Model 1905 Hand-Ejector 4th Change .32 WCF

[glowe]

Jack's serial numbers are relatively close in comparison to ship dates. The last four in my database show more of a spread for ship dates with little serial number order.

143529 07/00/1931
143607 10/27/1931
143892 2/8/1939
144263 1/00/1937

The parts gun theory is reasonable and probable. First, if parts were available and orders still coming in, the factory would have assembled any number of 32-20s to satisfy orders until barrels and cylinders were gone. Only those two things differ from a 38 M&P from the 1930s, including the stocks.

The story always has been that the wood stocks were fitted to a gun frame very early in the manufacture process, so if 32-20 production stopped before 1930, all would have had 1920s stocks. Roy states in the book that the "manufacturing dates" for the 4th Change ran from 1915 to 1940, not 1930??

 

[DWalt]

As the .32-20 frames were numbered in a different series, they were probably segregated from .38 Special frames. I have understood that S&W applied serial numbers to frames during manufacture. While possible, S&W very probably never built a .32-20 revolver on a .38 Special-numbered frame. So when the inventory of numbered .32-20 frames ran out, that was the end of the line.Nothing would have prevented running a small number of additional frames in the .32-20 with correct continuation SNs, but I doubt they would have bothered doing that.

 

[glowe]

As the .32-20 frames were numbered in a different series, they were probably segregated from .38 Special frames. I have understood that S&W applied serial numbers to frames during manufacture. While possible, S&W very probably never built a .32-20 revolver on a .38 Special-numbered frame . . .

All that had to be done was to number a few frames in the 32-20 serial number range. No fuss, no muss. Could also have just pulled forgings out of the barrel and numbered them by hand. Reality was that they came out of the same forge all the time they were made, some went to 32-20 production, while most went to 38 production. Not sure why you think this is so difficult??

 

[rct269]

I've never paid that much attention to what serial numbers shipped when, but for those who do, here are a couple of 32/20's.

".32/20 Hand Ejector Model of 1905 Second Change Target------#42094---------- shipped" December 22, 1908.

".32/20 Hand Ejector Model of 1905 Fourth Change Target-------#114655---------shipped" August 21, 1923.

A rather odd (at least to me) spread in selling prices may be interesting (both guns being in very good condition): The first gun fetched $3,300, the last went for $1,225.

Ralph Tremaine

 

[DWalt]

All that had to be done was to number a few frames in the 32-20 serial number range. No fuss, no muss. Could also have just pulled forgings out of the barrel and numbered them by hand. Reality was that they came out of the same forge all the time they were made, some went to 32-20 production, while most went to 38 production. Not sure why you think this is so difficult??

I didn't say that it would be difficult, but rather wondered if S&W would have bothered to do it as they clearly wanted to get out of the .32-20 M&P business. For that matter, there was no particular reason that they couldn't have continued to assemble .32-20 components on an already serial numbered .38 Special frame if they wanted to.

 

[LaVistaBill]

Very Very nice pick up at that amount. It looks in orig condition
and the nice era grips are a bonus to have. You might want to look on the back side
of the usually right grip and see if the are serial numbered to the gun in pencil.
Sometimes it's hard to make out the faded marked ser numbers.
That would be nice plus if it's all ser numbered together..
You did very well on it..

I took the grips off to install a B.K. Grip adapter and the grips number to the gun. Yeah!

 

[LaVistaBill]

Great snag for $300. I dont see a full box of 50 cartridges. I see only 25 in a nice box.

As I said in the original posting, there were only 28 rounds in the box, the rest was cotton filler.

 

[LaVistaBill]

OP- great score. That is a very clean old warhorse. These guns are real fun to shoot and like most .32's are generally very accurate. I don't know why ammo is so hard to find now, it is usually easy to find if a little pricey.

My sole reason for going to gun shows is to look for old ammo. I also found a man selling commercial .32-30 reloads. I accumulated enough brass that now I handload for .32-20.

 

[LaVistaBill]

So it looks like my .32-20 is older than I thought. I was going by Jink's HISTORY OF S&W and the fact that it didn't have the mushroom-type ejector rod head. Never say never on older Smiths!

 

[Retired W4]

My sole reason for going to gun shows is to look for old ammo. I also found a man selling commercial .32-30 reloads. I accumulated enough brass that now I handload for .32-20.

You should have fun at the upcoming show in your home town. Several of my friends will be there.