The .32-20 Hand Ejector Thread

[Muley Gil]

"Any idea what the ballistics are on the old HV stuff to compare?"

I checked Cartridges of the World by Frank Barnes. It showed some Winchester High Velocity loads; however, these show the standard 115 grain bullet. I believe this is a misprint. These loads are: 1575 fps & 633 ft-lbs, and 1640 fps & 690 ft-lbs.

I also found reloading data for the 80 grain bullet that shows the following: 1845 fps & 608 ft-lbs, and 2220 fps and 876 ft-lbs.

The test firearm was a Winchester 1892 with a 24" barrel.



ColbyBruce,

The velocity listed is for a rifle.

 

[ColbyBruce]

Thank you for your efforts. I was not sure which neighbor I was going to loan the gun to for test fire purposes, LOL!!

 

[Muley Gil]

I just checked with a friend of mine about his .32-20. We found it in a store in Opelika, Alabama in late 1977 or early 1978. It is a 5" with an aftermarket chrome finish. It was originally shipped blue.

IIRC, it was bought with imitation pearl grips.

The serial number is 144611 and it shipped in 1939.

 

[Dr.-d]

Here is my 32 WCF 1902 First Change I just recently lettered. Shipped November 15, 1902 to Powell and Clement in Ohio. Sent back to the factory 10-21.

 

[pacyew2]

5" acquired

Here's my newly acquired 5" 32-20 in the 134xxx range. A real sweetheart to shoot.
Bullets and mold are Ideal 311316. Brass from Starline currently runs $175 per 1000. After the initial investment, shooting becomes cheap.

Great thread, thanks to all!

 

[N7BLW]

FYI, s/n 76910 shipped 8/9/1917, per info in my database.
Jim

 

[N7BLW]

The lowest s/n in my database that I've personally inspected is #38. When I saw it in 1992 it was owned by Ray Shoemaker, since deceased. I have #207, a badly reblued 4 inch piece.

Jim

 

[rburg]

Shipped November 15, 1902 to Powell and Clement in Ohio.

Powell and Clemmens was still up and operating back in the 1970s. It was owned by Frank "somebody's" wife. He was a city employee and for some reason couldn't own a gun store. He's still alive an kicking, appearing at all the OGCA shows at his tables on the front wall (the only tables on that wall.) Back when I worked nearby, I used to walk up to window shop at lunch. That was all I could do because the guns he had were always top notch. Engraved Brownings and the like. The guy's last name will come to me..maybe.. He's a past president of OGCA, too.

 

[ColbyBruce]

Does anyone know if there is a speedloader that works for a K frame .32/20?

 

[Hondo44]

Does anyone know if there is a speedloader that works for a K frame .32/20?

Colby,
I think your in luck. When I look at cartridges that speedloaders are commonly made for, the closest size to 32-20 is 9MM which fortunately has a base slightly smaller than 32-20. Therefore it might work as is depending on brand of speedloader or worst case you'd have to trim slightly with a dremel tool.

Good luck and if you try it, let us know if it works.

 

[shooter7]

For those that are interested in the original Winchester H.V. 32-20 ammo velocities, etc., go to this website, that has owner's manuals on it, page7b and look up the Remington model 25 manual. In the manual, there is information regarding the ballistics of some 32-20 ammo of the time. Whether it is accurate or not, I don't know.

 

[rburg]

Bump...BTT

This is a good thread, it needs to be somehow linked so its easier to find when we need it or someone comes along and asks a question already answered 5 ways from Sunday.

 

[Muley Gil]

"This is a good thread, it needs to be somehow linked so its easier to find when we need it or someone comes along and asks a question already answered 5 ways from Sunday."

Dick,

Can't we put it here:

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-hand-ejectors-1896-1961/166145-notable-thread-index.html

 

[handejector]

Muley,
There is a "Quote" button at bottom right that makes it easy and quick to quote a post and then comment.

"This is a good thread, it needs to be somehow linked so its easier to find when we need it or someone comes along and asks a question already answered 5 ways from Sunday."

Dick,

Can't we put it here:

Notable Thread Index

Duhhhhh, guys!
It's been in the Notable Thread Index since it was started in Dec, 2010!
Do y'all need an index to the index?


(I know Dick's old and feeble, but I thought Muley could still see.)

 

[jcook75]

32-20

A 32-20 w/6" barrel, round grips was handed down to me by my father yesterday. It was my great grandfathers. The SN is 11112X. No * and everything appears to be true (I will need to check behind the grips) There were no papers passed down so I don't know if my great grandfather was the original owner or not.
Unfortunately it was stored in a sheepskin holster and it did acquire pitting.
I was wondering if anyone could provide any further information on the production timeframe based on SN. I have very little knowledge about these guns except what I have been able to find here and a couple other places.
Thanks in advance for any assistance.

Jason

 

[shooter7]

A 32-20 w/6" barrel, round grips was handed down to me by my father yesterday. It was my great grandfathers. The SN is 11112X. No * and everything appears to be true (I will need to check behind the grips) There were no papers passed down so I don't know if my great grandfather was the original owner or not.
Unfortunately it was stored in a sheepskin holster and it did acquire pitting.
I was wondering if anyone could provide any further information on the production timeframe based on SN. I have very little knowledge about these guns except what I have been able to find here and a couple other places.
Thanks in advance for any assistance.

Jason

Jason,
Based on another 111,000 range gun I have a letter on, this gun could have been shipped out late 1922 or in 1923, but with the 32-20s, you never know how long some sat before being sent out for delivery.

 

[Muley Gil]

(I know Dick's old and feeble, but I thought Muley could still see.)

See? See what?????????????????

 

[DrMark]

Mine. Re-finished. Serial Number 324XX

Is this a Model of 1905 - 1st Change, circa 1907?

Thanks.

 

[rburg]

Muley,

(I know Dick's old and feeble, but I thought Muley could still see.)

Dern it Lee, if yer gonna describe me, at least get it right. You left out the most important part, GRUMPY.

Sometimes it changes to really grumpy. I'd expect you to know that by now.

 

[TimW]

New to site. Like and enjoy 32-20's.

Hello. I found this site and enjoyed reading all about the 32-20's and other related questions and answers.
Nice to see all the S&W revolver line living on and appreciated
by young and old alike.
Having owned two other 32-20's in the past prompted me to obtain a 3rd. It is a fine Hand Ejector with blue finish and all matching numbers in the 76000 range. I figure it must be close to a hundred or so, but the quality built into it is marvelous and very much appreciated by me and my son. Hard to believe they had that in the day, but I'm glad they did.
Somebody earlier had mentioned heat treated cylinders.
I don't think this model does. I would be thankful for some info on that as far as what to expect when shooting and reloading ammo for this revolver.
Thanks.
Tim.