S&W 31-1

[mallard1]

Hi all, I picked up a 31-1 today and was curious how to determine the barrel length. Do you measure from the end of barrel to the frame or from the end of barrel to the end of threads?

 

[mallard1]

I just realized that this may be in the wrong section and needs to be in the 1961 to 1980 section but I really am not sure because I do not know exactly when it was made.

 

[g-dad]

Measure from the end of the barrel to the front of the cylinder. Hope that helps!

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Welcome to the forum.

Great little gun. Measure from the face of the cylinder to the end of the barrel (should be 2" or 3"; can't recall if Smith made a 4" in that one).

Somebody will be along to help you with the approximate date if you'll provide the serial number (use X's for the last two digits if you don't feel comfortable putting the whole thing out to the universe).

Is it blue or nickel?

Photos would be great.

Cheers,

Bob

 

[mallard1]

Thanks, the pistol is Nickel, the box said 2" but when I measured it was 1.25 from the end of barrel to receiver but it is 2" from the end of barrel to the cylinder. The serial number is H582XX
I can try and post some photos tomorrow.

 

[Hondo44]

Good rule of thumb; measure the "entire" barrel.

Any J frame with a letter prefix to the serial # is ~ post 1968. Yours is from 1972 and should have a sq butt being a Model 31-1 Regulation Police Model.

Enjoy!

 

[mallard1]

Great, thanks for the information. I guess this needs to be moved to the 1961-1980 section if that can be done.

 

[Hondo44]

Just click on the red triangle above right in any post and ask for it to be moved. No worries.

 

[mallard1]

Here are a couple of photos, I really do not like the blemishes on it, could I have it refinished? The bore is perfect and not much of a wear mark on the cylinder, real shame that someone did not keep it wiped down.

 

[H Richard]

A little Flitz or Mothers Mag Polish might clean that rust off pretty good. Go "lightly", don't try to rub a hole through the nickel. Nice gun.

 

[loeman]

I see what you mean about the blemishes. They would be irksome to me too. Kroil penetrating oil will soften the rust up before you use the Flitz or Mothers. Let the kroil work for a few hours. Then as H.Richard said above, go lightly with the polish. You will probably need some plastic pics to work on the thumb latch. I think you will be pleased with the results and be able to live with whatever blemishes still remain. Also, I wouldn't consider a refinish. Your gun will maintain greater value with its original finish over a refinish, even with some blemishes. Good luck.

 

[mallard1]

Thanks for the advice, the mothers worked quiet well! I am happy anyway for a $200 pistol, I can always use it as a tackle box gun

 

[hardcase60]

mallard1

Congratulations on the fine looking new to you 30-1 and for apparently avoiding those pesky theft charges. Please contact the seller and tell them you will get the balance paid ASAP. To continue my little tirade, if you want a tackle box gun, I will go find a RG and trade you even plus pay the shipping. Yes, I am a true humanitarian............ Regards, harcase60

 

[H Richard]

Tell you what, I'll give you a Mod 36 snub and $200 for that "lousy 31-1" tackle box gun. (I'm serious).

 

[mallard1]

Thanks for the kind replies, I have not decided if I am going to keep it yet, I know that I will never shoot it but right now I am really enjoying trying to polish it up!

 

[ColbyBruce]

mallard1, .32's are fine guns. Light recoil, great accuracy, more power than a .22 LR; plus you have six shots. It would be a shame to not shoot that little gem. Buffalo Bore and MagTech make self defense loads for the .32 S&W Long.

 

[ColbyBruce]

I got this 31-2 from a forum member (thanks Doc) and gave it to my grandson.

I have a decent little Charter Arms Undercover in .32 S&W Long too.

My first, a 30-1, swapped a Taurus 82 even for this one.

I have a pair of 31-1's.

You need a .32 a.c.p. or two as well.

You need a .32 H&R mag too. This is my daughter's 331TI.