Number of Model 631s?

[Green Frog]

I’ve been reading on another page of this forum about the 196 examples of the preWar/postWar I frame 32 Kit gun, and got to wondering how many of the later examples of virtually the same gun, the stainless, 4” barrel, adjustable sight gun… one of the variants sold as the Model 631. I do know there weren’t a huge number of these made, along with some fixed sight snubs and Ladysmiths tha shared the same Model number. Does anyone know the production numbers on this model (by variant)?

TIA ~ Froggie

 

[peyton]

I don't know the answer to your question, however I have 7 of them, for our 5 grandkids, and for wifey and me!!
Now it is realisticly impossible fr S&W to only make less than 200 of anything, secondly the whole model number scheme is ludrious. My 632 in 32 mag and then I have another 632 in 327, what were they thinking??
On a sadder note, I have more Ruger's in 327 than S&W's

 

[Green Frog]

Yes Peyton, the 32s are in many ways the forgotten stepchild in manufacturing hierarchies. A question for you though… are all 7 of your model 631 S&Ws in the basic 4” target configuration, or are there a few snubs and/or Ladysmiths scattered in there?

As for the “reusing” of numbers, that has happened since the beginning of Model numbers back in the late ‘50s. Unfortunately, the 631 and 632 series don’t seem to rate dash numbers, unlike the Model 60 for instance, which at last check was up to “-15” or so!

Since you broached the subject of Rugers in 32 caliber, were you fortunate enough to get one of the 32 H&R/32-20 Blackhawks when they came out? How about the Stainless 327FM Blackhawk 8-shooter? Yes, I have both!

Froggie

PS Maybe I should change my screen name to “FROG 32”.

 

[murphydog]

I think both the 631 and 632 were made in unknown but small numbers. I think there is a 632-1.

 

[kraynky]

Well this thread deserves some pictures for sure. I know there's a lot more of them out there than just this one. It's a lot of fun for sure!

 

[D Brown]

I sure wish they had put a target hammer on these.

 

[Bastogne71]

Frogie,

The SCSW Vol5 states that “Production about 5,474” for the model 631 but does not break down that total by the three versions of that model except they note that only 190 of the 631 with the 2 inch barrel and fixed sights were made. No idea of how many Ladysmiths versus the 4” target versions were made but I’m sure that most were the 4” target. I’ve seen too many of the 2” to believe only 190 were made.

The 632 is the craziest example of how bad S&W can mess up their model number system. There are at least four different model 632’s:
The 632 is an alloy frame with a centennial style concealed hammer in 32H&R
The 632-1 is a all steel, exposed hammer 3” ported barrel in 327 Federal
The 632-2 in an all steel centennial style “Pro” in 327 Federal
And finally the 632UC is a centennial style alloy frame with in 32 H&R

 

[22hipower]

Here's the 632-1 version with the "power port." S&W could barely give them away when I bought this one. I've always wondered about the number of 2 inch 631s. Supposedly 196 as mentioned above but a lot more of the Lady Smith versions. However I don't think there's anything different between the two except for the acid etched (I guess that's what i's called) Lady Smith on the side of the frame. And that etching can be removed without much effort. I've seen more of the 2 inch 631s for sale over the years than I think the 196 number would support. Anybody else have thoughts on that?

Jeff
SWCA #1457

https://flic.kr/p/2qVL5Ab https://www.flickr.com/photos/brushypondranch/