Smith & Wesson 32 Long

[hardcharger55]

I have a Smith & Wesson 32 Long CTG that was left to me by my great grandfather. I would like to know when it was manufactured. The serial number is 601268 and is stamped on the butt, under barrel and on the back of the cylinder. Can anyone help me with a year on this piece?
Thanks

 

[Muley Gil]

Welcome to the Forum.

It probably dates to the late 1940s. We need a bit more information to further ID it. Pictures and a list of all of the markings would help a whole lot.

 

[hardcharger55]

Inside of frame where todays serial number is located it has capital L with 80090 and looks like a 9 at the bottom.

 

[Muley Gil]

You have a .32 Hand Ejector (Postwar), also known as the pre Model 30.

 

[les.b]

Welcome to the forum!!! You have a beautiful revolver there. They will never make another as fine. In addition to what Gil has said about it, it is built on what I believe is the "Improved I frame". This version of the I frame has had the leaf mainspring replaced with a coil mainspring. But I am not an expert in these points....there are several forum members here who are veritable encyclopedias on the subject. Some of the fellows literally "wrote the book" on the subject. Watch out for Hondo44, and some of the other experts on the I frame.

PS.... I would never let my grandfathers gun get away from me!!

Best Regards, Les

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Welcome aboard from Wyoming.

That's a beauty!

Early 1950's, but Hondo44 will be along at some point to refine my guess.

Lots of fun to shoot. Enjoy your grandpa's revolver. They don't make 'em like that any more.

 

[Hondo44]

Congrats on inheriting that one, it's a beauty!

And priceless.

Members above have advised you wisely!

It's a ".32 Hand Ejector" referred to by collectors as a '5 screw', Improved I frame, and 1st version because it still has the round front sight. The 2nd version has a ramp sight with barrel rib. It was designated the Model 30 in 1957 and stamped as such not long after.

Based on the serial #601268 it likely shipped from the factory in the last quarter of 1952.

Enjoy!

 

[S&WsRsweet]

Welcome to the forum .What a nice revolver and in a great caliber add the fact that it belonged to your great grandfather man it just don't get better .So is it one you plan on shooting? It would be a shame not to as the 32S&W long is truly one of the most enjoyable calibers especially in a strong revolver like yours. Heck those old HEs are just getting broken in good by their second or third generation in a family. Let us know how it does at the range or out in the back yard if you live in the country .

 

[DWalt]

On my list I show SN 6000xx as shipping in 1/53, making it a 1952 assembly. You can also shoot the .32 S&W cartridge in it, it's just a little shorter than the .32 Long.

 

[hardcharger55]

Thank you so much to all you guys for the info. The piece will stay in my family and not be sold. I will pass it down to my youngest son.
Thanks Again!

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Following up on your post #3.

The L, 80090, and 9 on the frame and inside the yoke are assembly marks to keep the pieces together for the final assembly. After the gun is built they have no further meaning except to let you know the gun's original parts are still in place. You should find the same letter and numbers on the back side of the side plate if you decide to remove it.

 

[S&W Oldtimer]

Welcome to the forum.