My latest (32-20) find #3

[Muley Gil]

Since Winchester didn't build revolvers and S&W didn't make rifles or shotguns (at that time), having the name on the barrel shouldn't have been that big of a deal.

Those .32-20s were even referred to as "Winchester" models by the factory.

 

[glowe]

I have always called these early revolvers 32 Winchester, since it appears that the term 32-20 did not exist when the Model 1899 and 1902 were built. I can guarantee that S&W hated to put "Winchester" on their revolvers, but at that time the caliber name must have been protected. I believe that the factory invented the 32 WCF name as soon as any Winchester's legal protection ended. The name 32-20 may have originally been another invention by S&W since. I cannot recall ever seeing an early BP ammunition box named anything but 32 Winchester or Winchester 32.

 

[desi2358]

Since Winchester didn't build revolvers and S&W didn't make rifles or shotguns (at that time), having the name on the barrel shouldn't have been that big of a deal.

Those .32-20s were even referred to as "Winchester" models by the factory.

True, I don't see it being an issue back then. The biggest issue I've seen is a more modern one. It seems more than a few people see "Winchester" on the barrel, ignore everything else on the gun and then go on about how they own a rare Winchester revolver from the old west! During the years I worked full time as an FFL I had a few people show up wanting to sell me their "rare Winchester" revolver. One I remember one even argued about the S&W stampings on top of the barrel and left, sure I was trying to rob him of his ultra rare prize!

 

[Muley Gil]

IIRC the Marlin 1889 rifle was chambered in .32-20 (among others) and the barrels were so stamped. Marlin definitely didn't want to put the Winchester name on their rifles!

 

[jkingrph]

Lovely...........here's one....just eye candy....

32 20 Hand Ejector Model 0f 1905 4th change left side

32 20 Hand Ejector Model 0f 1905 4th change right side - note the unusual rear sight. Someone told me what it was called but I don't recollect presently.

I have one of those sights on my 32-20 hand ejector. I had to relieve the slide as shown on the right side, so it will lower a bit more, where it would contact the I guess you call the shield behind the cylinder, so it would more match the factory notch. It was shooting very high and I needed to lower it. It's called a wondersight, here's a link to the current maker.

https://hollowpointmold.com/wondersight/