with few surviving, but that's not what we're talking about.
I was tempted not long ago by an older S&W in 32-30 that was in 90% condition in original nickel. Sadly, I have just so many pennies to alot to the hobby and other wants/desires took precedence. But that's why I like these threads; they're educational, enjoyable, and very gratifying for me to see folks keeping family guns in the family.
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To clean the exterior, I would first remove the grips. Use Break Free or a similar cleaner/lubricant product, and wipe with a clean non-abrasive cloth.
If the bore and chambers are simply dirty, a Hoppe's Bore Snake and Break Free should clean it up. This gun was from the era of black powder cartridges, so don't be surprised if the bore is pitted. It may not affect accuracy at all. You may need to go to a chemical bore cleaner and brass brushes for the really stubborn crud.
You also want to remove whatever rust is present if possible, without taking off the remaining blue; many recommend 0000 steel or brass wool, use with light pressure.
"...in that condition I would send it to S&W for a re-finish."
The factory generally won't work on one that old.
murphydog had the best advice on cleaning.
"I pulled the grips off and can't see any serial numbers on them."
On many of the early revolvers, the serial number was written on the inside of the right grip in pencil. Often, the number is either rubbed off or washed away by oil or solvent.
The factory generally won't work on one that old.
murphydog had the best advice on cleaning.
"I pulled the grips off and can't see any serial numbers on them."
On many of the early revolvers, the serial number was written on the inside of the right grip in pencil. Often, the number is either rubbed off or washed away by oil or solvent.
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Murphydog also pointed out the grips were later grips. Just what would the period-correct grips look like? I see grips on Gunbroker that lead me to believe they might not necessarily have been wood.
On the prospect of shooting this gun, my Dad said he hasn't used it since I gave him a model 27 a little over 20 years ago. I have no doubt the action is in great shape, I wish all my S&W revolvers were this smooth. My Dad still has ammo for this pistol and I'd love to shoot it. Is there anything I should be concerned about... barring the pistol/ rifle ammo issue discussed?
On the prospect of shooting this gun, my Dad said he hasn't used it since I gave him a model 27 a little over 20 years ago. I have no doubt the action is in great shape, I wish all my S&W revolvers were this smooth. My Dad still has ammo for this pistol and I'd love to shoot it. Is there anything I should be concerned about... barring the pistol/ rifle ammo issue discussed?
The .32-20 Target that I had was in the 308xx range and was shipped in 1907. It had concave topped grips. Generally, revolvers shipped between 1910 and 1920 had gold medallions.
msj348
Member
The concave grips correct for your gun would have looked like this. This is my 32-20 with a 40xxx serial number.
