Hi, I am new to this forum this is my first post. First just want to say hello. I have a Smith & Wesson model 1 1/2 single action .32. I thank it is a 32 never shot it. This belonged to my Dad and he pasted away in 1977. This gun has not been shot in all these years. The gun is in good shape and I would like to know if it would be safe to shoot? Someone told me that these gun are unsafe to shoot. I am looking at a S&W 1905 4th change 38 special with 6" barrel. Could anyone tell me about these guns? Thanks
Smith & Wesson model 1 1/2 single action .32
- Thread starter tdballew
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
Is it a Old Model, Transition Model or New Model? Old model has a square butt, octogon barrel and unfluted cylinder, the Transition Model has the birdshead grip frame with an octogon barrel and unfluted cylinder, and the new model has a birdshead butt and fluted cylinder. The old and transition models are a .32 rimfire that shoots both .32 short and .32 long cartridges although designed for .32 short. The 1 1/2 New Model was designed for the .32 long rimfire cartridge. Give us a serial number and we can identify the model and years of production. You can probably shoot this gun with .32 rimfire blackpower cartridges. But, where are you going to find them? Also, some of these guns in very good condition are valuable collector's items running into the thousands of dollars. You might want to post some pictures for a better idea of what it is worth.
The 1905, 4th change is a pretty common gun and not very valuable unless it has some unique variations or associations. You can shoot modern smokeless cartridges in it.
The 1905, 4th change is a pretty common gun and not very valuable unless it has some unique variations or associations. You can shoot modern smokeless cartridges in it.
Without seeing and checking over your 1 1/2 I couldn't tell you it is safe to shoot. IF it is is good condition and functioning properly it should be safe to shoot. All 4 guns in the photo are Mod 1 1/2's in .32 caliber, but the top two are "RIMFIRE", and the bottom two are "Centerfire". The Rimfire ones may not be safe to shoot, and/or the ammo is nearly impossible to find and very expensive when you do.
The bottom two are both 1 1/2 2nd Issue's and will shoot the .32 S&W centerfire. They date to 1883 and 1887. I have fired both with current factory ammo.
Have your gun inspected by a qualified gunsmith to determine if it is safe to fire.
The bottom two are both 1 1/2 2nd Issue's and will shoot the .32 S&W centerfire. They date to 1883 and 1887. I have fired both with current factory ammo.
Have your gun inspected by a qualified gunsmith to determine if it is safe to fire.
Kermit1945
Member
- Joined
- May 23, 2012
- Messages
- 16
- Reaction score
- 1
There's the rub. A lot of guys in gunshops call themselves "gunsmiths" when they are barely qualified to mount a scope. They're likely to tell you not to shoot it just because they don't want you blowing up a gun and then getting sued by you or the parents of the kid standing next to you at the range who just lost an eye. I understand it--I'm not going to tell you to go ahead and shoot anything.
You've got to find a GUNSMITH. Ask around if you don't know of one already.
tdballew - you had your model correctly named. The 32 Single Action was manufactured from 1878 to 1892, with almost 98,000 sold. Your revolver was probably shipped from the factory around 1880. These guns seem to be built well enough to use the modern 32 S&W cartridges, but there is always the chance that any gun over 130 years old can break a part. Some parts for these revolvers are very difficult to find today.
I always see the comment that the gun should be checked out by gunsmiths before shooting. If the owner is a knowledgeable gun enthusiast, they should know the same things to look for that a gunsmith would check. I doubt that many gunsmiths will have the equipment to look for micro-cracks and will probably tell all owners of black powder guns that they should not be shot with smokeless powder or just say don't shoot them at all. Tight actions, proper function, positive cylinder lock-up, solid hammer/trigger lock-up, good bore, etc. are about all there is to look for.
The 1905 M&P Fourth Change was manufactured from 1915 to 1942, with over 500,000 made. They are great shooters and lots of fun to shoot. No high pressure loads, but standard 38 Special ammunition is fine.
I always see the comment that the gun should be checked out by gunsmiths before shooting. If the owner is a knowledgeable gun enthusiast, they should know the same things to look for that a gunsmith would check. I doubt that many gunsmiths will have the equipment to look for micro-cracks and will probably tell all owners of black powder guns that they should not be shot with smokeless powder or just say don't shoot them at all. Tight actions, proper function, positive cylinder lock-up, solid hammer/trigger lock-up, good bore, etc. are about all there is to look for.
The 1905 M&P Fourth Change was manufactured from 1915 to 1942, with over 500,000 made. They are great shooters and lots of fun to shoot. No high pressure loads, but standard 38 Special ammunition is fine.
Last edited:
glowe; is that "39 Special" a little more expensive and hard to find?
glowe; is that "39 Special" a little more expensive and hard to find?
I think I saw an excellent example of a 4th Model 39 Special on ebay several years ago but haven't ran across one since. Should have bought it on the spot!
Very nice condition old Smith. Congratulations!
Nice old 38 SA. Holster is obviously much later, but your spur trigger has a set of scarce red mottled grips that may be worth as much as the gun. Definitely a value add.
Last edited:
