5-Screw Model 30 2" Barrel

[mint466]

I have a 5-screw Model 30, and am wondering if it is worth verifying the age via a factory letter. If it's something of a collector's item, then I will order one, if not then I don't want to spend the money. Would anyone be willing to take a guess at the age/collector value?

Also, the hammer appears to have been rounded off by one of the gun's previous owners, any idea where I might find a replacement?

Please note the attached images..

 

[Retired W4]

It looks like a non-model marked .32. What is the serial number?

Disregard the question. I just saw the SN. It is in the range of the pre-30 (post war) . The 2" might be unusual. I need some expert advice here.

 

[Green Frog]

Isn't that a strain screw on the front grip strap? If so, that is an unImproved I-frame. I've got its near twin in a little better unaltered condition. It's a wonderful shooter and one of my favorite guns, being used in rotation with a couple of other snubs for CCW duty. The parts for these guys show up from time to time, but aren't real easy to find. I think in view of its intended use, a bobbed hammer may not be a bad thing. Although this is a spiritual ancestor of the Model 30, the term pre-Model 30 is usually reserved for the later, coil spring guns. I doubt I'd bother with a factory letter and expect that folks here will narrow it down pretty close for you... I'll take a SWAG and put it at about 1948 or 49.

Froggie

 

[SDH]

This one, with a coil mainspring, #599404 shipped January 1953. It was my 2012 Christmas present.

 

[TACC1]

It took me awhile, but I finally got a back-up for mine,
"just-in-case" I needed parts.
One of the Forum members let me take over the
care and feeding of a nice one, S/N 594xxx. Probably
from 1953, just like the one SDH presented.
If you're interested, Buffalo Bore has some more
potent 32S&W L ammo that I'm using now.
The second pic below shows how easily your pre-30
can acquire friends. Haven't found dates yet, but I will.
TACC1

 

[SDH]

If I can get this right, all 4-screw sideplates, clockwise from top: 3" Chief,
2" Baby Chief, 3" .32 HE, 2" .32 HE and Terrier in the middle. All from the 50s.

 

[opoefc]

I would not spend the $50 for a letter for this gun, as it would not add any value to the package, unless you have reason to believe the gun was shipped to Elvis, or someone well known. It's a relatively common gun and many were in the two inch barrel configuration. Ed.

 

[Hondo44]

mint,

Welcome to this forum. You have a very nice catch.

You have an I frame ".32 Hand Ejector", known to collectors as a 6 screw Post War 3rd Model Transitional. It is a pre model # gun but is 2 versions earlier than the 'Pre-Model 30' which was the Model of 1953 .32 HE New I frame. The Mod 30 designation was ordered in June 1957. I too would agree that a $50 letter is not justified.

Serial #s in my database with confirmed shipping dates would place the birth of yours in the 1st half of 1951. By the latter half of 1951 it was "Improved" and known as such to collectors, by having the leaf spring replaced with a coil spring and the 6th screw on the fore strap of the grip frame was deleted.

A ball park figure on the value would be ~$300.

Bobbed hammers such as yours have been made very useable for single action shooting by serrating the top surface which provides a purchase for the thumb to cock the hammer.

Hammers are not difficult to find on e-bay and Gunbroker. Post war .32 and .38 S&W I frame and .38 Special J frame hammers up to the Model of 1953 will match. Beginning 1953, I and J frame hammers will still interchange but have different spur shapes:
Model 1953 I & J new style standard hammer on left, old style hammer on right:

In 1962 the hammer to spring strut junction changed from the ball/socket to the fork/pin (at #295,000 on the Chief Spl.) and can be used by swapping out the inexpensive spring strut as well. Hammers from this period until replaced by the MIM hammer w/o the firing pin in c. 1998, will still interchange.

To see a comparison of the hammer strut differences scroll down at this link:
S&W J Frame - Imgur

Forked strut shown w/o spring & retainer:

Even a pre war I frame centerfire hammer will work with a slight notching modification for the post war hammer bock safety bar.

Hope that helps,

 

[rusty37874]

Serial # 589413 Shipped on July 18, 1952

 

[Malysh]

I wish I could find the correct hammer for my Baby Chief. If you remember, it has the later hammer. Since the gun is SN 38905 it seems more probable the hammer was replaced rather than being the "earliest known example with the later hammer" although I suppose that is possible. Folks have estimated the ship date being sometime in 1954.

 

[Hondo44]

#38953 also has the late hammer so it's possible yours had the late hammer. But I agree with you, and I would look for an early hammer replacement.

 

[Malysh]

#38953 also has the late hammer so it's possible yours had the late hammer. But I agree with you, and I would look for an early hammer replacement.

Jim,

Mine is #38953. I didn't remember it correctly. Call me stupid.

Mike

 

[Hondo44]

Oh ok, I had yours in my data base.

The highest steel Baby Chief known is #45963 and it still has the old hammer as almost all others up to that # do as well.