Need some help

[scooterfiend]

A friend asked me to find out what I could about this old revolver.
I think it's a .32 Long.
It's almost like someone cleaned it up w a wire wheel.
The finish is gone, but the action seemed pretty good to me.
I don't have any background on it.
Sorry for the pp pics.

 

[TJm15.38]

I'll defer to the S&W experts about what model your piece is, but I'm fairly certain the caliber is 32 Winchester Centerfire or .32-20; not .32 S&W Long.

 

[gmborkovic]

Appears to be a Winchester 32-20 caliber. Stamped on the left side. A well used ole girl and early.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Your revolver is a .32-20 Model 1905, 2nd Change. It was made around 1907.

 

[JP@AK]

scooterfiend

As others have noted, the .32 Winchester cartridge is better known as the .32-20. Your revolver is a K frame, whereas most of the S&W revolvers chambered for the .32 Long are I frame guns and ran in a different serial sequence.

A .32-20 Hand Ejector like yours would likely have shipped from the factory in 1908 or early 1909, but since they did not ship in serial order, that is only an estimate. I show three units in the 42000 range that shipped in December, 1908. I also show one in the 41000 range that shipped in September, 1908. I show two in the 44000 range, just a few numbers apart, that shipped in June, 1910 and December, 1909 (the former has a lower number than the latter). So you see it is a bit of a guessing game as to when .32-20 revolvers shipped.

To make it more complicated, there was a run of K frames, numbered in the .32-20 sequence that were actually chambered for the .32 Long cartridge, and those were in the 43000 range. Those units shipped in September, 1910. Yours is in the same serial range, but is clearly chambered for the Winchester (32-20) cartridge. The best we can do (guessing) is that yours probably left Springfield in the 1908-1910 period.

 

[DWalt]

It would be a good project gun. One problem is the ammunition.At present it is difficult to find any, and costly if you do. I keep reading that new brass for handloading is also in the unobtanium category. I have about 300 cases, and that is adequate to fill my reloading needs. I also have one full box of factory loads for emergencies.

 

[A10]

Looks like that one spent most of it's life in a rough environment. Definitely no one's safe queen! If it's tight and the bore is good it could be a good shooter.

 

[scooterfiend]

Thanks

Thanks to all who responded. I appreciate the willingness of all who share the experience they have.
The guy who owns this beast was amazed at the quick response time.
Rough hardly begins to describe this relic.
Thanks again to all.

 

[H Richard]

I think your assessment is right, it probably was encrusted with surface rust and someone wire wheeled it to remove the rust. Shame. If the bore/chambers are clear, and the mechanics function properly it could make a rough country plinker. Value might be as high as a couple hundred.

 

[Retired W4]

As DWalt mentioned above, 32-20 ammo is hard to find. If your friend does pick up a box, reloading skills come in handy, or knowing someone with the dies to do the job for him. Now he needs an old Savage Sporter 23C as a companion.