.32 safety hammerless with 1 13/16" barrel

[barnside]

Hey Guys:

I stopped at the new Baton Rouge Cabellas today and bought a .32 safety hammerless, 3d model "bicycle model", serial # 219,8xx. The interesting thing about it is that the barrel is only 1 13/16" long. On the right side of the barrel is "32 S&W CTG". On the left side is "Smith&Wesson." Both markings are centered. No other markings. (i.e., no patent dates or address anywhere on the gun).

The dumb question is did they come in that barrel length, or is that the actual length of a 2 inch model?

The barrel was clearly shorter than another 2 inch safety hammerless siting in the case. That one had the patent date and address on the side of the barrel. My first thought was that mine was cut down. But, after looking at it, I'm not so sure.

Please enlighten me, O wise ones.

Thanks

 

[barnside]

Hey Guys:

I stopped at the new Baton Rouge Cabellas today and bought a .32 safety hammerless, 3d model "bicycle model", serial # 219,8xx. The interesting thing about it is that the barrel is only 1 13/16" long. On the right side of the barrel is "32 S&W CTG". On the left side is "Smith&Wesson." Both markings are centered. No other markings. (i.e., no patent dates or address anywhere on the gun).

The dumb question is did they come in that barrel length, or is that the actual length of a 2 inch model?

The barrel was clearly shorter than another 2 inch safety hammerless siting in the case. That one had the patent date and address on the side of the barrel. My first thought was that mine was cut down. But, after looking at it, I'm not so sure.

Please enlighten me, O wise ones.

Thanks

 

[mmaher94087]

Barnside, my 2 1/4" .32 Safety Hammerless lettered as 2". Roy Jinks explained that the factory used whatever was on hand and cut the barrels to the approximate length then crowned them. If there was a flaw in the barrel crowning operation, then the machine operator would, at his descretion, either re-cut that barrel (making it shorter) or pull another from the stockpile. Roy further explained that the S&W stocking clerk did not measure individual barrels but referred to the Invoice accompanying the revolver through the manufacturing process to acertain the barrel length for the label that went on the box. Since the barrel markings are "centered" on both sides, I believe your revolver is correct. I would send for a letter. It just may be a special order. Mike

 

[barnside]

Thanks,
I am getting out a letter request in the next few days. Does your 2 incher have the same limited markings?

 

[mmaher94087]

Barnside, My 2" has the .32 S&W ctg. on the left and Smith & Wesson Springfield, Mass. on the right. The serial number is in the 213,8xx range. It's nickeled, the front sight is forged with the barrel and the cylinder base is pinned. Mike

 

[barnside]

Mike,
When was yours made? It looks like both of ours were made near the end of production. Mine is also nickle, but with a pinned front sight.
I find it interesting that my barrel lacks the "Springfield Mass" language, which makes me worry that it is a cut-down barrel. Only Roy can tell.
Either which way, it is cut as a bug, and makes a half-way decent little carry gun.

Mark

 

[mmaher94087]

Barnside, Regrettfully, I'm not close to my letters and will be on the road for three weeks. I'll try to look it up when I return. Mike