HELP!! Model 30-1 at LGS

[sfcjcl]

Stopped by the LGS this morning and found a S&W 30-1 in the case for $399.00 plus tax. The grips are matching serial number and according to the guy there, they took the gun in on trade from the daughter of the "original owner". Seems he was issued it from some railroad company that at one time sent it back to Smith and Wesson to be reblued.

It's chambered in 32 Long.

Good looking pistol, very tight with a small drag line. Original grips, no box or paperwork to back this up. Though, I might be able to get the LGS to contact the daughter for info.

Serial is H289xxx.

The owner and I have traded back and forth, so he set is aside for a couple of days for me to make up my mind.


Is it worth it?????

 

[sfcjcl]

It's chambered in 32 Long

 

[Trooperdan]

I'd be all over that at that price. If you can find the box that would just be icing on the cake. Buy it, get a box of ammo, go to the range and you'll love it, I guarantee!

 

[H Richard]

It's rather hard to tell with no pictures, but since it was re-blued by the factory we will presume it looks very nice, and it is functionally correct. $399 would be a decent buy. These have been growing a following lately as the cylinder is long enough to ream out for 32 H&R Mag. If it is VG, I would have not left the store without it.

 

[sfcjcl]

Thanks,
I'm on my way back here at lunch to take it home. I'll let you know. Again, thanks for the advice!!! I will post pictures.

 

[sfcjcl]

$432.00 all in.
Here's the pictures

 

[Green Frog]

I'd rate that as a very good buy and an excellent gun for woods loafing and just general carrying. I've often mentioned that I provided its virtual twin to my littlest niece... she regards it sort of like her American Express... she "won't leave home without it!"

Froggie

 

[Aubie Spr96]

You did very well. I'm looking for the exact same gun. I saw two today at the LGS in their original boxes. One was a diamond gripped 1969 model for $750. The other was a later model for $650.

 

[les.b]

I have both the model 30 (.32 handejector, round butt), and the model 31 (Regulation Police, square butt) in the .32 Long. I think you have a great gun there. I love the .32 Long, it is fairly available, and is easy to reload, an extremely accurate cartridge, and just an all around great little gun. I don't think you paid too much...sounds like a great buy.

These two models (30 and 31) were serial numbered in the same sequence. The H prefix numbers began in 1969, and production ended in 1976, so made sometime in between.

Congratulations on your catch!!!

Best Regards, Les

 

[WB5MHA]

When teaching handgun skills to those new to firearms I start them out firing the model 34 .22 Kit Gun. Next the 31 .32 Long 3" barrel. When they have learned that recoil is nothing to fear they shoot a 3" model 36 .38 cal wadcutter and .38 158 gr. standard load.

The little J frames are great and I have trouble passing one up. For some reason I have four 36 3" Smiths........just in case I lose one.

 

[H Richard]

You got a good buy, but I'm not so certain that is a factory refinish.

 

[bananaman]

Good job! I know nothing about them, but would have done it. Come to think of it, I never fired a 32 that wasn't ACP. Enjoy your find! Bob

 

[cherrypointmarine]

I bought mine from a member of the Forum. Originally it was to be traded, but I ended up keeping it. Pretty much like everyone says, they are just a blast to shoot, you will not regret it. I buy all my .32 long from Georgia Arms, it's relatively inexpensive, and I've never had a problem with any of their ammo. Whenever this subject comes up, someone usually chimes in on who does the reaming of the cylinders out to .32 H&R magnum. I am looking for an extra cylinder so I can get that done. A whole lot cheaper option than buying a Smith already chambered for it.

 

[McShooty]

Uh huh. Sure. Let's take a vintage S&W .32 Long and bore it out to .32 H&R Mag. That will really give us a bunch from a three-in bbl like the OP's. Handloading the Long with medium burning powder like A#5 or Universal Clay's will give you all you ever want or need and will preserve the integrity of the gun.

You got a very good deal, BTW, refinished or not.

 

[SDH]

.32's aren't bringing that much although dealers are asking the much.
I would never have paid that much for a reblued M-30 or 31 revolver. Purple barrel and questionable polishing.
I just sold a good original M-30-1 for $450. It wouldn't sell at $550 on this forum.

 

[steelslaver]

What is great about the 32 longs is you can reload it so cheap. I have gotten to enjoy my 32s as much or more than my 22s.

 

[raljr1]

Factory refinish or not, the gun looks like a nice buy at that price....shoot the heck out of it and it'll be the most fun piece you have.