S&W revolvers in 32 long and 32-20

[Frank46]

OK, what models and latest ones manufactured by S&W were in either 32 long or 32-20?. Saw a S&W revolver at a local show in 32 long. Little bitty thing nice bore and possible made about 1920 or so. Thanks for your help. Frank

 

[DCWilson]

The only model ever made in .32-20 was the prewar M&P -- same gun as the .38 Special M&P, but differently chambered. S&W stopped production just before WWII and never reintroduced the .32-20 chambering after the war. Just under 150,000 were produced over four decades. These were K-frame revolvers.

The .32 Long was offered both on the small I-frame (hundreds of thousands made) and on the mid-size K-frame, of which only a few thousand were made; most of the K-frame .32s had adjustable sights. With some special order exceptions, K-frame .32 Long Production is limited to just before WWII (only a few dozen made) and the first two postwar decades (production less than 4,000).

The gun you saw would be a .32 Hand Ejector, an I-frame revolver. If it had square butt stocks, it would have been marketed as a .32 Regulation Police, a variety of the .32 Hand Ejector with slightly larger stocks. The RP was introduced in 1917. For the first several years of production, RPs had a patent date (June 5, 1917) stamped on the bottom of one wooden panel.

After the war, J-frame .32s were produced for several decades. I think you can still get J-frame revolvers chambered in 32 H&R Magnum or .327 Federal. These will also shoot .32 Long, but the guns are not limited to the shorter, older round.

 

[punxsutawneypete]

Smith & Wesson made its Model 31 in .32 Long. Nice little gun. I've seen them in both blue and nickel finish.

 

[Frank46]

David and all others who took the time to respond. Yes the little 32 long revolver was very small. Looked to be in good condition and the barrel looked pretty good. But I asked the dealer what about the 32-20 catridge and he could not give an idea of when or what revolver fired that cartridge. Thanks for your help. Frank

 

[ar15ed]

here's a 32-20 from about 1923

and here's an i frame 32 (32 hand ejector, 3rd model) from about 1921

and here's a pre-model 30 from 1956

i can only wish i had a K32 to show you a pic!

 

[Gatorbaiter]

S&W K32 32 Long, although K32's did not come from the factory nickel plated:

S&W Hand Ejector 32-20:

S&W HE 32-20 Targets:

S&W M&P 32 Long:

S&W mdl 631 32 Mag:

S&W mdl 632 Centennial 32 Mag:

S&W HE 32-20 with extra factory 32L cyl:

S&W HE 32-20 Target factory nickel:

Small frame Targets; top is a 22 bottom is a 32 Long:

 

[W.E.G.]

 

[50bulletnose]

.32 long

Important to mention the difference between .32 S&W long and .32 long Colt.
Although the .32 Long Colt and .32 S&W Long appear to be similar, the two are not interchangeable due to the case and neck diameter being much narrower on the .32 Long Colt.

 

[Muley Gil]

Important to mention the difference between .32 S&W long and .32 long Colt.
Although the .32 Long Colt and .32 S&W Long appear to be similar, the two are not interchangeable due to the case and neck diameter being much narrower on the .32 Long Colt.

True. Colt also sold revolvers chambered in .32 Colt New Police caliber, which DOES interchange with the .32 S&W Long round.

 

[cmdrcody]

You guys do know this is a LONG DEAD thread from almost 14 years ago, right?

 

[peyton]

But it is so fun to look at old posts with great pictures!!