.32 long

[Igiveup]

I picked one up at a gunshow yesterday was wondering about the sn. It is 4647x followed by a 5 point star. What is the meaning of the star?
Also, it has J frame grips and would like to know of a place to get I frame grips.

 

[H Richard]

The star will most likely mean it was returned to S&W at some point for repair or refinishing. If you remove the grips, in the left hand side of the grip frame there should be a date stamped such as "4.19" which would be April 2019.

Your best bet on "I" frame grips is keeping an eye on the classifieds here or ebay or Gunbroker. They don't show up every day, but persistence should produce some.

That s/n would put your .32 from 1904 to 1906. In that period it most likely had black hard rubber grips. There are some reproduction grips available I understand, but don't know the supplier.

 

[Igiveup]

H Richard- there is a date 3.42, so I am guessing it went back to the factory in March of 1942, and no telling why. Blueing is decent, little holster and minimal wheel line. The action is somewhat stiff, may just need a good cleaning. Thank you

 

[delcrossv]

Reproduction grips

I think its NC ordnance. They have a big presence on Gunbroker.

 

[Alk8944]

The early guns always had hard rubber stocks as far as I have ever observed. N.C. Ordnance makes very good reproduction replica stocks. Here is a link to the page, they are the first two items at the top and are listed as being for the top-break or I-frame revolvers. What the difference between the .32 and .38 stocks is I cannot discern. The G27 looks a bit cleaner than the G26. You will also need the screw and escutcheon set that is shown with the stocks. Smith & Wesson Grips Made By NC Ordnance I have bought several sets from them over the years and have always been well satisfied!

 

[Igiveup]

Thanks Alk8944. I wrote the information down for the G27 and will order tomorrow.

 

[Hondo44]

Congrats on acquiring your new 32 Hand Ejector - Model of 1903 - 1st Change.

All good info from members above.

For future ref: The top break 38 grips are the same as the 32 I frame. But the 32 top break grips are smaller all the way around the grip.

Are the I/J frame grips too long for your gun? Only I and J frame grips from before 1953 will fit your early I frame. If yours are too long they are from the Model of 1953 or later I and J frames. But FYI: they can be trimmed and sanded on the butt to fit early I frames perfectly.

 

[Igiveup]

Well, I received the grips, only took three days from ordering, very impressed. I guess the bottom line is that they don't fit and I will now have to look for a revolver to put them on. Just like finding a box of ammo and having to buy a gun to shoot it. I think I will just wait for the gun shows and watch the internet for some grips. The big Reno show has vendors that specialize in grips, so maybe I'll find a set there.

 

[Hondo44]

Kevin,

In what way don't they fit?

 

[delcrossv]

If they're like the repro M frame grips I tried, they're too small.

 

[Igiveup]

What delcrossv said. They are too short, but look really nice quality wise.