any I Frame experts out there ?

[robertrwalsh]

I just picked this up. It was represented as a S&W Regulation Police .32 S&W Long circa 1962-65. Since it has no model number that strikes me as maybe off a few years. It is a 4 screw. Semi-flat latch, Grooved trigger. Very small logo beneath thumb latch. 4 line Marcas Registras. Serial # 6122XX. Grips have similar but not identical number, 16 numbers off. Ramped sight. Cylinder is 1.25 inches long. Coil main spring. Serial number matches on grip, cylinder and barrel flat. Barrel is pinned. I am guessing it is a pure postwar improved I frame but if anybody can offer better info I would appreciate it. If I got lucky photo is attached.

 

[murphydog]

Jim (Hondo44) will be along shortly, but a 4 screw I frame will be from the 1953-'55 time frame. He is the local expert on all the variations and names in this era.

 

[rincar]

Could be a J frame with it being from the 60's

 

[Hondo44]

If I got lucky photo is attached.

You're right on two counts: you got lucky and it is much earlier, plus the grips are original!

You have a Model of 1953 NEW I frame .32 RP one year later than the Improved I frame. You can tell by the larger "egg shaped" trigger guard, the earlier fine checkered hammer, and the short frame (1/8" shorter than the J frame) in front of the trigger guard. It most likely has 4 screws in the sideplate (one hidden under the right grip).

Those features, no model #, and the stamped barrel and cyl serial #s indicate pre ~1957 issue. And the serial # clinches it, shipped in about 1954.

Serial #s on the grips so close to the gun # is not coincidental. It's a million to one shot that they're replacements with that close of a #. We see that too often and can only be an accidental swap at the factory when the gun was new.

Those early RPs are a bit rare with 2" barrel as well.

Congrats!

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Hi Robert,

Nice snag! Congrats.

Can't add anything to Jim's great analysis, but here are a few examples.

My .32 Hand Ejector (same serial number series) 637539, lettered as
shipping on June 1, 1956, and Model 31 RP 689371 shipped in
August '58.

Enjoy. They are a hoot.

 

[robertrwalsh]

Thanks a lot guys, especially Hondo44. I was pretty sure it was earlier than represented. I may have paid a bit over the going rate for it ($700) but it is in very nice shape, probably fired little and carried little, only slight blue wear at the muzzle. Plus it is the only I frame I own so I am happy with what I got and at least not unhappy with what I paid for it.

 

[Bastogne71]

Everything I know about the 1950’s I frame revolvers, I learned from Hondo44 so there isn’t anything I can add to add to his comments.

To add to the database, I have a 32 Hand Ejector, 3”, 4 screw, new I frame #636070 that was shipped from S&W in April 1956, also my only I frame. Considering the California market and the two inch barrel, I think you paid a fair price for your revolver.

We are anxiously waiting for a range report with the mandatory photos!

 

[Inland7-45]

32 Long Interest

I just picked up a pre model number 30 or .32 HE. Mine is also a 2". The only difference from your gun is the round butt verses square. Mine is in the 623XXX range which would put it at the maybe the end of 1955 or early 1956. I also have a 1940 .32 RP nickel 4".

I am new to this part of Smith and Wesson history and I am still on a learning curve. This forum is a great place to learn more. I do shoot both guns and reload for .32 S&W long. I have been using the Acme Bullet Co. 100 gr RNFP. I have also ordered an RCBS 32-98gr SWC Mold and once set up to cast for this caliber I will have a stable source for bullets. These really are fun revolvers to shoot.

Congratulations on picking up such a nice example of these fine little revolvers.

 

[Hondo44]

I agree with an approximate shipping date of 1st or 2nd quarter of 1956 based on others in my database with verified shipping dates.

It should be a 4 screw with the earlier hammer as well.