.32 Hand Ejector Question

[ChuckS1]

I have what appears to be a .32 Hand Ejector (Postwar) - Pre Model 30, serial number 568013. Looks like it's an improved I-frame with a coil mainspring, based on what I can tell from my 3d ed SCSW. Can anybody confirm that's what it is and any other information on it? It looks like it has a prewar barrel with the rounded front sight, but a postwar ejector rod. Thanks in advance.

 

[glowe]

Standard post-war 32 Hand Ejector that would have shipped from the factory in 1951 or 1952. By 1948, the ejector rod knob was eliminated and the 4 line frame stamping had started. Also, the transition from round top hard rubber stocks to magna style stocks were standard on most all post war I frames after 1950.

I cannot tell but there should be a screw on the front of the trigger guard? If not, this would be considered an Improved I frame, but I think that change took place after your gun was made.

 

[ParadiseRoad]

...four line address started mid 1948...half moon sight ended 1952...5 screw ended late 1956...if everything is original it should date between 1948 and 1952...of course there are a lot of anomalies with left over parts...guns sitting in inventory...slow sellers...etc....

 

[Muley Gil]

I have a S&W .32 Long Regulation Police 4” blue, # 586848, that shipped in February 1953.

 

[Hondo44]

That's a real beauty!

You're correct, it's a .32 Hand Ejector built on the Improved I frame, the #568013 was most likely shipped 12/51. You have the 1st variation Improved I frame with round sight.

The 2nd variation from 1952 has the barrel rib and ramp front sight. Both variations have five screws with trigger guard screw. The four screw began with the Model of 1953 (the true Pre Model*). The screw count is different for I & J frames and start with the 6 screw for I frames (the post war transition I frame that preceded yours).
Explained in the new SCSW-4 ed., pg. 144 and here:

http://smith-wessonforum.com/blog.php?b=103

*NOTE:
It's too early to be a Pre Model in the explicit "Pre-Model" collector term meaning used in the context of S&W collecting and should not be confused as the generic meaning of pre model which is a common misuse of the term.

“A Pre-Model is any ‘named’ model that immediately precedes when the company began the model ‘number’ stamping system, and incorporates all of the same design changes of their model numbered counterparts.”

 

[ChuckS1]

Thanks, everyone, for your answers. I appreciate the information. I'm adding notes to my firearm record pages so my kids know what they're inheriting, other than "a bunch of old guns".