S&W Hand Ejector Model 2 of 1905

[daddylonglegs]

Hi guys;

I just purchased 2 interesting handguns. The first is a S&W hand ejector model of 1905 - change 1 in .32-20 with a skinny
6 1/2 " barrel. Serial # is 26506. It is in very good shape for its' age. Original checkered skinny grips & blueing worn, but no rust or pitting.

The 2nd gun is a Colt Border Patrol in .357 Mag with a very heavy ribbed 4" barrel. Serial # is J71111

I know very little about either of these guns, and am looking to get schooled on the history of both. Can some of our knowledgeable members help me out? Thanks.

 

[824tsv]

Hello from Ontario
I can help you with the second one as I also own one. This is a recent thread on the Border Patrol. Check out post #14 in the thread. I also posted a link to a picture of mine. They are nice robust revolvers, but don't dry fire it!
http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1961-1980/292386-thinking-about-adding-colt-my-s-ws.html
I checked Proofhouse for a production date for your Colt and it's approx 1972

 

[daddylonglegs]

Thanks 824tsv! Especially for the tip on not dryfiring without snap-caps. That probably saved me some grief!
Are you also on CGN?

 

[JP@AK]

The first is a S&W hand ejector model of 1905 - change 1 in .32-20 with a skinny
6 1/2 " barrel. Serial # is 26506.

Does this revolver have a square or round grip frame? Also, the barrel legend should still say 32 Winchester CTG, not 32-20 (although it is the same cartridge). It should be in the left side of the barrel, and I suspect there will be no stamping on the right side.

Jack

 

[824tsv]

Glad to help out Daddy! I sent you a PM.

 

[daddylonglegs]

Does this revolver have a square or round grip frame? Also, the barrel legend should still say 32 Winchester CTG, not 32-20 (although it is the same cartridge). It should be in the left side of the barrel, and I suspect there will be no stamping on the right side.

Jack

Hi Jack;
It has a square grip frame & the markings are as you described. 32 Winchester CTG on the left side of the barrel - no marks on the right side. The top of the barrel is marked: Smith & Wesson Springfield, Mass. and then 9 patent dates in two lines - the latest one being Dec 17,01.

Is the 6 1/2" barrel normal for this model? Thanks.
Len

 

[Muley Gil]

I believe the 5" and 6" barrels were more common.

 

[JP@AK]

Is the 6 1/2" barrel normal for this model? Thanks.

In my experience, the 6 1/2" barrel was more common on the target model. Overall, the 5" and 6" are probably seen much more frequently.
My favorite .32-20 HE is a Target Model of 1902 (see picture below). It has a factory 5" barrel, and letters to March, 1904.
Because of the square grip frame on your gun, it is, without argument, a Model of 1905, and has the first engineering changes dating from around 1906. It will have 5 frame screws. I'm guessing it shipped around 1907.
Jack

 

[daddylonglegs]

Thanks Jack for the estimate on ship date. That is a very nice target model you have. Mine has the half-moon style blade front sight commonly seen on fixed sight revolvers, so definately not a target model barrel. I had wondered about the rarity of this barrel length, as I hadn't seen it before on a hand ejector.

-Len

 

[JP@AK]

I had wondered about the rarity of this barrel length, as I hadn't seen it before on a hand ejector.

Len
Also in my collection of target model K frames is a .38 Military & Police Target Model of 1905. It has a square butt (of course) and a 6 1/2" barrel. It letters to April, 1908. The stocks number to the gun. The finish is a bit rough, but it's all original and it shoots just fine. Photo to follow.
Jack

 

[daddylonglegs]

The stocks on mine are not numbered at all, but they look identical to the photo you posted, Jack, and are definately period as the checkering is well worn.

The bore looks good and I can't wait to shoot it. Unfortunately our range is outdoor, and we have about 4' of snow here on the level, so it will be awhile. The 32-20 is one of my favorite old cartridges. I have 3 old Marlin rifles in the caliber, and this will make an excellent & period-correct companion for them!
-Len