Information wanted on a S&W 30-1

[Daniel71]

I recently purchased a S&W 30-1 and was wondering whether anyone could tell me the approximate date of manufacture?

.32 S&W Long caliber
30-1
2-inch barrel
3 screw model (2 are visible and I'm thinking 1 is under the grips)
blued
blade front sight, notch rear sight
H801XX
Has the new style cylinder release (what is that device called and what is the new style called?)

Thanks

( I hope this is the correct forum for this revolver)

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

....the new style cylinder release (what is that device called and what is the new style called?)

S&W calls it a "thumbpiece" on their official parts diagrams. It's also commonly called a "latch". I've seen the new style ones called an "angled latch". I like to jokingly call it a "Nike latch" because it kinda looks like the Nike' logo you see on tennis shoes. The Nike latch was one of the first MIM parts Smith used in large numbers. The first ones I saw were on guns that shipped in 1996.

If H801XX is the s/n, it's a non-typical one. Normally, s/n's are three letters followed by four numbers. Is that the s/n on the bottom of the grip frame? You might have to take the grips off to see it.

 

[Daniel71]

I'll check again when I clean it later today, but that is the serial number on the bottom of the butt.

Thanks for the nomenclature explanation.

 

[DWalt]

I can't, but I believe the Model 30-1 started in 1961, so no older than that.

 

[linde]

I recently purchased a S&W 30-1 and was wondering whether anyone could tell me the approximate date of manufacture?

.32 S&W Long caliber
30-1
2-inch barrel
3 screw model (2 are visible and I'm thinking 1 is under the grips)
blued
blade front sight, notch rear sight
H801XX

The Standard Catalog of S&W lists the following range:
1972 to 1976 H60001 to H99999

One can come close by interpolating between the dates above . . . or others may have serial numbers close to yours with a known ship date.

A sweet revolver whenever it shipped,

Russ

 

[Daniel71]

The Standard Catalog of S&W lists the following range:
1972 to 1976 H60001 to H99999

One can come close by interpolating between the dates above . . . or others may have serial numbers close to yours with a known ship date.

A sweet revolver whenever it shipped,

Russ

Thanks!
I really like it. I've gotten interested in S&W revolvers lately. This one looks good. I'll post pictures when my daughter comes to town next time. (How do I post pictures? I'm sure the instructions are in FAQ and I'll look when I'm ready.)

Was this revolver the origin of the Chief's Special and Centennial models? Looking at it I can see a similarity. It has the round butt?

I think blued revolvers look great - but I'm sure they are harder to maintain. Glad I don't live in Houston as far as guns go (humidity); although, there are other advantages to living in Houston.

 

[linde]

. . . Was this revolver the origin of the Chief's Special and Centennial models? Looking at it I can see a similarity. It has the round butt? . . .

Although they have differences, the Chief Special, Centennial, Bodyguard, 32 Hand Ejector, and 32 Regulation Police are all based on the J-frame platform. Actually the Chief Special was the first to utilize a J-frame when it was first introduced in 1950 but by 1961 all of the small frame S&Ws were using the J-frame.

. . . Glad I don't live in Houston as far as guns go (humidity); although, there are other advantages to living in Houston.

Have never lived in Houston but spent a lot of time there . . . still trying to think of one of those "advantages" of living there. I'm sure one will come to me eventually