I frame vs Improved I frame

[45NUTT]

I have several I frames and I really like them. 3 HEs & 1 pre model 30. The model 30 had the improved I frame.

So, what's the difference/change?

 

[JP@AK]

Assuming your "3 HE's" (sic) are prewar, there are several differences, but probably the most significant difference is the mainspring. The Improved I frame has a coil spring, as opposed to the flat spring in the prewar I frame. Look on the front strap. On the prewar units, there will be a strain screw there, which is unnecessary with the coil spring on the newer revolver.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

If you have a "Pre-Model 30", it is likely made on the New I frame introduced in 1953. Jim Carter (Hondo44) has an excellent write-up in the Standard Catalog of S&W, 5th Edition, page 503 on how these little guns changed from late 1951 to 1961 going from the I frame to the Improved I frame in 1951 to the New I frame in 1953 to the J frame in 1961.

 

[Bastogne71]

This is my 32 Regulation Police model of 1953 New I frame 4 screw that left the factory in April 1956. When the 4th side plate screw was deleted, soon after mine was shipped, it became what we call the "Pre model 31". Except for the square frame, it is identical to the 32 Hand Ejector series we are discussing.

 

[Martyk]

If you have a "Pre-Model 30", it is likely made on the New I frame introduced in 1953. Jim Carter (Hondo44) has an excellent write-up in the Standard Catalog of S&W, 5th Edition, page 503 on how these little guns changed from late 1951 to 1961 going from the I frame to the Improved I frame in 1951 to the New I frame in 1953 to the J frame in 1961.

Just an FYI, the above referenced article is on page 178 of my 5th edition, copyrighted 2024.

 

[Hondo44]

1946 to 1952: Transitional I Frame (flat mainspring).

1952: Improved I frame 1st Version (coil mainspring),
Improved I frame 2nd Version (ramp front sight and barrel rib),

1953 to 1958: Model of 1953 New I Frame (larger trigger guard, 1/8" longer round butt grip frame or new J frame style square butt grip frame, 4 screw side plate then in 1955 3 screw side plate). The Models of 1953 are the Pre Models 30 and 31.

1958 to 1961: Models 30 and 31 I frames.

1961 to end of production: models 30-1 and 31-1. These are J frames.

 

[Green Frog]

Just for them sake of completeness, there are a few post War "transitional" I frames that can be expected to have the same features as the pre War, but with the improved hammer block safety. This is a personal favorite of mine… essentially a mini K frame.
Froggie

 

[45NUTT]

This is my post war 32 HE no model number. I do not know what kind of hammer block it has. I really like this model. My wife claimed it after she shot it! The only difference I can tell is the knob on the extractor rod. And the really nice grips are serial numbered to the gun. I'm currently trying to find another one like this so I can have one. It and my 32 caliber pimp gun are pictured below.



Typically I have found that grammar Nazis only amuse themselves. I know this because I can be one myself.

 

[45NUTT]

1946 to 1952: Transitional I Frame (flat mainspring).

1952: Improved I frame 1st Version (coil mainspring),
Improved I frame 2nd Version (ramp front sight and barrel rib),

1953 to 1958: Model of 1953 New I Frame (larger trigger guard, 1/8" longer round butt grip frame or new J frame style square butt grip frame, 4 screw side plate then in 1955 3 screw side plate). The Models of 1953 are the Pre Models 30 and 31.

1958 to 1961: Models 30 and 31 I frames.

1961 to end of production: models 30-1 and 31-1. These are J frames.

Thank you so much for this explanation. Now I know I don't have a pre model, I have a transitional model.

 

[Hondo44]

You're welcome. Your Transitional has pre war features that not all of them have:
Pre war 'double pinched' cyl release thumbpiece (like your nickel pre war),
flush mounted flat silver grip medallions,
and sharp cornered checkering borders.

You can easily see the post war hammer block safety by cocking the hammer slowly while looking in the hammer channel for the safety bar lowering, and rising as you let the hammer down.

Occasionally but rarely we see a post war shipped I Frame without the post war safety. They may sometimes have the pre war barrel shaped extractor rod knob.
I call these I Frames pre war-post war models. And they aren't necessarily the earliest guns shipped after the war!

 

[Jerry in SC]

You're welcome. Your Transitional has pre war features that not all of them have:
Pre war 'double pinched' cyl release thumbpiece (like your nickel pre war),
flush mounted flat silver grip medallions,
and sharp cornered checkering borders.

You can easily see the post war hammer block safety by cocking the hammer slowly while looking in the hammer channel for the safety bar lowering, and rising as you let the hammer down.

Occasionally but rarely we see a post war shipped I Frame without the post war safety. They may sometimes have the pre war barrel shaped extractor rod knob.
I call these I Frames pre war-post war models. And they aren't necessarily the earliest guns shipped after the war!

My five screw .32 Regulation Police with a 3 1/4" barrel, has a coil spring, post war extractor, single pinch thumb piece, but does not have the post war sliding safety.

Confusing but intriguing. SN 586664.