32 Hand Ejector

[2whlgeezer]

Had been looking for a nice, small frame 32 revolver for my wife (very small hands) for some time. Yesterday picked up a .32 Hand Ejector in nice condition. Some holster wear, mostly at the muzzle, but otherwise shows little use. Would love to have some reference to age. No model number, but here is what I have.
S&W Hand Ejector
S/N 6000XX
32 Long CTG
3 1/2"
Fixed Sights
5 screws
No strain screw

Any pointers would be appreciated.

Bill

 

[Green Frog]

Welcome to the S&W Forum! You have described an I-frame revolver, the predecessor to the J-frame. It was initially designed for the 32 S&W Long cartridge and released in 1899 and eventually went on to be produced in 22 LR and 38 S&W before WW II then about the same time as yours it was slightly redesigned to take 38 Specials.

SCSW shows only a range of SNs 536685-712953 coming from 1946-1960, so by extrapolation, I'd estimate somewhere in the early to mid 1950s. One identifying factor is the presence of a strain screw in the lower front of the grip frame, indicating an old type I-frame with the leaf mainspring, as opposed to the its absence on the Improved I-frame with coil spring. You are somewhere near the break point with that SN. Of course there is no model number stamped on it since it was made prior to their usage (ca 1957) but the factory designation was Hand Ejector 32 with round grip frame profile and Regulation Police with square grip profile.

Like you, I needed a small gun for a woman (in my case a niece) and the little I-frame was perfect for her. From a concealment standpoint, my 32 Hand Ejector snub nose is my own choice for every day carry.

If you go to the "stickies" at the top of this page, there is a tutorial on the history of the I-frame guns that has much more helpful information in it. Look for a posting by Hondo44 to get the full skinny on this gun.

Regards,
Froggie

PS This is the link to one such thread; Some I-frame ?'s , especially post #17

 

[DocB]

I have the same gun with a SN 581XXX that was made in 1952. Your SN is so close I would guess the same year. It likely has 4 screws on the side plate and one screw in the front of the trigger guard. No screw in the front of the grip frame since it has the new coil spring making it an I frame first change in transition to the modified I frame. Hondo has all the details and will probably respond soon. Here's a picture of mine for comparison. A great tiny gun for the wife. Get her some Buffalo Bore ammo to generate close to 150 foot pounds of energy at the muzzle and she will be good to go. The 4th screw on the side plate is hidden under the grip.

 

[Hondo44]

Welcome to the forum, Bill.

Congrats on a nice find.

You have a "32 Hand Ejector Improved I frame as Froggie posted above. From the serial # it was most likely shipped in Jan of 1953, can't get any closer than that w/o the missing serial # digits.

It has the half rd front sight, but the barrel length is 3 1/4" unless it's been modified.

She's gonna love it.

You'll find more detail here: THE POST WAR I FRAMES EVOLUTION
http://smith-wessonforum.com/blog.php?u=134353

 

[2whlgeezer]

Thanks to all!!! Greatly appreciated. We've tried other guns for her, but always either too large for her hand or to "snappy". Semi Autos with difficult slide operation was out of the question. Kinda like the porridge in Goldilocks, this one is just right.

She also got an old Ubanks holster that seems to be made for it, as it is stamped "3 1/4"- don't figure many holsters were made for that exact length.
Thanks again!

 

[H Richard]

I agree with Jim, 1953. I can span a 5897xx July 1952 and 60009x Jan 1953. They are wonderful little handguns, and very accurate. Ammo is easily available, most larger sporting goods stores or on line. The 98 gr wadcutter load is easy to shoot and usually reasonably priced.

 

[DWalt]

Also 5994xx shipped in 1/53.

 

[DocB]

That has got to be a rare holster that you got for her. A Eubanks is always nice. I have more trouble finding holsters for these old I frames.

 

[ABPOS]

I think you chose wisely for your wife. Well, as long as she thinks so. I find it odd that many times on other guns sites that there is such a resistance to women using revolvers. Or anyone for that matter. I understand the upsides to auto's.

But so many people in my life find revolvers more intuitive, easier to use. Yes, they are harder to shoot in double action than a nice single action auto trigger. Especially J frames. But what good is an auto if a person can't manipulate the slide? My wife can only rack the slide on a few autos I've ever owned. Although we hadn't tried that new .380 Shield.

But my Mom, Dad and wife all think revolvers are easier to use, and more intuitive and don't confuse them. I know that may be a hard pill for some people to swallow, but it's just the case. Yes, training can overcome that and we all should get some. But some things just work better for some people. I'd rather have 5-6 shots from a revolver than someone fumbling with a gun they can't use.

Anyways... that's my rant. I've taken a lot of abuse over the years from people saying revolvers are dumb and not a good choice for defense and I just don't agree. Now, if I was seriously going to war would I choose a revolver. Not as a primary gun. But if my primary gun was an M4 and M16 and I wasn't issued a handgun, I would have no problem adding a j frame to my kit for those just in case, oh **** moments. BUG. As a civilian homeschooler Dad just living life every day, a revolver is a heck of a lot better than nothing.

Point being, very nice choice OP. Would love to see pics of yours.

 

[2whlgeezer]

Thanks again. I have also read articles and seen the clips supporting the semi auto. I agree that simpler is better. It is one thing to teach the manual of arms under controlled circumstances, but fear than when under duress, everything goes to heck in a handbasket. We'll stick with something that is ultimately easy to operate. It's just a bonus to find this little jewel and a point of pride that no one on the range will have anything as cool as hers!

 

[Jerry in SC]

Great older revolver, my wife's dad had one that had belonged to his dad. It was pre-war vintage with hard rubber grips. He loaned it to her brother and he either lost it or sold it...

I gave my late dad a Model 31 years ago. He was very proud of that revolver.