Need help identifying a .32 Hand Ejector - Transitional I Frame revolver...

[EEResQ]

A while back I purchased this sweet little .32 Hand Ejector, with 3-inch barrel, built on what I believe to be a Post-WWII Transitional I Frame; possibly a Model of 1953. Unfortunately, a previous owner installed a pair of S&W 'Banana' Targets from the early 1980s. So, my mission is to locate a period correct pair of S&W walnut mini Magna stocks. However, while the serial number (6110xx) dates it to 1955-56, frame attributes indicate this piece is older; possibly 1952-53. Hopefully, my images will post and someone will be able to advise on exactly which mini Magna stocks will fit this frame. (FYI: A 2" barreled .32 Hand Ejector Model of 1953, with serial number 6255xx, is shown with the 3-inch model for comparison.)
Thanks!

 

[murphydog]

Jim (Hondo44) is the local expert on these, but the gun with the earlier serial number has the I frame length grip frame and will need the shorter stocks.

I believe due to the coil mainspring Jim will call this one an "Improved I frame" and it will date to before 1953.

 

[s&wchad]

Notice the difference in the trigger guards and the different distances from the grip pins to the butt. In 1953, S&W lengthened the gripframe and elongated the trigger guard on J and I frames (Models of 1953).

You could place a WTB ad here or watch the auction sites. It's pretty easy to identify the correct stocks by looking at the amount of wood below the grip pin hole.

Pre-Model of 1953 I/J (left), Model of 1953 I/J (right)

 

[Retired W4]

Hondo44 explains it pretty well in the brown page section, pg 146. Improved I frame, pure post war Vs Model of 1953 "new"I frame. I still have to read it slowly to grasp the differences.

 

[EEResQ]

MurphyDog, S&WChad, Retired W4, Thank you!
Yes, I have observed all indicators of the Transitional / Improved I frame (1950 to 1953). However, serial number (611xxx) squarely puts this in the pre-Model 30 year of 1956. Yes, what Hondo44 included on the brown pages of SCSW 4th Ed. was helpful; but not conclusive.

 

[Hondo44]

Nice acquisition and excellent photos. It could have shipped after the models of 1953 were introduced. But more likely earlier because it still has a flat version thumb piece.

Members above have advised you correctly. Your 3" is two evolutionary steps newer than the Transitional model; specifically it's a ".32 Hand Ejector, Improved I frame-2nd Variation". The first variation saw the change to a coil mainspring. The 2nd standardized the 3 1/4" and 4 1/4" barrels to 3" and 4", with barrel ribs and ramp front sights.

As others posted above the 2" is a model of 1953 New I frame (pre model 30) the next evolutionary model, with larger trigger guard and 1/8" longer grip frame.

All I and J frame pre 1953 models fit the mini Magnas. All post '53 models fit the 1/8" longer regular size Magnas.

So you can find mini Magnas that fit your 3" from any pre '53 model .22/32, .32, .38 S&W or .38 Spl (J frame).

 

[Hondo44]

Note: shipping dates are not in order of serial #s. And in the case of the pre '53 models, many shipped later and took longer to deplete inventory. In fact there's anecdotal reports that some dealers refused these older models in favor of the new models.

 

[EEResQ]

Note: shipping dates are not in order of serial #s. And in the case of the pre '53 models, many shipped later and took longer to deplete inventory. In fact there's anecdotal reports that some dealers refused these older models in favor of the new models.

Thank you for sharing this knowledge!
So, the 3-inch with SN 611xxx is a ".32 Hand Ejector, Improved I frame - 2nd Variation," and was produced prior to release of the Model of 1953. Also, while only +14K units later, the 2-inch with SN 625xxx is a Model of 1953 built on the "New I frame." As such, S&W's suggestion of a 1956 production year on the 2-inch is plausible. However, the 3-inch was probably produced in 1952-53.

Here's a side-by-side pic, with description, created in late May 2023 while attempting to make sense of the differences.

Thanks again!

 

[Muley Gil]

S&W .32 Long RP, 4" blue, # 586848, shipped in February 1953.

 

[EEResQ]

S&W .32 Long RP, 4" blue, # 586848, shipped in February 1953.

Thank you Sir!

 

[EEResQ]

.32 H.E. Model of 1953 Pre-Model 30 /.38 Chiefs Special /.32 H.E. Imp. I Frame

Note: shipping dates are not in order of serial #s. And in the case of the pre '53 models, many shipped later and took longer to deplete inventory. In fact there's anecdotal reports that some dealers refused these older models in favor of the new models.

In a perfect world, the original 'Improved I' frame round butt mini Magna stocks would still be on this S&W .32 H.E. on an 'Improved I' frame (2nd variation) with 3" barrel; circa 1952 (right). However, this pair of mini Magnas bearing serial number 570783, with USAF medallions, sourced through eBay, certainly show it well!

 

[Retired W4]

Great photography throughout my friend. Very helpful with Hondoi44's explanations.

 

[EEResQ]

Great photography throughout my friend. Very helpful with Hondoi44's explanations.

Thank you Sir!
While I had observed the differences early on, it wasn't until after Hondo44 explained those differences, that I fully understood what I was seeing.