A S&W in the Sought After 32-20

[delta-419]

Several weeks ago I was surfing GB very late at night at a time when most are cutting ZZZZs (after 1am). I don't sleep. I am always looking for 32-20s for my shooter collection and one grabbed my attention, a square butt K-frame that had not received much bidder interest. And time was running out so I made a "Hail Mary" bid of $277 and headed to my bed. Luck of the Irish! Serial number is 48026 with all matching numbers., finish is about 90% original blue, gold medallion grips, last patent date on the 6" barrel is 8 Feb 08. This gun has had little or no shooting experience, bore is bright , as new, action is tight with no play with some light scratches over the large S&W logo on the side plate. Not too bad for a gun that exceeds over a 120 years. Would enjoy your comments . It has not yet been to the range. for a shakedown cruise.

 

[4K2022]

“Not too bad “” at all! You found an Old one THIS time. Those serial numbers on 32-20s are a great way to follow the “changes that occurred.
I think,, you can call it a pre war without much argument.
Questions
Does it have alignment pins in the ejector?
5” barrel?
Very Nice,, purchase
How’s your Target Shelf filling out?

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Congrats! From what I see on nearby serials, that one likely shipped in late 1910 or early 1911.

 

[JP@AK]

Shipments for that serial range (48026) are all over the map. Here are some samples:

47736 shipped in March 1917 (6" target, round butt)
48456 shipped in October 1914 (6 1/2" target, round butt)
48490 shipped in July 1911 (6 1/2" target, square butt)
49916 shipped in February 1911 (5" fixed sight, square butt)

All of those were still marked 32 Winchester CTG.

If I had to guess, I'd say yours likely shipped at the early end of that range.

 

[delta-419]

It is indeed a 5" barrel, not 6". The ejector star does not have pins. Case colors are good on the hammer and trigger. I will post more photos sometime today. This gun came out of AZ and I feel the very dry climate helped to preserve its condition. Not like Florida in my neck of the woods.

 

[Major 2]

very nice score, I have my Dads

 

[4K2022]

I believe the barrel on this one was replaced.
I haven’t shot it yet but She’s good to go.

No aligning pins
32 WCF cartridge ,, stamped Barrel
Last patent 1914

I’m ALL in on a 32-20 with a “Very Good” barrel.

 

[4K2022]

Collector Speak is a rabbit hole,,, Especially during these early years. And as mentioned Round Butt Frames were also being made into 32-20s ,,, AND “sharing” the serial number range.

Here’s an extractor star With the 2 pins
I believe this one to be original finish w/stocks

My curiosity was peaked with the shipping ranges for small sample size. This one is a little Higher serial number than those listed.