Mod 32

[DRJ]

I stopped by my LGS today to pickup some SA's he had ordered for me and he came out with a very nice Mod 32 that he had put back for me. Well as a lover of all J-Frames of course I'm interested. I have never had a Mod 32 before but this one is very nice and the price was rite so I brought it home. The Ser# is 832xx so I think it's from 1956. So tell me about it. Thanks

Doyle

 

[ColbyBruce]

I believe model numbers were stamped beginning in 1957. Does your gun have the model number stamped inside the yoke?

I was told the 32-1 guns were built on the J frame, 32 on the improved I frame. I traded into a 32-1 a few months ago and got lots of info then. Buffalo Bore makes a good SD load for that .38 S&W.

 

[DRJ]

Thanks, it is stamped 32 no dash and I wondered about the date. It's hard to date in my book so I'm not sure on the date since I thought the stamping started in 1957 also. Anyone have any info on this revolver? Thanks again

Doyle

 

[Hondo44]

Doyle,

It's a raving beauty of a .38/32 Terrier! It's built on the Model of 1953 "New" I frame. The Improved I frame pre dates the Model of 1953 and still has the original shorter I frame grip and more rounded trigger guard like a Baby Chief J frame.

Yours is the earliest model stamped .38 S&W in my data base and likely from early 1958.
Model designation stamping ordered June 12, 1957 and Model 10s were stamped 1st c. Sept. 1957.

Much more detail here: THE POST WAR I FRAMES EVOLUTION - Smith & Wesson Forum

 

[DCWilson]

Terriers of any era are just fascinating little revolvers, and that's a nice one. Congratulations on the pick-up.

 

[DRJ]

Thanks everyone, I had no idea it was a terrier. It almost looks new with no marks or wear at all but no box. My LGS knows I'm a sucker for S&W snubs and puts them back for me so I guess I now have a Terrier to go with my J-Frames. Hondo44 thanks for the link it was most helpful. As soon as I heal from eye surgery I will try to get better pic's. Thanks again
P.S. The last time I was in he had a very nice Mod 60 from 1969 put back for me. You gotta love friends.
Doyle