I frames: A Discussion.

[Plain Old Dave]

Found a nickel first model, but no info on barrel condition . $180, which is pretty good, but I would have to sell my current 6 1/2" barrel .32 to raise money for this. Thoughts?

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[gmborkovic]

Wait and find out about the barrel. Why buy a pig in a poke?

 

[Plain Old Dave]

Well, I will certainly do that. But assuming a decent bore, is it worth getting rid of a long barrel later gun in favor of?

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[gman51]

At $180 I would expect the gun has some major problem. Sometimes you can find a diamond in the rough though. You definitely don't want to buy a pig in the poke as was said. You definitely want to see as many pics of gun as possible. Nickel guns often have very poor condition nickel finishes which make for an ugly duckling gun. Refinishing can get expensive.
Unless it is in really good shape I wouldn't sell your 32 to get it.

 

[Plain Old Dave]

Mine isn't too hot cosmetically, either. I have posted it before.

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[Plain Old Dave]

Good bore, good grips, freckly nickeling, works as advertised. I have an extra Ithaca 37 I had planned to sell anyway, and the choice is this 32 or a pump 16 gauge Ithaca 37 with Modified choke. It has a four digit serial number, and markings on the cylinder. Any rough idea as to approximate ship date?

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[Hondo44]

It's very difficult to say w/o an Historical letter.

The 1st models were produced and shipped way out of serial # order. But in general they were most all shipped by ~ the end of 1903.

I believe the Ithaca would be a lot easier to replace.

 

[Plain Old Dave]

Agreed. The I-frames in general and First Models in particular aren't easy to find. And my 1919 is one of VERY few 6" barreled guns I have ever seen...

 

[Plain Old Dave]

Update: Spoke for the First Model. Should be here by this time next week.

 

[Göring's S&W]

For $180, it would be hard to lose on a model 1896. Its probably well worth it, unless bore is ruined.

 

[Plain Old Dave]

Showed up at the LGS a few minutes ago. More later.

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[Plain Old Dave]

Bore is dirty, but should clean up. Very crisp operating, and the ball bearing in the crane is present. Serial number 93xx. This just might be an antique, I am thinking 1898-99. Floor is open.

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[Hondo44]

Good buy!

As I recall, Roy Jinks verified to the BATFE that these were all made early enough that they are all classified as antiques.

 

[H Richard]

I have seen much worse that turned out very nice. You got a good deal. A little Mothers Mag Polish and it will look great.

 

[Plain Old Dave]

Never Dull, the Sailor's Friend. Or at least the Boatswain's Mate's Friend.... The crud pushed out and this gun has a good strong bore. As close to a "problem" as this gun has is the top sideplate screw is missing. I think my 6" c. 1919 I-frame might just be for sale.

 

[merl67]

I would have been all over that one at $180. I am assuming the later one is a newer I frame hand ejector. If it is those are easier to come by than the 1896 model at least they are around Portland Tennessee.

 

[Jaymo]

Nice. Very nice little .32.
I'm glad few people appreciate .32 revolvers, outside of this forum.
It makes it easier for us to get them for reasonable prices.

I would love to see more pictures of this, post cleaning.

If possible, I'd keep both .32s.
If not possible, I'd sell the newer model.

 

[Plain Old Dave]

"You cain't git no money out of them .32s. Too bad hit ain't a 38 or a 32-20...."

To your average gun show penhooker, a .32 is a cheap gun. Never mind this is Ground Zero for Smith and Wessons. But, update. Trying to get the grips off and the screw is stuck fast. Minor damage to the screw head and warped the bit, but am now soaking the opposite side in Kroil. Drop in the other side hole, wait for it to soak, and so on. Might try later tonight, or just leave it for tomorrow.