Couldn't resist - Model 31-1

[Nframe_is_no1]

Just picked this one up today. Visited the LGS on my way to the range today. The owner knows what I like. He saw me pull up and had a 4" model 31-1 in .32 S&W Long out on the counter when I walked in. I have this thing for .32 revolvers and can't resist them. Nice shooter grade condition, original stocks numbered to gun, but no box. A few light spots in the bluing here and there, but still presentable. Dangled in front of me for $330 + tax, it was mine. Serial number is H15xxx, dating it to 1971 as per SCSW. Funny thing is I already had a 3" 31-1 that is also in the H15xxx range. The two guns are only 493 apart! I guess it was meant to be. The mandatory pictures:



This is getting out of hand though, I'm now up to 5 31-1s: 2" blue, pair of 3" blue, and 1 blue and 1 nickle in 4". :


The 3" twins (the family photo didn't show both 3" 31-1s):

 

[Nframe_is_no1]

Took my new 31 to the range with some Fiocchi 100 Fr WC. Easily stayed in 2.5" at 25 yards! She will be an even better shooter with some handloads.

 

[Hondo44]

That was a nice bargain. My condolences for catching the ".32 flu".

But no reason to worry about it getting out of hand, at least not until you have a dozen or more. Then start to worry.

 

[tranders]

Nice find. I have a Model 30 3"barrel and love it.

 

[shouldazagged]

Wish I had the bucks to make an offer on the two-incher.

Nice collection.

 

[Jaymo]

I'd love to have a 4" Blue 31-1. It would look/feel perfect with a pair of J frame target stocks.

 

[Hondo44]

They really do, even if not trimmed down a little like these on a 30-1:

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Nice group of 31s.

May I suggest adding a couple of 30s, just to round out the collection a bit?

 

[Nframe_is_no1]

Two-bit cowboy,
Great pun and I like how you think! I do have a 5 screw pre-model 30 from 1952 that is not in the picture, but a model-marked 30 has thus far eluded me.

 

[Lee's Landing Billy]

I just fell to the 32 Flu. I have put aside my Colt SAA 3 1/2 inch inside the gate gun and replaced it with a 631. I am having LOBO make a floral carved beauty for this 4 inch SS 32 Mag. I just got 5K assorted bullets and thanks to a fine man from Alabama am armed with loading data. I have a feeing this 631 and my I frame 32 will be getting a lot of lead down their gullets. Late to this 32 gig but I am excited about the new project.

 

[Nframe_is_no1]

Lee's Landing Billy,

The 631 is a nice revolver. I've got one in 2" that shoots great with my cast bullet handloads. Cylinder length is the same as the 31. They just bored the chambers out for the longer round. If you want to go one step further, the 632 is a 3" kit gun in .327 Federal. Mine is very loud because of the port.

 

[mstem]

I've also had the 32 flu for years. Got my first one when I was 16 & it was like new with box & papers. Like an idiot I sold it to a friend who sold it to another guy who then used it to kill his stepdad who was beating his mom. Picked up another a few weeks ago. Got some ammo at the gun show Saturday & will burn a box this week. I see more in my future. Great find for you!

 

[Hondo44]

I got 32 flue when I was 9 or 10 and shot my first .32. It was my grandfathers that I later inherited in the box. It's on the top left:


Here is an early pre war .32 Model and examples of each of the post war evolutionary models with feature changes briefly described for quick reference:

LEFT SIDE:
.32 HE pre-war I frame Model 1903 (2nd Model)-5th Change, 3 ¼" produced Oct. 16, 1913, #205628, top;

.32 Regulation Police Transitional Post war I Frame, rebated sq butt, with leaf spring, Rd sight, 3 ¼", 6 screw, 'double pinch' thumb piece, c. 1949, next;

.32 HE Pure post war 1ST VARIATION-Improved I Frame w/coil spring, rd butt, rd sight, 2", 5 screw, 'single pinch' thumb piece, c. late 1951, steel stock medallions, bottom. This version of the I frame has the same features as the early round sight Baby J/Chiefs.

RIGHT SIDE:
.32 HE 2ND VARIATION-Improved I w/ramp sight & barrel rib, rd butt, (became the Model 30 thru 30-1), 3", 5 screw, 2nd style flat latch shipped late 1952, top;

.32 R.P. Model of 1953 New I frame sq butt, (the true Pre Model 31), 3", 4 screw, 2nd style flat latch, c. 1954, next;

.32 R.P. Target Transitional I frame, rebated sq butt, 4", 6 screw, 4th (final type) thumb piece, one of the 196 anachronisms from 1957 only, next;

.32 R.P. J frame sq butt, Model 31-1 (which ended with the Mod 31-3), 3", 3 screw, 1980, bottom.

 

[JohnRippert]

If there is one thing I have learned about S&W revolvers it is that "resistance is futile". (read to the tune of Picard's 'Locutus of Borg' voice)

 

[raljr1]

I have the flu as well. 7 or 8 of these 32s, 4 of which are Colts.

 

[Hondo44]

If there is one thing I have learned about S&W revolvers it is that "resistance is futile". (read to the tune of Picard's 'Locutus of Borg' voice)

LOL! Yep, it's all irrelevant!

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Two-bit cowboy,
Great pun and I like how you think! I do have a 5 screw pre-model 30 from 1952 that is not in the picture, but a model-marked 30 has thus far eluded me.

Yeah, I've seen exactly one model-marked 30 of late -- worse than an truck gun and still expensive. Passed. Here's my '52 3¼" HE and '58 Model 31 (just like the one my grandmother taught me to shoot in '59). I like the '52 HE along with my Victory for perspective on how small it is. I've got a '46 4¼" HE on its way -- shorty little stocks so you can see the 4th screw on the side plate. Is there a group called ".32s anonymous"? There really is no cure.

 

[Hondo44]

Those are two real screamers! Can't wait to see the '46 Transitional Model!

The good news is, yes we have a "32s Anonymous" group; this forum.

The bad news is, we have a zero cure rate for the addiction, but we really enjoy being members and suffering together.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Yeah, Jim, that "suffering" thing. Hope to have the '46 before Turkey Day.

Bob

 

[wrangler5]

So it's not my fault. I thought I was just morally weak for getting 4 more 32s after I picked up my first one early this year - a Detective Special to use to check the fit of BK Grip adapters I started making for the Colt D-Frames. I made the mistake of taking it out "just to see how it shot." That grew into a 432PD, a 30-1 and a 31-1, all in (or reamed to) 32 H&R. And latest, a Ruger Single Seven in 327 Federal.

Now I learn it's a recognized condition. I feel much better.