32 SW questions

[HOGAN]

I picked this up a few years ago. After looking in the SCSW, I'm still confused on what to call it. The S/N puts it about 1956ish. I know the stocks are not even close to correct. Is this a Pre 30 or Pre 31?

Any help is appreciated.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Since it has a round butt, I believe it's a Pre Model 30.

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[.38SuperMan]

Is there a model number stamped on the frame when you open the cylinder. If it’s a 30 it’ll be marked mod 30 or mod 30-1. Pre model 30’s have no model number stamped. My pre 30 is on the tiny I frame and my 30-1 is on the larger J frame.

Edit- 30’s are round butt and 32’s are square butt.

First photo is an I frame pre 30 and the second a J frame 30-1.

Edit- The best way to tell since Smith went to model numbers in 1957 is to look on the frame behind the crane for a model number as I described above.

 

[HOGAN]

No model number stamped. I believe it is on an I frame. S/N is 667745 which according to the SCSW puts it before the model number was designated. I am guessing it is probably 1956. The blued finish is in pretty good shape. I just wish it had the original stocks.

 

[.38SuperMan]

I believe the I frame was discontinued around 61 so it most likely is an I frame. I’m not an expert but believe the flat latch was only around in the pre 30 for a couple of years starting about that time. Again I’m not an expert.

Very nice little revolver.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

In the Standard Catalog of S&W, 5th Edition, page 504 of the digital edition, Jim Carter (Hondo44) provides a description of the evolution of the I frame. Your gun falls into what he calls the "New I Frame" which is basically the last change to the I frame before it was eliminated by the J frame in 1961. So, your gun is a .32 Hand Ejector built on the New I Frame, Pre-Model 30.

 

[HOGAN]

Thanks to everyone for the help.


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[LostintheOzone]

Is there a model number stamped on the frame when you open the cylinder. If it’s a 30 it’ll be marked mod 30 or mod 30-1. Pre model 30’s have no model number stamped. My pre 30 is on the tiny I frame and my 30-1 is on the larger J frame.

Edit- 30’s are round butt and 32’s are square butt.

First photo is an I frame pre 30 and the second a J frame 30-1.

Edit- The best way to tell since Smith went to model numbers in 1957 is to look on the frame behind the crane for a model number as I described above.

The front sights are also different between the I and J frames.

Looks like that isn't true in all cases however.

 

[Hondo44]

Thanks to everyone for the help.


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Guy is correct. Yours is the Model of 1953 NEW I frame.

 

[Hondo44]

Is there a model number stamped on the frame when you open the cylinder. If it’s a 30 it’ll be marked mod 30 or mod 30-1. Pre model 30’s have no model number stamped. My pre 30 is on the tiny I frame and my 30-1 is on the larger J frame.

Edit- 30’s are round butt and 32’s are square butt.

First photo is an I frame pre 30 and the second a J frame 30-1.

Edit- The best way to tell since Smith went to model numbers in 1957 is to look on the frame behind the crane for a model number as I described above.

Your first pictured .32 Hand Ejector is actually a an Improved I frame (the leaf mainspring is replaced with a coil spring. It's the first variation which still has the 1/2 round front sight. The 2nd variation has a ramp front sight and a barrel rib. Neither are Pre Model 30s.

They were followed by the Model of 1953 New I frame like the original poster's gun; which are pre models because they are identical to the Model 30.

 

[HOGAN]

Thanks. I am still going on my SCSW 3rd edition. The description regarding both the Pre 30 and Pre 31 are almost identical. I was more confused after looking it up, haha.

 

[Hondo44]

The front sights are also different between the I and J frames.

Looks like that isn't true in all cases however.

I and J frames have the exact same front sight if they are the same vintage; both have 1/2 round before ~1952 and ramp sight with barrel rib after that.

 

[Hondo44]

Thanks. I am still going on my SCSW 3rd edition. The description regarding both the Pre 30 and Pre 31 are almost identical. I was more confused after looking it up, haha.

The 32 Hand Ejector model 1953 and model 30 has a round butt with 2, 3, or 4 inch barrel. The .32 Regulation Police model 1953 and model 31 has a square butt with 3 or 4 inch barrel.