Help with this old 32 for my sister please

[glowe]

There is no way to replace to factory original configuration. A 32-20 barrel would be the correct bore, but would have a mis-matched serial number, an incorrect caliber stamping, and non-matching finish. I cannot tell, but does that barrel have any patent dates on the top? I believe that some 32 Long barrels used did not have top of barrel stamps?

 

[Daveshady]

One of the photos shows a box of .32 ammo. Do the rounds fit?

They were with the gun when she discovered it after he died and was loaded with them yes. I confirmed that with her. She had to have a friend unload it. Iowa girl moved to California and went soft lol.

 

[Daveshady]

There is no way to replace to factory original configuration. A 32-20 barrel would be the correct bore, but would have a mis-matched serial number, an incorrect caliber stamping, and non-matching finish. I cannot tell, but does that barrel have any patent dates on the top? I believe that some 32 Long barrels used did not have top of barrel stamps?

I'll ask her when home.from work. I don't believe any other marking on what's left of the barrel besides the smith and wesson.

 

[mikepriwer]

All the early 32-20's chambered in 32 long (by the factory) that I'm aware of, are in the 40000 to 60000 serial number range, and do not have any caliber markings on the sides of the barrel. Someone should find out what this gun chambers.

We might be able to find out how this gun was originally shipped. The only difference between a 32-20 chambering, and a 32 long chambering, is the cylinder - not the barrel.

Regards, Mike Priwer

 

[Daveshady]

All the early 32-20's chambered in 32 long (by the factory) that I'm aware of, are in the 40000 to 60000 serial number range, and do not have any caliber markings on the sides of the barrel. Someone should find out what this gun chambers.

We might be able to find out how this gun was originally shipped. The only difference between a 32-20 chambering, and a 32 long chambering, is the cylinder - not the barrel.

Regards, Mike Priwer

Any of yall near Palm Desert California!

 

[Mikebiker]

I am bu no means an expert on these guns but is there a possibility that this could have been a special order gun with a shortened barrel? It looks like the correct sight and the muzzle from what I see shows holster wear to match the rest of the gun indicating it was not cut recently or well into the guns period of use. The grips could be replaced if the barrel were to be a custom order.

 

[tlawler]

I am bu no means an expert on these guns but is there a possibility that this could have been a special order gun with a shortened barrel? It looks like the correct sight and the muzzle from what I see shows holster wear to match the rest of the gun indicating it was not cut recently or well into the guns period of use. The grips could be replaced if the barrel were to be a custom order.

The S&W roll mark is too far forward on the barrel and it appears the part of the barrel with the CTG roll mark has been cut off.

 

[glowe]

If you compare the muzzle thickness of a factory 4" and a 6", the thickness is the same. 4" barrels taper faster than longer barrels but end up with the same wall thickness at the muzzle. Also, the front sight is set too close to the muzzle, something the factory would have never done.