Ammo for 1st Model 32 Hand Ejector Model 1896 ?

[karotipir12]

Hi Everyone,

I recently picked up a 1st model 1896 32 Hand Ejector, with a 4-digit serial number.
Does anyone know what are good ammunitions to use with it? I know it is chambered in 32 SW long and was originally black powder, but they quickly switched over to smokeless.

Are modern reloading manual data safe for this revolver?
It's one of the older revolvers without heat-treated cylinders, which is apparent because I can see the hardened shims put in the cylinder stop notches.

I know SAAMI specifies 17,000 PSI for 32 SW and 15,000 PSI for 32 SW Long
While CIP in Europe specifies 1000 bar (14,500 PSI) for 32 SW Long, and 1550 bar (22,000 PSI) for 32 SW Long Wadcutter

I already reload 32 caliber and have Bullseye, Unique, Green Dot, and 78 LRN and 98 gr HBWC. Does anyone have any recommendations?

I would post a picture but I can't figure out how to do this on the forum. Thank you for your advices

 

[murphydog]

Welcome! Any large modern factory .32 Long ammunition is safe to use in your 1896; it is deliberately loaded light to be safe in older guns.

Others will be along with recommended powders and charges for handloading.

 

[DWalt]

Most reloading manuals have recipes for .32 S&WL. Any will be OK.

 

[karotipir12]

Okay here is a picture of it.

Do you know what the value of it would be? Some of the nickel is flaking and turning black it's not the prettiest, should I try polishing it with flitz or something like that?

Another question: is it dry fire safe? With my other smith and wessons I dry fire them all the time to smooth the trigger, is this one fine?

 

[mrcvs]

I would never dry fire any firearm! What purpose does it serve? The best case scenario is nothing breaks.

I would leave the revolver as is. Any deviation from original hurts it and lessens value. Some use Flitz. I wouldn’t.

Let’s start with what did you pay for this revolver? They are neat but not particularly valuable. In the condition yours is in, it’s probably worth about $500, maybe $750 if someone wanted it badly enough.

 

[murphydog]

Flitz or a similar light abrasive and light pressure should help with rust/corrosion removal.

In deference to the 120 + year old parts I would definitely use some form of cushioning for dry fire.

Depending on its overall condition (especially if it has internal pitting from corrosive ammo use), it is probably a $300-400 or so gun.

 

[4K2022]

Okay here is a picture of it.

Do you know what the value of it would be? Some of the nickel is flaking and turning black it's not the prettiest, should I try polishing it with flitz or something like that?

Another question: is it dry fire safe? With my other smith and wessons I dry fire them all the time to smooth the trigger, is this one fine?

VALUE, I’m a sucker for the 1896 pinned front sight! I see Very few of those in any condition and I would keep that in mind. Also the side plate screws, some had 3 and some had 4. My guess is yours has 3 with a 4 digit serial number. Value is relative to the Desire if the purchaser but I would think $400 based on the one picture.

POLISHING, Nickel plating deteriorates from the (bottom up) that is the steel will begin to “rust” under the nickel and in turn cause the nickel to lift and flake. I don’t believe you could do much harm to the remaining finish with a good product like Flitz or Mother’s and a lot of the black will disappear.

DRY FIRE, My opinion is don’t! Why? Because parts are very hard to find and replace. This gun will never cycle like a modern gun and using the leverage of the trigger to “smooth” the mechanical components BEFORE disassembling, cleaning and lubrication,,, is asking for unnecessary stress on maybe some of the smallest components S&W ever made. just my opinion of course.

More pictures please

 

[mrcvs]

My initial thought was $500 might be generous, but I really don’t see this selling for much less. I couldn’t even find any recent sales in the $300 to $400 range. Gunbroker, being what it is, might allow for a bit more, and so two spirited bidders could push this to $750 total, after shipping, sales tax, and FFL fees are accounted for.

 

[4K2022]

Here’s a 3 screw side plate, pinned sight on 4 digit ‘96. Lock, stock, barrel and cylinder are still together and function but she’s been crushed in a vise and the barrel has plier marks on it. She was my Guinea Pig ,, Lab Frog. obviously I didn’t invest much but I got a free education.

 

[teletech]

These have rather small hammer pivots which are prone to cracking, so I'd not dry-fire it without cushion-type snap-caps and even then somewhat sparingly.