Found a Model 33-1 This Morning

[22lrfan]

A 33-1 popped up on the website of a local pawn shop this morning. I had never seen nor heard of a Model 33 until this one so I had to go to the SCSW to figure out what it was. I ran over to look at it after lunch and ended up getting it. SCSW says the -1 started in 1961. In 1966 the thumbpiece was changed and in 1968 the diamond grip was dropped. It appears this one would be from '61-'66. SN is 107xxx and the grips are numbered to match. I hope someone can narrow down the shipping date.

I explained to them that it was .38 S&W and not .38 Special. All I got was a blank look. They had never heard of it.

 

[22hipower]

Looks like it is in great condition. Perhaps the least loved of all S&W models although I'll probably get some argument from someone on that. I have just one, a blue pre-model version, SN 75665, probably from 1954. I've never shot it although I have accumulated several boxes of ammo with the intention of getting it to the range one of these days.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[Truckman]

I haven't shot my 1932 version either, but I have some ammo for it......Ben

 

[Hondo44]

Great find. Originally introduced in 1917 as the Regulation Police (roll marked on the barrel thru the 1950s) in 4” barrel with square butt conversion stocks over a round butt grip frame, built on the I frame until changed to the J frame in 1961.

 

[Model19man]

A Model 33-1 is a little obscure. Looks like a good one!

 

[jcelect]

Great find. Originally introduced in 1917 as the Regulation Police (roll marked on the barrel thru the 1950s) in 4” barrel with square butt conversion stocks over a round butt grip frame, built on the I frame until changed to the J frame in 1961.

One more small detail! The -1 was used on all J frame guns, except the 36-1, to indicate the gun was built on the J frame. Here's a 33-1 not often seen!

jcelect

 

[Outpost75]

Mine shoots to the sights with factory ammo as it came from the box. Light recoil and mild report. I carry mine as a farm and woods utility. More effective than a .22 or .32.

I am told these were commonly issued in Eastern urban PDs to female officers, court bailiffs, and "white shirts" in low-risk admin assignments who wanted a smaller, lighter gun. Compact Pachmayrs came on mine.

 

[Green Frog]

The two inch barrel version of this was called the Terrier and had the distinction of being the smallest 38 caliber Hand Ejector ever made (in the I frame). Yes, I have a soft spot for them! Unfortunately for this story, with the -1 the Terrier used the slightly larger J frame. With that it lost its “smallest” cachet as it was then the same size as the Chiefs Special in 38 Spl.

 

[Jerry in SC]

Mine shoots to the sights with factory ammo as it came from the box. Light recoil and mild report. I carry mine as a farm and woods utility. More effective than a .22 or .32.

I am told these were commonly issued in Eastern urban PDs to female officers, court bailiffs, and "white shirts" in low-risk admin assignments who wanted a smaller, lighter gun. Compact Pachmayrs came on mine.
View attachment 773582

Those 4” are sweet, don’t see too many of them anymore.