"I" frame .32

[olgeorge]

A relative brought me a .32 S&W revolver in need of repair. It appears to be an early "I" frame hand ejector. Serial number is 84xx. Cylinder is swing-out 6 shot. Barrel is marked .32 long ctg. S&W logo is on the side plate. There is no rebound slide, but there is an extra spring which bears on the hand and returns the trigger to the foreward position, similar to a Colt, but on the other side. This spring seats in the grip frame where the mainspring is located on later models and the main spring seats at the rear of the grip area. There is a part missing from the bottom of the hammer. There is a boss or lug for it with a hole for a pivot pin and a vertical hole that appears to be for a spring and plunger just in front of the lug in the bottom of the hammer. I assume this part is some sort of safety device to prevent firing from pressure on the hammer spur. The only thing I've been able to find was an illustration which was formerly on David Chicoine's site, but is no longer there, and which had no names for the parts, just numbers. I'm trying to find out what the missing part is and how it works. I assume there are none available, but if I can get enough info, I might be able to make one. (I'm a retired toolmaker) The arm is not in great shape, so it may not be worth the trouble. Nevertheless, any info will be appreciated. By the way, I have no idea how to post pictures and no digital camera!

 

[DCWilson]

Welcome to the forum. It sounds like you have a .32 Hand Ejector second model, or Model of 1903. That one may have been produced around 1904. Here's a picture of one I own from about that time. It sounds like you are talking about the the stirrup, which is a small pivoting piece with a transverse pin that catches on the curved fork at the upper end of the mainspring. I'm not sure what the vertical hole is that you mention. I don't think there is spring and plunger apparatus on the hammer, but I haven't looked inside an early hand ejector in a long time.

 

[glowe]

I'm trying to find out what the missing part is and how it works. I assume there are none available, but if I can get enough info, I might be able to make one. (I'm a retired toolmaker) The arm is not in great shape, so it may not be worth the trouble. Nevertheless, any info will be appreciated. By the way, I have no idea how to post pictures and no digital camera!

Welcome. I have a few pictures of a 1st Model 1903 in the Album section that might help. Did you try Numrich? Their web address is gunpartscorp.com. Normally, there is not much value in the Model 1903, most range from $200 to $300.

Smith & Wesson Forum - glowe's Album: Model 1903 32 HE

32 HAND EJECT Accessories | Numrich Gun Parts

 

[Retired W4]

It is really interesting to me to see how things have changed over the years for the better, I'm sure. Best of luck to the original poster on his old revolver, and thanks to David and Glowe for the great pictures.

 

[Skeetr57]

I think that both the model of 1896 and the model of 1903, no change, used that snakey shaped trigger spring. It had several functions: trigger return, hand spring and hammer rebound spring. The part the original poster is asking about may be the hammer rebound lever. I don't know who might have the part, but I recently saw the multipurpose spring for sale for $100!

 

[olgeorge]

6518 John: You are right, it is a 2nd model. it looks like the missing part catches on the frame to block the hammer after firing. It shows below the hand spring, just above the area where the middle finger would be when firing the revolver. Skeert57: Rebound lever sounds right. It shows clearly in glowe's album. I"ll check with Numrich. Thanks to all. L. O. G.

 

[olgeorge]

Numrich has the part. They call it a rebound catch. Now if I can find a hand I should be able to get it working. The hand in it looks to be a later type that someone rather crudely adapted to fit. Numrich shows it "sold out".