I agree: nice score.
Can anyone tell me how you distinguish a square butt Model 30 (or Pre-30) from a Model 31 or Pre-31 (.32 Regulation Police)?
The SCSW M31 write-up mentions a wider smooth trigger than is reported in the Model 30 section, but I don't know if that is meant to be diagnostic.
The best way to tell the correct designation of the 32s other than physical characteristics, is found on the end of the box when the original box exists with the gun. I have one in the box just like the gun in this thread and the label reads Reg Police. So it's a pre mod 31 with sg butt and 3" barrel; Mod of 1953 2nd improvement (not official designation but descriptive of what it is).
A 32 Handejector (pre-mod 30) would usually have a round butt; sometimes sq butt, but both with a 2" barrel which is what makes them pre Mod 30s. This is based on box labels.
The SCSW is a great book, don't get me wrong, but of all the sections in it, the .32s and '50s I frames in general are the most screwed up. Some serious editing is needed!
The pre war +1/4" barrel lengths (3 1/4", 4 1/4", etc.) are all blended together with the even inch barrel lengths (3", 4", etc.) of post war guns in both the pre model # chapter and the #'d Models chapter, therefor confusing.
Also, references to Improved I frames make no differentiation between 1st Imp. I frames (change from leaf to coil mainsprings) and 2nd Imp. I frames (Mod of 1953).
Pay little attention to the comments on the triggers. Smooth triggers were long gone by the time of the Mod 1953 2nd improved I frames. They didn't come back until the '80s in the form of the .312 wide smooth 'combat' style triggers.
These 32's get even more muddled after 1974 when the Models 30 and 31 were merged.
