This looks interesting

[chaim]

Found something on Gunbroker that looks interesting. I'm not sure if I've seen this before or not, at least this is the first time I really noticed one. If I had one or two other guns to fill in a couple holes and was more in the market for a want (esp. since I just bought one that didn't fit a hole and was "just" a want) I might have bid on it. However, this isn't a good time. In case anyone else is interested, or even if not I am curious about this gun so I'd love to learn about it, here is the link to the auction:

http://gunbroker.com/auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=8313346

The auction title says: "Smith & Wesson Mod. 38/32 Terrier .38 S&W"

What is a M38/32 Terrier? Never heard of it (not that this means anything). Appears to be a pretty standard J-frame but in .38S&W. When were these made? Any collectors value? How rare/common are they? Any good for defense? Now I know, .38S&W is underpowered but maybe for someone who wants lower recoil- it makes a bigger hole than .32mag or .22lr/mag and presumably has less recoil than .38spl and certainly less than +P.

Anyway, I would be interested in learning about this interesting looking gun (and maybe later when I am in the market for a "want" instead of filling two holes in the handgun and serveral in the rifle "collection" I may be interested in picking up one). Also, for those who might be interested I figured I'd put it out there for you. As of now (Tues, April 15th, tax day) it looks like a new auction, there are 8 days left in the auction.

 

[KMKeller]

J Frame pre 1955. Other than that, not a whole heckuva lot I know about 'em.

 

[Tom B]

The Terrier that I owned years ago (now belongs to an ex-wife) was just like the M36 J Frame but shot a 38S&W or as some call a 38 short. Not a 38spl.

 

[Mike Irwin]

Great, just ($%)(&$%)(&*$^ great.

I'm now getting a "restricted" notice when I try to get to gun broker from the office.

Sigh.

Anyway, the .38/32 means that it's a .38 caliber revolver built on the "traditional" S&W .32 caliber frame, which is either the I or J frame.

Depending on the age it could be either an I, an I improved, or a J frame.

These were made, I think, from the 1920s up through around 1974.

 

[QuarterBoreGunner]

In addition to all the previous posters all the terriers I've ever seen had a flat thumb latch also.

I have the same model except mine is earlier and has a square butt.

 

[Mike Irwin]

Chaim,

OK, that has an upper sideplate screw, so it's pre-1955, when that screw was eliminated, but since it has the ramp front sight, it's post WW II.

Quite frankly, the starting price is on the high side.

Most likely an improved I-frame, but without the serial number it would be difficult to say.

 

[Frenchy]

This one has been run through the auction a number of times. A little high considering condition.