Older Smith and Wesson

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Firewolf

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Hi all,
I was looking around on the internet trying to find some information on a gun my dad just gave me. I found this place and was hoping you could give me a hand.

On the right side of the barrel is 32-20 CTG on the left hand side it just says Smith and Wesson. The top says Smith and Wesson Springfield Mass. USA Patented Feb. 8.08 Sept.14.08Dec.28.14. The Serial numbers all match and are 119XXX. It has a six inche barrel with blued steel which I imagine is the origional blueing. It's a double action, six shot with what looks like some sort of white pearly shell grip which may or may not be origional. It has the S&W trade stamp on the left side of the body and MADE IN USA on the right side of the body. (I appologize for not knowing all of the correct terms. You eject the shells by pushing on the rod in the front of the cylinder.

There is no rust and the action is smooth. I have not fired it yet but I imagine it's fine.

I appreciate any help you can give me. If you need a picture or two let me know.
 
I don't have my S&W Catalogue with me, and my memory left long ago, but S&W discontinued the .32-20 after The Big One, so your gun is pr-WW II. It's an M&P (military & police), "K" frame, and someone will be along directly to give you more specific information.

Great old guns, I've been looking for the right one for years. Someday.
 
Firewolf,
If you can't get the answer here you can always contact S&W and I'm sure they will be able to give you all the information you want. They have always been helpful when I have contacted them.

[email protected]

1-800-331-0852 (USA)
Mon-Fri 8:00AM-8:00PM Eastern Time
 
That's a pretty good description... ;)

You have a Smith & Wesson .32-20 Hand Ejector; Model of 1905, Military & Police, 4th Chg.

The 4th Chg. revolvers were made between 1915 and 1940, within a serial number range running from 65,701 to 144,684. I estimate your revolver dates from the middle / latter 1920's. The cylinder is heat treated, and it should be safe to shoot. Lead bulleted "cowboy" loads are recommended.

Standard barrel lengths were 4, 5 or 6 inches. Standard fiishes were blue or nickel plate. Standard stocks were checkered walnut, but pearl could be special ordered. The ones you have might, or might not be original, but the only way to tell is to obtain a record search and letter from Smith & Wesson, for a research fee of $30.00. Since the revolver is being passed down through the family it might me worth getting it lettered. Details will be found on the S&W website at (www.smith-wesson.com).
 
Hey,
now that I'm home I'll post a picture. Thank you very much for the info, that really helps a lot. Old Fuff, I took my gun in to a shop yesterday and the shop owner is trying to find some bullets for me of the proper size. The ones he is looking for are made by smith and wesson of the proper callibur, does that go along with your advice about ammo?
Archangel, thanks for the contact info and Beau 93, thanks for the song link ^.^
And yes, my gun looks similar to both of those pictures. Thanks.
IMG_1119.jpg
 
The ones he is looking for are made by smith and wesson of the proper callibur, does that go along with your advice about ammo?
Click to expand...

I don't think so. I suspect he is looking at .32 S&W Long cartridges (which don't fit your revolver). You need .32-20 rounds, also known as .32 WCF (Winchester Center Fire). He will most likely find these listed with rifle ammunition.

Cowboy Action Shooting is a sport, and they use downloaded ammunition which is ideal for older guns. I believe a source is Black Hills Ammunition Co. at www.black-hills.com
 
Oh, actually... those are the ones he's looking for. Thanks. He had some of the .32 longs and of course they weren't right. I actually remember him saying that he had to see if he could find the .32-20's. I'll make sure when I talk to him next though. And thanks for the link for the ammo.
 
The Black Hills .32-20 is loaded for revolvers. You will find the recoil is mild, and the accuracy may suprise you. If you are going to shoot it I suggest you get some other stocks, and save the pearl ones for show. They tend to crack and chip, and sometimes are a bit thin. Replacing them these days would be expensive. Stocks that fit the common S&W model 10 square-butt will fit, and are easy to find in many styles.
 
thank you all for your help. I'll bookmark the sites for the ammo and pick some up. I'm looking forward to shooting it.

And thanks for the advice on getting different stocks. I probably wouldn't have thought of that and it's a good idea.

Beau93, read the lyrics for the song. That's pretty funny ^.^
 
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