model# question

[shooter0961]

I hope on the right sub section
I have a cal 32 sw long , 3 in barrel flat latch
on butt it says 662965
yoke k45915 has a #2 circled and some other marks

Is this a 30 or 31 model ? or something else

see attached piccs

thanks in advance

 

[series guy]

The correct serial number is on the butt of the grip frame.

 

[murphydog]

It's a .32 Hand Ejector, likely from the mid-1950s before model stamping started in 1958; it would have been a model 30 after this.

Coincidentally, later K frames would have had the true serial number stamped in the yoke recess similar to your gun has K45915, but these are factory internal codes, not the SN.

 

[shooter0961]

thanks for your help

 

[Hondo44]

You have a Model of 1953 NEW I Frame .32 Hand Ejector from about 1957. The Model 30 # was designated in May of 1957 but we don't see it stamped in the yoke cut until late 1958 along with the serial #.

At that time the assembly #45915 yours has in the yoke cut of the frame was moved to the left side of the grip frame near the butt. That # on the yoke remained there and also on the inside of the side plate.

The other stamps in the yoke cut are assembler/inspector stamps.

 

[bdGreen]

Pardon my ignorance, but I see no mention of the gun being a round or square butt.

Round butt, Model 30, square butt Model 31, right?

I must be missing something.

bdGreen

 

[Hondo44]

Your right! The butt shape is important. Usually the M31 Regulation Police has a 4” barrel but there are 3” barrel M31s.

 

[murphydog]

Good point on the .32 HE vs. the RP question. When I saw serial number on the butt I thought HE, but the RP serial number by this time also moved to the butt rather than the front strap.