Puzzle Time

[mhg2tld]

OK. Get those big brains cranked up and solve this puzzle. Just got back from a local pawn shop. They had an old 5 screw, 4" bbl, 32 cal., service grips with diamonds, serial number 75440. No model info on the crane. (I know the older ones do not have model no.'s). But I don't know what it is.
Could it be a 32 cal. hand ejector? Not know anything about them, I could not ID it. I took some pictures with my camera but would have to send it to someones phone I think.
Anyway, it had a good bit of blue gone on the barrel. They did not want much for it. Anyone care to venture a guess?
Also had a half moon front sight, and no rear sight. A flat spot on the bottom on the barrel with the serial number stamped there. If I figure out a way to upload my camera pictures, I will post them.

 

[m-1911]

It could be a couple of different models. Is it a K frame or an I frame. That would be a good start. A picture would even be better. You can e mail me a picture at [email protected] and I will post it for you

 

[mhg2tld]

To be honest, I am new to S&W collecting. It was pretty small, so I was guessing a K frame. I have a 586 and it seemed smaller than it. I have no way of uploading a picture from my camera to my pc, so I can't email the pictures. All that I could do is to send the pictures to someone that has a phone that can upload pictures to their pc. Not sure if anyone will be willing to do that or not though.

 

[ajpelz]

pm sent regarding upload.

 

[ajpelz]

pic

Here is a pic...

 

[mhg2tld]

Thanks to A J for posting the picture. I looked on gun broker and this looks like a hand ejector, but I can't say for sure.

 

[Speedo2]

Hard to tell without some additional reference dimensions and/or markings, but I believe that it's a 1904 3rd, M&P 32-20. I've seen a lot more 32-20's than early K-32's so I'll go with that. Some clues:
- front sight profile (although it may have been whittled down a bit)
- trigger pin below the cylinder (I believe typical of 1904 3rd's & 4th's)
- hammer profile (just looks like a standard M&P hammer)
- relative stock dimensions (don't often see gold medallion I-frames)
- relative dimensions of barrel, ejector rod and ejector lug (typical 4" M&P)

Anyway, that's my guess. Looking forward to learning what it is. If it's a K32, rather than a M&P 32-20, it would be sort of rare. -S2

 

[handejector]

I think S2 nailed it.
It would be much easier if you gave us the caliber marking on the barrel.

 

[mhg2tld]

Barrel caliber marking is 32 wcf

 

[handejector]

That stands for 32 Winchester Center Fire, which is the 32-20.
So, you have a 32-20 Hand Ejector.

 

[mhg2tld]

Actually have not bought it yet. Had to find out more about it before I decide.
Thanks for all the info.

 

[mikepriwer]

That serial number, for a 32/20, is about 1917, which would be right
for those gold-medallion grips.

Later, Mike Priwer

 

[flagman1776]

Nice old girl. I'd scoop it in a heart beat if I could.
Russ

 

[popgun]

thays one of my grail guns. go buy it. I love the 32-20

 

[mhg2tld]

What about ammo for for a 32-20? I'm not sure I have ever seen any in a store. I have never looked for any either. What does the "-20" in the name of this gun stand for? I have an older "Ruby" from the 40's that is a 32 automatic. That is the only experience I have had with a 32.
If some of you guys were going to buy one, and I know you only have the picture to go buy, what would you think the ballpark value of that gun should be? It appeared to be functionally good. I would only buy it if it were good deal. They are asking $299 for the gun.

 

[DCWilson]

.32-20 ammunition is available, but you might have to order it off the internet or ask a gun store to get some for you. It can get a little expensive if you shoot a lot of it, so think about ongoing cost before you buy the gun. If you get this gun it will shoot ONLY .32-20 ammo; you can't fire any other .32 rounds in it because the bore diameter is slightly different and the case configuration is greatly different.

The "20" originally meant 20 gr of black powder, but modern loads use smokeless equivalents. At one point years ago there was .32-20 ammo available that was marked for rifle use only, or high power, or something like that. Those rounds should NOT be fired in a S&W .32-20. But modern .32-20 ammo made by Winchester and Ultramax is safe to shoot. I use it in my revolver, which is about the same age as the one you are looking at (mid-'teens).

I think $300 is a fair price, but see if they would go for $275 or $250. The money you save up front will buy you a couple of more boxes of ammunition.

One fiftieth of a dollar from California.