Opportunity to buy a S&W 1905 32-20 Nickel hand-ejector

[dis360]

I have the opportunity to buy a an old S&W at a local gun shop and would like the communities opinions and knowledge. I'm in the market for an old revolver of sorts I would like something around 100+ years old and something I can shoot every now and then if I want to. So I was in the gun shop yesterday and this shinny beauty caught my eye.

This isn't the actual picture but what it looks like, almost identical but I think it has white grips (maybe brown, can't remember) and the nickel is better.

It's 32-20 Nickel hand-ejector S&W revolver the serial is 110XXX, I found it locally here in Florida. The nickel is phenomenal, looks sharp, no cracks in the gun or grips. I need to look in the barrel and try out the action still.

I dont know a lot about them other than they are old and use rounds that are not sold in retail stores because they are not in use anymore.

The gun is marked $300 and I asked what the bottom line would be they came back with $200, maybe I can get them down a bit more, I don't know.

I would like to know if the price is good and what something like that may be worth. I really like how nickel looks and don't mind the 32-20 rounds because I can order them on the net (I wont be shooting it that much).
Is that an average price for one in good shape? If so maybe I should hold out for a similar nickel model in 38 special, unless $200 (or maybe less) is a steal and I need to grab it immediately .

They have a few other old looking S&W's that are chambered in 38 special one says police on it and has a shaved down hammer, they are in blue steel and have a serials in the 300XXX and 260XXX, they cost a bit more.

Any input would be greatly appreciated

Thanks, Dan

 

[jrd1976]

That number makes it a 32-20 Hand Ejector Model of 1905 4th change and dates it to the 1920's or 1930's.

The right side of the barrel should say "32 W.C.F. CTG". If the action is sound, I would buy it NOW for $200.

Even better if factory nickel. Is there an N stamped on the rear of the cylinder or under the grips? Are there any signs of refinishing, such as the hammer and trigger also nickeled or the lettering not crisp and clear?

Does the serial number on the butt match the number on the barrel flat, rear of the cylinder, on the back of the extractor star and inside the right grip?

It would be a great shooter and a great buy for $200.

The 32-20 cartridge is somewhat hard to find and almost obsolete if not for cowboy action shooting. S&W has not made a 32-20 since about 1940.

 

[dis360]

The nickel finish looks to me to be original and the numbers and letters are crisp, the hammer and trigger I believe are not nickel plated. Does the N stamped on it mean that it is intended to be nickel plated?

Also the numbers on the butt do match another set of numbers on it, I will have to check all the rest of the numbers when I see it tomorrow.

Is the nickel model something they made less of?

What would you rate the value of it to be with the info we have?

Also what things should I look for when buying a 90 year old gun?

 

[Vulcan Bob]

I would check the timeing, check for hammer push off and check cylinder for end shake,condition of the interior of the barrel and matching numbers. If all was good, even as a shooter grade gun I would grab it for $200.00! Being able to give you a value would depend on mechanical condition, orig or refinished, correct grips, matching numbers ect, very hard to do remotely.

 

[delta-419]

I have 2 of these 32-20s in nickle an early model and one made in 1940. Both are great shooters. Cowboy loads are available at most of the gun shows and sell for about $21-25 a box of 50. Georgia Arms sells these cowboy loads which are usually safe to shoot in older guns as they are low velosity. As said before, mechanical condition is the key in a vintage gun. Excess movement of the cylinder back and forth along the cylinder rod/center pin axis is something to check for. Gap between the end of the barrel and cylinder face and any excessive side play in the cylinder/crane. If lockup is tight and timing is OK then a price of $200 is a great deal!!! A lot of these old guns have fired only lead bullets over the years and lead buildup may cause the bore to look rough but it is often just a matter of a good cleaning to get it to shine. Good luck with what ever you decide.

 

[Göring's S&W]

Well I own that gun from the OP and I have a hard time believing that this 32-20 has more finish left because my gun is approx 95%+. Perhaps the pic isn't the best, but there is very little wear on the gun. The nickel has dulled over time, but I like that look and have thus left it alone.

However, even if your gun had more wear, $200 is a good deal. Check to make sure it functions as others have said. As far as a N on the frame, it wouldn't be present on a gun this early. I believe that was started post war. The easy way to check is to open the cylinder and check underneath the barrel where the SN is stamped. If the SN has a "B" before it, that indicates blued finish. If there is no prefix, that indicates nickel. 32-20 K frames are relatively uncommon, I'd go get it for $200.

 

[dis360]

I didn't mean any disrespect to the last poster, I'm sure the image doesn't do it justice, that is a killer looking 32-20

I am off to go check it out with all the things listed here to check.
I am going to offer $175 out the door and see what happens if all checks out with the piece. Wish me luck..

I will post pics of it as soon as I get back.

 

[jrd1976]

Good luck. I hope you can get it for that.

I just saw an earlier model in a gun shop marked $350; SN 12,???; about 50% of the blue was left, lots of holster wear and external pitting; screws were scarred up; needed a couple of endshake bushings, but otherwise tight; no pushoff.

This one is more of a $200 gun. This seller will take less, but it is not a deal like the one you are looking at.

 

[Göring's S&W]

My gun is actually a 38 special, not that it changes anything. It is a 1905 4th change, 253XXX SN. Good luck and post pics if you get the gun. $200 even $250 is a good price for the gun you describe.

 

[dis360]

GOT SOME PICS!!

Just went into the gun shop and got a few pictures of the 32-20, exact serial is 115XXX. The nickel is good, not exactly as my mind remembered it, the action and everything Iwas told to check is perfect. all serials match there is no B in front of the serial under the barrel as a blue'd piece would have. Nickel seems original for sure and to be honest is steller for being that old, trigger and hammer are not plated. the grips are wood and appear to be laquared over at some point in time, they have no cracks or chips. People that work there said they fired some lead rounds through it yesterday in single action and worked great. So i offered $175 out the door and they came back and said "nope $200 is the rock bottom" with tax its $217.

So thats the boy, the shop has had it for 2 weeks, after seeing it is it definitly a deal at $217? or average price? Can I get a similar 1905 that is in that condition for the price chambered in 38?

You guys have been a lot of help for sure, I'm posting this from my phone in the gun shops parking lot. I'm going to run so errands and come back and get it if you guys still think its a steal after seeing the pics and additional info.

 

[Muley Gil]

For $217, it would be mine!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[dis360]

I couldn't resist I bought it!!

Anyone know what the newest it could be is?
The exact serial is 1151XX and the latest patent date on the barrel is 1914.

Is the nickel finish fairly rare in this gun?
What can I do to clean it up without effecting the nickel and protect it?

Now I'm in the 1905 hand-ejector club!!

 

[DCWilson]

Bargain. I got a nickel .32-20 from 1913 a couple of years ago for $300. It was refinished, but I thought I did well because the bore and chambers were in great shape and the action was crisp.

Your gun would date from about 1925, give or take a year. Note that the stocks have no medallions in them; that is characteristic of the company's stocks in the 1920s. You will probably find your gun's serial number in pencil on the inner surface of the right stock panel.

You did well. Enjoy that old timer!

 

[Gatorbaiter]

You did good! That is original factory nickle. If you have some silver polish around the house, it will brighten the nickel plating somewhat. Do not use steel wool to try to brighten it, it will just scratch the nickel, just use a rag and silver polish.

 

[dis360]

Anyone know what type of 32 wcf to buy and where to get it. I found a site called black hills that makes a box of 50 115 gr. 32-20 cartridges but cant find a place go actually order it. I really want to try this piece of history out.

 

[delta-419]

Google "Georgia Arms" at Georgia Arms or 1-800-624-6861 for ammo. They sell all over Flordia and at gun shows. "G.A.D." Gad Custom Cartridges will also custom load for your gun. Talk to Bernold Nelson at 715-748-0919. They are located in Medford, WI. They make cast lead bullets for just about every obsolete gun ever made and they will custom load bullets for you at a resonable price. Happy shooting!

 

[dis360]

I was able to locate a box of Winchester 32-20's at a local gun shop in my area. They had one box of model number X32201, they say "32-20 Winchester 100 gr. Lead" they look sort of old, not super old but maybe early 90's or late 80's, I have no idea.

Any of you professionals able to date that box by it's looks?

Also, that load should be fine to shoot through my 4th change hand-ejector 32-20 right?
Is that true they didn't start heat treating the cylinders until the 4th charge revolvers were released?

Here is a little collection of pre 35 stuff, including some peerless blue'd cuffs with holster and key, I would like to get an old box of 32-20's from the 20's or 30's, I found a few with ammo on some auction sites. I'm so so glad I picked up this piece it is by far my favorite gun I own now.

 

[Vulcan Bob]

Glad to see you bought it, thats a fine looking revolver. If you reload for it down the road Ken Waters book of pet loads has a great deal of good info on reloading the 32-20, theres a few "tricks" apparently for good accuracy.The ammo pictured should be just fine as its marked for pistol or rifle, the factory loads are kept mild as to be shot in any old gun out there. Let us know how she does!

 

[glenncal1]

As of a few days ago Sportsmans Guide has some Remington 32-20 and should be getting some Winchester in soon. Pricey ammo, I bought a simple reloading set up for my 32-20.

 

[delta-419]

Now you have to go out and buy an old Winchester Model 92 in 32-20 to match up with that great looking Smith.