32 long ctg model number?

[carpenter]

Picked up a 32 long ctg nickel finish w/2" barrel in new condition. It has the number 13281 and a 0 below that where the model should be. serial# 610*** Would like some imfo on the gun.. Will try to post some photos tonight.

 

[cgt4570]

Smiths didn't have model numbers until after 1957!!!

Sounds like it's a post-WW2 .32 Hand Ejector, which later became the Model 30. Ballpark range would make production around 1950, give or take a couple years. Only a factory letter would tell you exactly when it shipped.
Chris

 

[S&W Oldtimer]

My pre 30 ser #5379xx shipped in Nov 49.

 

[carpenter]

 

[carguychris]

It's a late 50s vintage .32 Hand Ejector, judging by the ramp front sight rather than the earlier half moon sight, the lack of a trigger guard screw, and the lack of a strain screw on the frontstrap. Your gun was probably one of the last ones to slip out before S&W started calling this gun the Model 30.

The finish looks really nice compared to most nickeled guns of this vintage. If it's a refinish, it's a really good one, because the S&W monogram is crisp and the trigger and hammer have the correct color-case finish. Is the ejector star blued?

 

[carpenter]

 

[carpenter]

The gun is in brand new condition with only a few rounds through it.

 

[smith17]

Carpenter:
Number 607xxx went out March of 1954.
Ed

 

[s&wchad]

Originally posted by carguychris:
It's a late 50s vintage .32 Hand Ejector

I don't think it's that late. I agree that it's an improved I frame, maybe mid-1950's. Mine is only 6000 numbers later, it's still not model marked and it has the large trigger guard. The caliber markings are different too.

These weren't very popular compared to the Chief's Special and they didn't produce that many. Carpenter's gun looks to be in wonderful condition and they're great fun to shoot.

Ps. Welcome to the forum! Cool gun.

 

[Hondo44]

Originally posted by carpenter:
Picked up a 32 long ctg nickel finish w/2" barrel in new condition. It has the number 13281 and a 0 below that where the model should be. serial# 610*** Would like some imfo on the gun.. Will try to post some photos tonight.

Likely made in 1954 or 55, you have a 32 hand ejector third model 5 screw, on the Improved I frame 1st type (coil mainspring improvement), which became the Mod 30 in 1957 and was made on the J frame starting in 1961. I'm pretty sure I see a screw in front of the trigger guard, but if not let me know.

See the blue one just above for an Improved I frame, 2nd type with larger trigger guard, 4 screws and 1/4" longer grip frame.

 

[carpenter]

I'm getting better at this photo posting,Hondo is correct. There is screw in front of triger guard. Thanks for the imfo

 

[H Richard]

My pre-30 S/N 60009X was shipped in Jan. 1953.