Bought it. Like it. What is it?

[spectre40]

I just picked up a snub-nose round butt in .32 S&W Long. It has 3 screws, pinned barrel, non-recessed cylinder, a semi-flat latch and no model designation that I can find.

The paperwork says it is a Model 30, but I think it could be a -1 model.

The serial number is 6429xx. The gun was carried and handled a lot, judging from its condition, but I see no evidence that it was ever fired.

Any information would be appreciated. I'll post some pics if anyone is interested.

Thanks to all.

 

[cgt4570]

If it's a Model 30 (or a Model 30-1), then it will be stamped as such in the yoke.
If it isn't model stamped, then it's simply a post-war .32 Hand Ejector.
BTH, .32s were never recessed. Only the early magnum calibers and most .22s.

 

[spectre40]

Thanks for your help, Mr. Taylor.

Nothing on the yoke other than a serial number.

Do you know if it is an I or J frame?

George

 

[toroflow1]

Since there is no model # stamped in the yoke area, then it is a pre-1957 gun, and as such is an I frame. The J frame came along about 1960 if my memory holds true. The cylinders are shorter on the I frames. Not a thing wrong with an I. Here is a model 30 I frame from about 1959 with serial # 684xxx...it should look alot like yours (except for barrel length maybe):

And the way to tell an I frame from a J is to compare the are in front of the trigger guard where it curves up to the front of the yoke. Notice on the I frame in the above picture how short this "radiused" area in front of the trigger guard is, as compared to the below picture of a model 34-1 J frame (circa 1964):

 

[spectre40]

Great info Ken. Thanks.

My gun looks just like picture #1, except for the short barrel.

George