Smith & Wesson 32 Long CTG

[stickyguns]

Hi everyone, I now have a Smith & Wesson 32 Long CTG, Serial# 15331. Can anyone tell me when this was manufactured? Also, can anyone tell me how to find a new firing pin for this gun? Thanks!

 

[DWalt]

If that is in fact the SN on the gun butt, it would be the Model of 1896 (or First Model) and probably shipped in the 1899-1900 period. A picture would help in verifying what it is. If complete and in high condition, there would be considerable collector interest. Most have problems. Might be very difficult to find any parts, fabrication of a firing pin would probably be necessary. Many 1896 revolvers are found to have a missing extractor rod knob.

 

[glowe]

Are you talking about the hammer mounted firing pin? The 32 Hand Ejector, No Change or Model 1903 was in serial number range 1 - 19425. made in 1903 and 1904. The 32 HE, 1st Change started manufacture in 1904 with some design changes. So your revolver would have been manufactured most likely in 1904.

 

[stickyguns]

Picture of firing pin

Yes, serial number is on the frame of the gun and there's a button on the side to release the cylinder. Here's a picture of the missing firing pin. Thanks for your help.

 

[H Richard]

I'm thinking that gun is much newer. The s/n would be on the base of the grip frame under those 2 screw target grips, which might not be original to the gun. Remove the grips and give us the # from the bottom of the grip frame. There could be the same # on the barrel flat once the cylinder if swung out.

 

[handejector]

See this for serial number locations- Sticky: To IDENTIFY your Gun >

 

[DWalt]

SN should also be stamped on the rear face of the cylinder. Definitely not a Model 1896. I think you provided a parts assembly matching number, not the serial number. That's why adding pictures is always good.

 

[stickyguns]

More Pictures...sorry

Here's some other pictures. There are no numbers on the hand grip. There's another number B 400037. Sorry for the confusion.

 

[LMLarsen]

By the way, “CTG” is just shorthand for “cartridge;” it’s not the name. It’s how they marked what the revolver was chambered for.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass! Please take the grips off and post a picture of the grip frame. If the serial number 400037 is on the front strap of the grip frame, it is a .32 Regulation Police. IF on the bottom of the grip frame, it is a .32 Hand Ejector. The gun was made in the mid-1920's, probably 1924. Someone like Hondo44 with a database will be along to be more specific. Please post pictures of the entire gun on both sides.

 

[delcrossv]

... Please post pictures of the entire gun on both sides.

Yep. Partials are less help than seeing the whole thing.

 

[DWalt]

That SN would put it from somewhere in the 1923-1925 period. If it is stamped on the front gripstrap, it would be a Regulation Police model. If on the bottom of the grip frame, a Model of 1903.

 

[DCWilson]

I agree on the mid-1920s dating, but please know the two-screw extension stocks would come from roughly 5-10 years earlier. Contemporaneous extension stocks would have no medallions. Also, extension stocks like those are found almost exclusively on models with adjustable sights. On models with service sights, like yours, they represent an owner’s preference.

The part you want is a prewar I-frame hammer nose. You will also need a rolled pin (or a less authentic solid pin) to retain it. Check Poppert’s Gun Parts or Jack First Gun Parts. Or even eBay, where there is a flourishing parts and accessories trade.

Footnote: if you get the stocks off to look for the serial number, another identifier of the Regulation Police model will be a shallow step milled into the backstrap of the grip frame. This is part of the S&W design solution to mount smaller square-butt stocks than the ones on your gun now. These RP stocks are mounted with a single screw.

 

[glowe]

Years ago, I posted a 38 Perfected that I bought and it had target stocks. Roy posted that target stocks could be ordered for all I frame revolvers and could have come from the factory. A letter verified that.

Problem is that the serial number from the early 1920s would not have that style stocks as David stated. Extension stocks of the era your gun was manufactured could have been convex stock circle style w/o medallions, single screw, and rounded target style stocks w/o medallions were optional until 1923. They also could have been 2 screw target stocks as standard but with convex tops, and w/o medallions if the gun shipped after Aug. 29, 1923 change order.

 

[stickyguns]

More pictures of the gun - update

Here's some more pictures. Thanks for all of the replies and help with figuring this out. I verified the serial number is at the bottom of the pistol grip frame. 400037.

 

[stickyguns]

I agree on the mid-1920s dating, but please know the two-screw extension stocks would come from roughly 5-10 years earlier. Contemporaneous extension stocks would have no medallions. Also, extension stocks like those are found almost exclusively on models with adjustable sights. On models with service sights, like yours, they represent an owner’s preference.

The part you want is a prewar I-frame hammer nose. You will also need a rolled pin (or a less authentic solid pin) to retain it. Check Poppert’s Gun Parts or Jack First Gun Parts. Or even eBay, where there is a flourishing parts and accessories trade.

Footnote: if you get the stocks off to look for the serial number, another identifier of the Regulation Police model will be a shallow step milled into the backstrap of the grip frame. This is part of the S&W design solution to mount smaller square-butt stocks than the ones on your gun now. These RP stocks are mounted with a single screw.

Do you think this part might work: Hammer Nose, Used Factory | Gun Parts Corp.

 

[bananaman]

Welcome to the FORUM! I am 67, and still never shot a .32 revolver. Hope you get it running right again! Bob

 

[stickyguns]

Hammer Nose for I-frame

I still haven't had luck finding a hammer nose and pin. Any suggestions?

 

[LostintheOzone]

Might try looking here.

Search | Numrich Gun Parts

I doubt you can find one to fit but a gunsmith might be able to modify one to work. Look for the oldest one you can find, maybe I frame.

 

[Hondo44]

Do you think this part might work: Hammer Nose, Used Factory | Gun Parts Corp.

Yes that's the exact correct hammer nose (firing pin).

And here's the correct hammer nose rivet (retaining hollow pin):
Smith & Wesson Model 38 Revolver Parts, Schematics | Numrich Gun Parts

To install:

I use the method where you clamp one center punch perfectly vertical, point up in a vice, cock the hammer and wedge it in cocked position with eraser, clumped cloth, etc. Insert the firing and the hollow rivet (pin). Helper holds the gun with hammer pin on the point of the clamped punch. Then use a second center punch and light hammer on the top side to flare the rivet; both sides will be flared at the same time. When done, the rivet MUST BE FLUSH with both sides of the hammer to keep from contacting/DENTING the sides of the hammer channel.

You have a ".32 Hand Ejector 3rd Model" made from 1917 to 1942. It's an 'I' frame size with a 4 1/4" barrel. I agree with the aforementioned likely shipping date estimates. Most likely shipped the last quarter of 1924 - first quarter of 1925.

It was re-introduced in ~1946 after the war and was designated the "Model 30" in 1957. At the beginning of 1961 it was changed by being built on the J frame, a slightly longer frame horizontally for a longer cylinder.

Versions are still made to this day.

Congrats, that's a sweetheart. And although the grips are not the originals, you'll find them superior for shooting than the original small round butt grips. A former owner knew what worked best.

The original grips were this style in Gutta Percha black rubber or checkered walnut w/o medallions:

Any standard off the shelf loads available today are fine for your .32. It has the heat treated cyl which began n 1920. Enjoy.