Assistance Identifying H&R Revolver

I am not sure I can give you accurate info, but I am glad that gun held together when fired with .32 ACP cartridges. Those run a lot higher pressure than the .32 S&W cartridges the gun was made for. The trigger return spring appears to be broken, and that leather(?) looks like it is holding the gun closed. I hope that the red spots are rust or paint.

Jim

.32 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol) has a semi rim and is comparatively high pressure v the proper .32 S&W (short) cartridge.

People have found that the semi-rim on the .32 ACP and the firing pin protrusion on the revolvers in .32 S&W does allow the revolver to fire the cartridge. However, the rim on the .32S&W is much thicker, so you have an excess headspace with the .32ACP (the case is pistoning back against the breechface).

If you shoot this old revolver, get the proper cartridge.

Stope Rat: You are correct. Your have a Hammerless First Model Small frame revolver. It is the First Variation made 1899-1903 and is definitely a Black Powder number which is considered not safe to use with modern ammunition. It is doubly not safe with .32 ACP cartridges.

Your serial number should be in the range of 01 to 82000 (estimated).

I have inherited a similar little guy which seems to be a slightly newer cousin to your gun, given that it lists the caliber on the side of the barrel (which from my research seems to have been done once they made the move away from black powder to more modern ammunition in 1905). Mine is a .38 S&W, but very similar in length of the grip, hammerless, top-break. I happened to have some rounds for it in the little goody bag that it came with from my father (which included a Remington Model 51 in .32 ACP that is LOTS of fun to shoot!), and have been trying to research it a bit more also.

I did fire mine (very, VERY carefully, just one round in the cylinder at a time at first, then worked up to a full cylinder eventually). SO much fun to shoot, but would definitely not be a regular carry for me (and I seem to have a difficult time finding the ammo for it anyway... will keep looking at local shops to see if I have more luck).