32 Regulation Police Improved I frame

[Bastogne71]

Just brought this little gem home with me today. It’s a 32 S&W long with a three inch (not 3 1/4”) barrel, four screws, and square butt. The serial numbers match in all six locations. I believe that this is the improved I frame, correct? It’s in beautiful condition, the turn line is barely visible and only a bit of residue in the cylinder shows it has ever been fired, then maybe only once. Roy Jinks, in an unusually quick response, said it shipped in April 1956. It’s the oldest S&W I have.

If any of you can add to or correct me in what I think I know about this revolver, I’ll welcome your input!

 

[rincar]

Nice Revolver I am Envious.

 

[kscharlie]

Very nice. You will find it to be one of your most enjoyable revolvers to shoot.

I believe your .32 RP is a "New I Frame" as opposed to the Improved I Frame. The trigger guard is the newer oval shaped one. If you remove the stocks the backstrap should not be rebated.

 

[Bastogne71]

I believe your .32 RP is a "New I Frame" as opposed to the Improved I Frame. The trigger guard is the newer oval shaped one. If you remove the stocks the backstrap should not be rebated.

You are correct. It is a New I Frame 4 screw. A little more reading of Jim Carter’s article in The Standard Catalog of S&W proved that to me. I’m still trying to learn more about my first I frame.

 

[kscharlie]

You are correct. It is a New I Frame 4 screw. A little more reading of Jim Carter’s article in The Standard Catalog of S&W proved that to me. I’m still trying to learn more about my first I frame.

Without a doubt, Jim is the foremost expert on the I-Frame revolver. I know I have learned a lot from his published information and his posts on this forum. I will be 72 years old in three weeks, and I am still trying to learn about S&W revolvers. It is my sincerest hope that I never lose the desire to learn.

Sure hope you have more discipline than I do. Although I don't have a lot of I-frames, my first one has lead to 6 more.

 

[Mbrgr1]

Sure hope you have more discipline than I do. Although I don't have a lot of I-frames, my first one has lead to 6 more.


Naaaah, you're not hooked.


Nice group, the I frames are sort of the Mickey Rooney of S&Ws, small but tough!