32-20

[oldcop71]

New to me 32-20 Model of 1905 4th change. Serial number 112,xxx. It has 4 initials engraved on the top strap on the left side, which I can't make out with the font style used. Serial number dates it to the mid 1930s. I'm trying to attach images.

 

[Alk8944]

Production of the S&W K-frame .32-20 revolvers ended in either 1929 or 1930. They were still "catalogued" until 1941, but all sales after 1930 were from prior production still in the warehouse. The last two .32-20 S&W revolvers were reportedly shipped in 1965! So, your gun is no later than 1930, probably 1928. The stocks on your gun are from the 1910-1920 period, not unusual for any of the .32-20 revolvers to have mis-matched stocks. The correct ones are with a rounded "horn" and no medallions.

 

[DWalt]

Biggest problem is the difficulty finding, and cost of, factory ammo. And the grips on yours are from the 1911-1919 era. Correct grips were probably checkered wood, a convex top, and no medallions. And it is a .32-20 M&P, not a Model of 1905. That nomenclature ceased around 1915. But some continue to use it for later guns. S&W did not. Yours is definitely near the end of the .32-20 K-frame production period.

 

[JP@AK]

Your .32-20 Hand Ejector (AKA Winchester Model) is pretty easy to date - at least with respect to production.

The Made in U.S.A. stamp on the right side of the frame started in 1922. Also, the 32 W.C.F. CTG stamp on the barrel ended in 1922. So, yours must have been assembled right during the narrow window after the advent of the frame stamp and before all the earlier barrels were used up.

Add to that the fact that .32-20 HE serial number 111461 shipped in December 1922; and 113623 shipped in February 1923. Yours could have shipped around that same time period.

However, since S&W did not ship them in serial order and the .32-20 was selling slowly in those days, the ship date for yours could easily be later.

Edit: The stocks are earlier than the gun, so someone probably added them after it was sold at retail. The fancy initials engraved on the top strap were also an aftermarket addition.

 

[oldcop71]

Thanks to all for the info. I love finding old guns in good condition, and like to make notes for the kids and grands so they can be better informed when they inherit my guns.
I ordered a box of 50 rounds (pistol level, not rifle) yesterday, and with the added tax and shipping puts it into the $1.25/rnd territory.
The SCSW latest edition categorizes the 32-20 pistols as Hand Ejectors, and the 32SW Long as an M&P. That was why I used the terminology.
This puts me with 3 that are at, near, or over 100 years old. Woot!

 

[oldcop71]

The SWHF says the gun was made in 1922 and shipped in January of 1923 to a distributor in St Louis MO. If only it could speak...

 

[Major 2]

Sages please respond ..
what year would a 32/20 HE Mod. of 1905 .4rh change with the serial number 1308XX fall ?

Would I be correct with 1928 ?

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Sages please respond ..
what year would a 32/20 HE Mod. of 1905 .4rh change with the serial number 1308XX fall ?

Would I be correct with 1928 ?

I see several with nearby serials shipping in May/June 1926. For example, 130798 shipped in May 1926.