Found a dandy little gun: Model 31

[Faulkner]

Good fortune shown on me today as I acquired a Smith & Wesson model 31-1. Though no box could be found, this little 3 inch barreled .32 S&W Long appears to be unfired. I've never seen one before and was intrigued by how dainty it is, even for a 6 shot J-Frame. Very, very nice condition, I would rate it 99%.

Since I'm not familiar with these I have a couple of questions:

- Is the .32 S&W and .32 S&W Long different cartridges?
- Can someone with reference material give a year of manufacter? s/n H1544XX

 

[Joe Kent]

Yes, they are different, the .32 can be shot in the guns chambered for the long ,but not the other way, much like 38/357. A way neat little revolver for sure.

 

[Mr. Wonderful]

Manufacture date 1981. Known as "The .32 Regulation Police".

Enjoy,

Mr. Wonderful

 

[Faulkner]

Thanks guys.

I'm going to have to get some ammo and try it out. I really like it's small compact size, even when compaired to my model 42.

 

[Green Frog]

My youngest niece needed a good first gun... so when she turned 21 her birthday present was a 30-1 w/ 3" barrel. Same gun with round butt. She is tiny, but handles this gun like it was made for her. Factory rounds or my mild reloads hit to nearly the same POA and are easy for her to control. It strikes me as the ultimate fun gun!

Froggie

 

[LC '92]

With all the new tiny hideout .32 ACP's, its interesting to note that the high performance rounds loaded for them will fit and fire in most .32 Long revolvers. In a pinch it has a lot more horsepower than the tired old .32 S&W Long.

 

[peyton]

Good buy and good advise on the 32 ACP's.

 

[pumpgun]

now you need a model 34 4" to go along with it. talk about a dainty little gun. i like sitting it beside my model 29.

 

[jpwhel]

Good pick-up, I think you will like it. I acquired a 3" model that is close to your S/N made in 1981. Shortly after that I was able to pick up a 4" barrell Mod 31 mfg in 1962. Both are great guns to shoot. I need to look for a 2" barrel now if one can be had a reasonable price. 32 S&W (short) ammo is fairly expensive but the 32 S&W Long and 32 ACP can be found at reasonable prices.

 

[pilgrim6a]

Free advice is worth what you pay for it. But here goes anyway.
DO NOT loan your .32 to your favorite sister-in-law to use in her concealed carry class.
It's been 4 years and all she will say is she's taking good care of it.

 

[ColbyBruce]

Left to right: .32 a.c.p., .32 S&W, .32 S&W Long, .32 H&R magnum, .32/20.

I like the J frame .32's myself.

30-1

31-1's

331ti

I like the slightly larger target stocks on these guns, though they make it a bit larger and difficult to conceal. I carry the nickel gun alot on weekends.

 

[M29since14]

Great looking little Model 31. Congratulations! I guess I just prefer shooting cartridges I can handload because the .32s have always been like a "big .22" for me. Enjoy your new revolver and let us know how it shoots for you. They normally shoot like little target guns.

 

[MP22]

Some great looking guns....nice thread.

 

[Faulkner]

With all the new tiny hideout .32 ACP's, its interesting to note that the high performance rounds loaded for them will fit and fire in most .32 Long revolvers. In a pinch it has a lot more horsepower than the tired old .32 S&W Long.

I did not know that . . . I just tried it out and sure enough that'll work. .32 ACP will be a less expensive alternate to .32 S&W and .32 S&W Long, both of which I'm finding to be expensive when I can find them.