I Frames....

[ST BERNARD]

First off, we hope this falls in the right age catagory. Been looking through all the candy stores for a solid Terrior, and ran across some really good looking models 30 and 31 also. Just what models were on the "I" frame? .32 and .38 caliber. Thinking the 22/32s may also be I frames? (read rookie here.)
Always wanted one of these little guys, and aint gettin' any younger. We're in the market, but don't know nearly enough about them yet. We have found that this is the place to ask.
Thanks in advance;
Bill

 

[JP@AK]

Hi Bill
The I frame was introduced in 1896 (some would call that a proto-I frame) and was also known as the .32 frame (hence when the .22/32 was introduced into the catalog in 1914, it was a .22 caliber revolver built on the .32 frame).
The I frame was in use on many models until about 1961 when it was completely dropped in favor of the J frame, which had its origin with the introduction of the Chiefs Special in the early 1950s. I frame revolvers throughout the 1950s included the .22/32 Kit Gun, the .22/32 Target, the Terrier, the .32 Regulation Police, and others. The model numbered I frames were given the dash one designation when they were converted to J frames. So, for example, if you find a Model 32 Terrier, it is an I frame. If you find a Model 32-1 Terrier, it is a J frame.
I hope this helps.

 

[ST BERNARD]

Thank you Sir.... it helps a LOT. I take it then that a true I frame would be pre '61, and for sure pre model number ('57), and that any dash 1 would then be a J frame. That narrows down the ones we're looking at quite a bit.
One is marked as a Model 32, in .32 caliber and has a flat latch....... Old enough to qualify???

Thanks again;
Bill

 

[Nframe_is_no1]

Old enough to qualify, but are you sure you got the model number right? The model 32 is the .38/.32 Terrier, chambered in .38 S&W. It is the only I-frame I presently do not have in my collection. I started collecting the I-frames because I kept running into good deals on them. Here's some pictures to get you started:
From top:
.32 Hand Ejector model of 1903 1st change, 6" barrel, shipped 1906
.32 Hand Ejector model of 1903, 4 1/4" barrel, shipped 1904
pre-model 30 .32 Hand Ejector, 3 1/4" barrel, improved I-frame with coil mainspring, shipped 1952



.32/.32 Target (Bekheart Model) 6" barrel, shipped 1926


.38 Regulation Police, 4" barrel, shipped 1917:


.32 Regulation Police, 3 1/4" barrel, shipped 1921:


Model 35 no dash .22/32 Target, improved I-frame with coil mainspring, .22 L.R., flat latch, 6" barrel, shipped 1959:

 

[ST BERNARD]

Thanks for the reply and the pictures Nframe. The gun is listed as a model 32...very little info to go on other than the pictures. It has a 3 inch barrel with ramped sight, and is a .32 s & w caliber. That would rule out it's being a Terrior right?, as those were .38 and 2 inch only. (I think). Guessing it's a Model 30. Serial number has a "S" prefix. Hoping that and the flat latch make it old enough to be a true I frame....pre '61.
Have learned much here the past few days, and I'm happy to have found this forum.
Bill

 

[Nframe_is_no1]

Bill,
Does it look like the bottom gun in my first pic, except for the ramp front sight and flat latch? if so, then I think you are correct that it is a model 30. Funny though, I never heard of a model 30 with an S serial prefix though.

 

[JP@AK]

I never heard of a model 30 with an S serial prefix though.

Right. There is no such thing. My guess is that our "doggy" friend (sorry, playing on St Bernard there) sees an S in the yoke area. Probably a fitter's mark. The serial number is found on the butt. And yes, it is probably a Model 30, .32 Hand Ejector.

 

[JP@AK]

I take it then that a true I frame would be pre '61, and for sure pre model number ('57), and that any dash 1 would then be a J frame

If I understand you correctly, yes, that would be correct. All pre-model-numbered examples would be I frame, not J frame except the Chiefs Special, which was always built on the J frame (larger cylinder window). Note, however, that the earliest Chief Special revolvers were a bit of a hybrid - shorter grip frame, smaller trigger guard, but the enlarged cylinder window. These are referred to as the Baby Chief revolvers by collectors.

 

[ST BERNARD]

OOPS... Sorry fellas. My bad on the number... went back and re read the listing, and the "S" must have stood for "searial". The number is 64XXX, and "no model number". Did some looking at a catalog re print in Encyclopedia of Modern Firearms, and the parts lists in it. Since it's a round butt, that would make it a Model 30 Hand ejector, as the Regulation Police is listed there being square butt.
Guess we'll have to buy the goshdarn thing to know for sure, but from what you've told us so far, it looks to be a true "I" frame.
Thanks again for the help. Really appreciate it;
Bill