S&W model 30-1
- Thread starter jantydog
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Green Frog
Member
Chances are, if it is a Model 30, you have a nickel finish there rather than stainless steel. AFAIK, there was never a stainless Model 30... but there was a stainless Model 631, IIRC, but it will be a .32 Magnum version with target features.
If it really is a Model 30, the H95605 SN puts into the mid to early 1970s.
HTH ~ Froggie
Florida Guy
Member
They did a wonderful job on the gun.
Looks great.
Looks great.
It's a model 30. It may be nickel instead of stainless. My mom and I bought it for my father in the 70's. He owned a service station and wanted to carry it in his pocket on the nights he worked alone. I have the original user documentation to the pistol from S&W. WHat should I insure it for or list it for for an insurance list?
Thanks
Words of wisdom from the forum's resident .32 guru. These S&W snubbies offer the versatility of either .32 long or .32 magnum ammunition, plus a 6 shot to 5 advantage over .38 and .357 J frames. Bottom to top: 631, 631 Lady Smith, 632 Airweight.
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Speed Loader?
I have a .32 long S&W model 30-1. I wonder if any speed loaders would work for this pistol. There does not appear to be enough clearance between cylinder and frame / grip. Any comments?
I have a .32 long S&W model 30-1. I wonder if any speed loaders would work for this pistol. There does not appear to be enough clearance between cylinder and frame / grip. Any comments?
I'm3rd
Absent Comrade
I have a 3"model 30-1 in practically new condition. It has checkered wood round butt grips and a beautiful polished blue finish with no wear, rust, pitting, or even a scratch. H 284200 is stamped on the butt of the grip but I'm not sure that it's the serial #, although a guy who is supposed to know the history of the 30-1 series says it is. The only other numbers are stamped on the yoke and I don't think S&W ever put serial #s there.
My wife inherited it from her mother who carried it in her car for many years before she passed away. As far as I know it was never fired by her, but her brother may have fired it a few times. I have fired approximately 200 rounds, mostly lead bullet handloads. I used load data I found in an old Handloader's Digest but reduced it by 15% just to be safe. If the velocity claimed by the writer for his maximum charge handloads is accurate mine should be good for approximately 825 - 850 fps with a 98 grain LSWC bullet.
I also made up a few rounds with the propellant weight he listed as maximum, (98 gr LSWC and 4.5 gr Unique), but I'm hesitant to fire them after being told that those little revolvers in pristine condition have considerable value as collector items.
Am not aware of a speedloader made for the model 30-1 . . . or any model chambered for 32 S&W Long.
I did use speed loaders for my model 36s in .38 S&W Special caliber, but encountered the same problem you describe with the factory as well as many after-market stocks. I now use Bianchi SpeedStrip for the .38 and a Tuff Products "QuickStrip" for the .32. They work great, are much easier to carry and - with a little practice - can be as quick to use as a speed loader.
Good luck and enjoy,
Russ
Alk8944
US Veteran
The H.K.S. 32-J speedloader is for T and J Frame .32 revolvers. It also works for the .32 Caliber Colt Police Positive and Detective Special models.
It will not work with Colt .32-20 Police Positive S[ecial guns.
pennlineman
US Veteran
I just put a LNIB 3" 30-1 on layaway. It will be my first .32 caliber revolver. I can't wait to try iy out.
Hello pennlineman
I have never owned any J-I- or Improved I-Frame revolver chambered in .32 S&W Long Cartridge that did not shoot well. The Cartridge is super accurate and seem's to shoot at point of aim. I hand Load for all of the families .32 S&W Long Cartridge hand guns as i like to have a more potent round as most loads shown for them are mild. I also use Hornady 85 Grain XTP Bullet's which you can't find in any factory loads as most are wad cutters or Lead round bullets. I came across this 30-1 In Nickel about 4 Months ago. I have looked long and hard for one in Nickel but they don't seem to be out there. It is now in my wife's Purse....Hammerdown
pennlineman
US Veteran
Thanks for the information Hammerdown. Beautiful 30 you have there. The nickel examples are scarce around here too in most models. Congrats!
bikerlbf406
Member
I just put a like new (I'd say easily 90-95% condition) 30-1 on lay a way today. I paid $400 out the door price for it. I'll have it paid off in 3-4 months from now unless I can come up w/ the rest of the money sooner. I have 120 days to get it paid off in. The serial number of the gun is 8152xx. Can any body tell me when the gun was likely made and if I got an ok deal on it. From what researched I've found they I'm seeing these in good condition sell for $450-$550. This is my first Smith & Wesson and also my first revolver. I believe it might be the 2" barrel however I haven't measured it so I don't know for fact, just guessing by the looks of how short it is. The pics are of the actual gun, they're descent pics but keep in mind they're crappy cell phone pics & don't do the gun justice and it is a really good looking gun.
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hotrod150
Member
Regarding ammo, I'm surprised that no one has mentioned Buffalo Bore yet. They produce two varieties of 32 S&W Long (aka 32 Colt New Police): a 115 gr hardcast flatnose at 800 fps, and a 100 gr hardcast wadcutter at 900 fps. My choice would be the wadcutter. From their website, it looks like the claimed velocities must be for a 4" gun, so expect somewhat less from a snubby.
Tha's the good news, the bad news is that they each sell for about $26 for a box of 20.
BTW Hammerdown, that's a beautiful refinish job on your pre-model 30. You say that it is a polished hard chrome finish, not nickel? Never heard of that on a gun before, but it sure looks great & sounds like it will hold up well.
Tha's the good news, the bad news is that they each sell for about $26 for a box of 20.
BTW Hammerdown, that's a beautiful refinish job on your pre-model 30. You say that it is a polished hard chrome finish, not nickel? Never heard of that on a gun before, but it sure looks great & sounds like it will hold up well.
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Green Frog
Member
As to speedloaders, HKS makes one that oddly enough is their Model #32. If you like HKS speedloaders, it works fine... I prefer the spring loaded type but haven't been able to find one for the 32. 
Froggie
Froggie
Hello Jeep's
Here's a Pair of Pre-30's In Chocolate & Vainilla finish in 3" form shown with original serial numbered diamond magna's. Regards, Hammerdown
Green Frog
Member
Jeeps and hotrod150, I like to load my own for the 32 S&W Long with a 95-100 gr SWC and around 2 gr of Bullseye. When I'm going factory, I like the 100 gr JHPs from Georgia Arms. I can safely use them in all of my 32s from my early Reg Police models to my niece's 3" Model 30-1.
And to the person who asked way back when whether or not the 32 S&W L is enough of a round for EDC... I certainly hope so as it's what I generally have. If it looks like I'm going to have real trouble, I usually prefer to just stay home!
Froggie
And to the person who asked way back when whether or not the 32 S&W L is enough of a round for EDC... I certainly hope so as it's what I generally have. If it looks like I'm going to have real trouble, I usually prefer to just stay home!
Froggie
100gr.hard cast flat point at 900-950fps is very power full felon repellent. I got rid of my 9mm Shield and carry my M-30-1 3" instead,more reliable and more accurate. It puts them where I aim. While the pristine M30 was worth $500ish unfired , $500 doe's not buy much anymore. My life is priceless.
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