32 Hand Ejector

[erikpolcrack]

I've recently acquired a revolver I've been told is a 32 Hand Ejector. Could someone please confirm that and give me a manufacturing date? The SN is 1856XX. It has a 3 and 1/4 inch barrel, half-moon front sight, and a saw-handle grip w/plastic/Bakelite S&W stocks. The last patent date is Sep 14 09 and the S&W logo is on the right of the frame. Smith and Wesson appears only on top of the barrel and not on the side.

 

[glowe]

Sounds like a 32 Hand Ejector Model of 1903, 5th Change, shipped around 1913-1914. S&W kept records on guns when revolvers left the factory, so shipping dates are most regularly available. These guns were built on what is called an I frame.

32 Long ammunition is available and should shoot just fine in your revolver if it is functioning properly.

 

[Hondo44]

Yes, a .32 HE, Model of 1903 (the 2nd Model), 5th change, with a round butt, made between 1910 to 1917 on the small I frame. Yours is from around the middle of that range. 160,499 of this version were produced.

After WW I with minor changes internally, it became the 3rd Model which was basically unchanged up to 1952.

They are safe to shoot with any current standard loading, a lot of fun and very accurate. Enjoy!

 

[erikpolcrack]

Thanks, Gary. It functions great, appearance is also very good, but the bore is pitted enough I may not shoot it, or only shoot some very light 32 S&W cowboy action loads I have.

 

[Hondo44]

I would not let a pitted bore stop you from shooting it a lot. The .32 can still be surprisingly accurate even with a pitted bore and it wouldn't be unsafe in any way.

 

[erikpolcrack]

Thanks, guys!