M 31-1

[backtotheroots]

I am a new member in this forum, residing in Germany. Since my boyhood times ( decades ago ) I am a fan of the calibre .32 S & W long without having owned one of these weapons ever. Now I have the chance to buy a M 31-1 with 3 inch barrel.
http://www.karsten-werner.com//bilder/Waffen/sw31-1.jpg
Any ideas to this revolver. It is advertised as new, never shot. Is it a must buy ?

 

[murphydog]

Welcome! It is a very nice example of the model 31, from between 1961 and 1981. Is there a reason you would not want to buy it, such as the price?

 

[g-dad]

Welcome to the forum and Merry Christmas!

That's a good looking Smith. If the price is right and the other side looks the same why not buy it. You cannot have too many Smiths especially if it is in a caliber you like.

 

[J. R. WEEMS]

Looks great from here. No real reason not to buy-I would be all over it. I have one with a flat latch,ca. 1952 or so. Been refinished but a perfect shooter, especially with the wadcutters I load for it. GET IT!! MERRY CHRISTMAS and WELCOME!!

 

[Cal44]

Looks great to me. I'd buy it if the price was right.

I have no idea of prices in Germany, though.

 

[backtotheroots]

Here is a photo of the other side:

http://www.karsten-werner.com//bilder/Waffen/sw31-3.jpg

I am anything else but an expert, but I believe this nickel-plated finish is neither standard nor common in these J-frames. I like this colouring and the overall dimension of this weapon, especially for this weak calibre.
In Germany you are only allowed to own to handguns, beeing an active hunter, my other is a SIG P 232, 380 Auto. I do not desire recoil hammers. Therfore the .32 S&W long is a handsome Option.
Your comments are highly appreciated ! Thanlk you in advance

 

[Cal44]

If the nickel finish is original, I think there should be the letter "N" stamped on the grip frame under the grips.

Others here can verify if I'm right about this.

Nickel versions of this model were available.

 

[murphydog]

No one knows the exact proportion of blue vs. nickel model 31s, or of many other S & W models. The figure of 10% is often stated but different models may have been more common in factory nickel, and with some models there are virtually none known.

This one looks 100% factory correct, and well cared for also for a 35-50 year old gun.

 

[backtotheroots]

This is the Serial number: H95880. Can one determine the year of production by this number ?

 

[jkhouw1]

This is the Serial number: H95880. Can one determine the year of production by this number ?

Did you call s&w? Most gun mfrs keep pretty good records... Stag arms perhaps excluded :/

 

[H Richard]

If the price is anywhere near reasonable I see no reason you shouldn't want to buy this 31-1. I would if I had the opportunity. The 32 Long is not to be frowned on, it is an inherently accurate caliber, and so much fun to shoot.

 

[Grayfox]

The serial number puts it between 1972-76. That's a very nice gun. I'm a fan of the .32 S&W also. A very accurate cartridge with almost no recoil. A real pleasure to shoot.
Like the others have said, if the price is right, go for it!

 

[murphydog]

There is a printing error in the standard reference for this information, but it appears to be from sometime in the mid-1970s.

 

[Bastogne71]

You said you have wanted a 32 for decades. Now you have the chance to purchase one in immaculate condition and you hesitate. When could you reasonably expect to find another if you pass on this one? Wait too long and someone else will get this gem and you will regret missing this opportunity for a long time. Go! Get it now! Mach schnell!

 

[backtotheroots]

so much postive feedback makes the decision easy. The price is equivalent to app. US$ 600,--. Keep you informed as soon the hammer had fallen.
Thank you for your kind assistance ! It helpded a lot !

 

[Cal44]

so much postive feedback makes the decision easy. The price is equivalent to app. US$ 600,--. Keep you informed as soon the hammer had fallen.
Thank you for your kind assistance ! It helpded a lot !

That would be a good price here in California for a gun in that condition.

 

[MrSurly]

Now you guys have done it!
You've all got *ME* wanting one of these and I've never wanted a .32 S&W long, ever!
The M31 has perfect proportions to my eye and is just gorgeous in Nickel.
Dang it, guys! Now the quest is on...

 

[Cal44]

Here is my 2" M31-1.

I'd love to have a 3" or 4" Nickel model to keep it company.

It cost me $500 and the seller claimed it was new and unfired.

I didn't believe that, but in any case it's been fired now.

 

[backtotheroots]

for those felling in love with a 31-1 in nickel finish, just another viewpoint :

http://www.karsten-werner.com//bilder/Waffen/sw31-5.jpg

 

[packrat2]

S&W mod. 30-1

After seeing the nice photos of the .32 S&W longs Mod. 31s, had to get mine out, turns out it is a Mod. 30-1 with 3 inch barrel and blue.