What model 32 Long

[USMC_1978]

I have a S&W 32 Long I can't find a model number for. It belonged to my father and I believe it originally belonged to my grandmother. I cleaned it up and put it in the safe when he passed a few years ago and now I've gotten around to try and find some information on it.
Information:
SN 350645
hand ejector
32 long
2.5 in barrel measured from the front of the cylinder
fixed sight
5 screw
strain screw

I also have some ammunition, headstamp REM-UMC 32 S&W. They are COL .913, neck .335, rim .373. They are shorter than the cylinder by about 1/3, would these be usable with the 32 long.

I have some pictures but for now having trouble figuring out how to post them.

Thanks

 

[JP@AK]

Well . . . pictures would help a lot.

From what you have written, I suspect it may be much too old to have a model number, as your description seems to imply a .32 Hand Ejector from before WWII. The problem with that is your stated barrel length. On the .32 HE Third Model, the shortest barrel available was 3 1/4".

One thing that might help is the address on the right side of the frame. Does it say Made in USA only, or are there four lines? I strongly suspect the former.

As for the ammo, yes .32 S&W can be safely used in a revolver that is chambered for the .32 S&W Long. It is analogous to shooting .38 Special in a .357 Magnum.

Please see if you can figure out how to show us photos.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass! The serial number you provide is from around 1920 and S&W had not yet started stamping Made in USA on the gun frame. Also, it may not have a small trademark stamp on the left side because S&W stopped stamping these on their guns during and after WWI until late 1921 or 1922. As Jack says, the gun barrel is too short for the era. Short barrels did not come out until much later with the 3-1/4" barrels being the shortest available in the .32 Hand Ejectors. Look under the barrel for the serial number and verify it is the same as on the butt. Pictures would help us. There is a tutorial on how to post pictures in the Forum Office forum.

 

[Hondo44]

That serial # 350645 identifies it as a .32 from about the 1920 era; with round butt it's a .32 hand ejector, but with sq butt grips over a round butt grip frame it's a .32 Regulation Police.

However, if the barrel is measured correctly at 2 1/2", it has been modified/shortened from a standard factory length of 3 1/4", 4" or 4 1/4". There is a 2" on the .32 HE, and only after 1946 on the .32 HE and much later on the .32 RP.

 

[USMC_1978]

There is a trademark stamp on the left side and no markings on the right. Barrel length measured from the front of the cylinder is 2.5 inches, from the front of the frame is 1 7/8 inches. The serial number under the barrel matches the butt sn. There is no appearance of the barrel being shortened or replaced since the SN under the barrel and butt match.

 

[steelslaver]

PHOTO use the advanced tab below where you type your post that will bring up another bigger tab below the area you type and it will have a spot that says Manage Attachments in a blue field, click on that. Then a small window will open on your screen, if you click Browse in that window you can find the photo on your computer, click on the photo, then open and then on the small window click up load and the title for the photo will show up above the original Manage Attachment tab, then just hit Submit Reply. Your photo should show up like this and if readers click on it it will automatically enlarge. You can browse and select and up load 3 photos per post before you hit submit button

 

[Muley Gil]

The front sight has been soldered back on after the barrel was shortened. Originally, it was forged integral to the barrel.

 

[USMC_1978]

The front sight has been soldered back on after the barrel was shortened. Originally, it was forged integral to the barrel.

That would explain what appears to be solder on the right side of the barrel. It is very smooth but does obscure most the stamping on the barrel.

 

[steelslaver]

You must have figured it out while I was posting. Good. Anyway I like it. The 32s are fun to shoot. I am no ammo collector, but your 32 shorts may well be worth something to a cartridge collector. The shorts are harder to find than 32 longs. I reload and shoot 32 shorts, longs 32 H&R and 327 Mags. The 32 shorts will sometimes bounce of a piece of hard wood. They were originally for the top break 32s and are loaded pretty light

 

[jlemay69]

.32 Hand Ejector Third Model from serial number (range 263001 - 536684) 1917-1942 according to S&W 3rd edition. Data indicates heat treating of cylinders started at sn 321000. What doesn't jive with the Standard Catalog description is the OP pistol with ctg chamber roll stamp on rt side of barrel. My guess is when sight was replaced the pistol was refinished and somebody restamped the barrel on wrong side.

 

[USMC_1978]

You must have figured it out while I was posting. Good. Anyway I like it. The 32s are fun to shoot. I am no ammo collector, but your 32 shorts may well be worth something to a cartridge collector. The shorts are harder to find than 32 longs. I reload and shoot 32 shorts, longs 32 H&R and 327 Mags. The 32 shorts will sometimes bounce of a piece of hard wood. They were originally for the top break 32s and are loaded pretty light

The collectible value of the ammunition did cross my mind, I'll look into it. There was 49 rounds all in very good condition but no original packaging. I have no interest in shooting this gun just getting some information. I primarily shoot 45ACP, 9mm and 38 once now and then. It's more sentimental since it was my father's and grandmother's. Thanks for the information.

 

[JP@AK]

Mr. Marine

I doubt cartridge collectors would be very interested in a few loose rounds of .32 S&W (.32 Short was never its official name, although some European manufacturers call it that). All the cartridge collectors I know want ammo like this in original boxes. Besides, .32 S&W ammo is anything but rare.

Anyway, I'm glad you have your grandmother's revolver. A good thing to pass along to your own heirs.

 

[Muley Gil]

You must have figured it out while I was posting. Good. Anyway I like it. The 32s are fun to shoot. I am no ammo collector, but your 32 shorts may well be worth something to a cartridge collector. The shorts are harder to find than 32 longs. I reload and shoot 32 shorts, longs 32 H&R and 327 Mags. The 32 shorts will sometimes bounce of a piece of hard wood. They were originally for the top break 32s and are loaded pretty light

I have shot .32 S&W out of a top break at a coke can and the can barely moved when struck by the bullet. I'd love to have a Model 1 1/2 single action top break chambered in .22 Long Rifle HV. Those revolvers point very well!

 

[Hondo44]

I have no interest in shooting this gun just getting some information. I primarily shoot 45ACP, 9mm and 38 once now and then. It's more sentimental since it was my father's and grandmother's. Thanks for the information.

You have a wonderful family heirloom whether you choose to shoot it or not. No it's not a collector item in its condition but as an heirloom with its provenance, it's priceless anyway and you intend to keep it.

And one that was way ahead of it's time in that it was turned into one of the most desirable style revolvers of current times: the small short barreled revolver. Perhaps your G-father shortened it for your G-mother who clearly had it for her protection, to be able to put it in her pocket or purse. The same as today!

How old are you? I ask only because a lot of real old farts like me have formed new opinions about the .32 Long cartridge shooting guns; for various and a sundry of reasons, most related to age and being over the testosterone driven need for shooting big guns in large calibers.

The .32s, especially old ones have definitely risen in popularity over the last several years; their value and market demand attesting to that.

So if for no better reason I suggest you consider getting some .32 Long ammo and shoot the gun with it's full potential to realize its accuracy and fun factors.

Congrats!

 

[USMC_1978]

You have a wonderful family heirloom whether you choose to shoot it or not. No it's not a collector item in its condition but as an heirloom with its provenance, it's priceless anyway and you intend to keep it.

And one that was way ahead of it's time in that it was turned into one of the most desirable style revolvers of current times: the small short barreled revolver. Perhaps your G-father shortened it for your G-mother who clearly had it for her protection, to be able to put it in her pocket or purse. The same as today!

How old are you? I ask only because a lot of real old farts like me have formed new opinions about the .32 Long cartridge shooting guns; for various and a sundry of reasons, most related to age and being over the testosterone driven need for shooting big guns in large calibers.

The .32s, especially old ones have definitely risen in popularity over the last several years; their value and market demand attesting to that.

So if for no better reason I suggest you consider getting some .32 Long ammo and shoot the gun with it's full potential to realize its accuracy and fun factors.

Congrats!

Looks like the consensus is no official model number manufactured 1917-1942. I'll make the notes on my inventory and hopefully my heirs will appreciate it like I do.
I'm 67. I choose the carry caliber according to how I'm dressed and how well it needs to be concealed (.380-.45). Otherwise I enjoy shooting all calibers equally.
My grandmother graduated the Louisville Police Academy in 1944 and served until 1946 before her career as a school teacher. The latter date range of the gun is in line with her police service but that is just a guess. My father retired from LPD as deputy Chief.

Thanks to everyone for the input.

 

[AJ]

Keep and cherish it. Clean it and fondle it and remeber the folks before you.

Semper Fi!

 

[Hondo44]

Looks like the consensus is no official model number manufactured 1917-1942.
Thanks to everyone for the input.

That's correct. S&W's handguns were not assigned model #s until 1957, Therefore all had a model name prior to 1957 and yours is the "Model .32 Hand Ejector".

 

[Hondo44]

.32 Hand Ejector Third Model from serial number (range 263001 - 536684) 1917-1942 according to S&W 3rd edition. Data indicates heat treating of cylinders started at sn 321000. What doesn't jive with the Standard Catalog description is the OP pistol with ctg chamber roll stamp on rt side of barrel. My guess is when sight was replaced the pistol was refinished and somebody restamped the barrel on wrong side.

The barrel can be confirmed as original (or factory changed) before being cut of course, if the serial # on the bottom side of the barrel matches the # on the butt of the grip frame.

 

[Green Frog]

I'm late to the party as usual, but please accept my welcome to our friendly group of S&W enthusiasts. I will give you the same advice I always give in these situations, ie. be sure to collect and secure all the information you can about the gun to document its family connection, and specifically whatever you can about your grandmother's time as a LEO. Your descendants will thank you for it.

As for shooting it; as brother Hondo44 said, we old guys don't have anything left to prove with big boomers and these little revolvers are just plain fun to shoot. They can be reloaded cheaply too, but with the current price and availability of primers, that may not be quite as true these days.

Regards,
Froggie