A friend has an old Colt Police Poositive Special 6". It has a lanyard ring in the butt, broken (looks more like melted) grip, and a bulge in the barrel right beside the front sight. The serial # is 23037, and the general condition (besides the barrel issue) seems worn, but not abused. It was his Gramp's gun,and he wants to have it repaired, and possibly install a .38 Special cylinder and barrel. What do you guys think? I told him to remove the firing pin and hang it on the wall.
Old Colt .32-20
- Thread starter bk42261
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You could cut the barrel back but to rechamber it would indeed require a new barrel and cylinder.. possibly a few more parts.
This is a 1910 production pistol and might not be up to converting to the higher pressure of .38 special. I'd have the frame checked out by a gunsmith to make sure it wasn't damaged when the barrel was bulged. If the frame is IN SPEC I'd say, yes, it's possible.
I certainly wouldn't bore out the chambers on this one.
For the cost of doing this, one can buy a prewar PPS in 38 Special, keep that in mind too before he pulls out the checkbook.
This is a 1910 production pistol and might not be up to converting to the higher pressure of .38 special. I'd have the frame checked out by a gunsmith to make sure it wasn't damaged when the barrel was bulged. If the frame is IN SPEC I'd say, yes, it's possible.
I certainly wouldn't bore out the chambers on this one.
For the cost of doing this, one can buy a prewar PPS in 38 Special, keep that in mind too before he pulls out the checkbook.
rcmodel
Member in memoriam
Those bulged 32-20 barrels were caused by someone firing Hi-Vel 32-20 rifle ammo in them.
The much higher velocity in a rifle was obtained by using a slow burning powder, higher pressure, & jacketed bullets.
Fine in a rifle, but a revolver allowed the pressure to escape out the cylinder gap causing an incomplete powder burn, so the jacketed bullet got stuck in the barrel. The next shot ringed the barrel.
It is quite common to see in old Colt & S&W 32-20 DA revolvers.
Not common on 32-20 Colt Single-Actions due to the much thicker barrel walls on them.
I would not do anything to your revolver until I at least tried it for accuracy with modern 32-20 ammo.
They are loaded to low pressure with soft lead bullets, and it may shoot just fine with them.
Seems it has already been "Proof-Tested" with Hi-Vel rifle ammo!
rc
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I see no reason that gun could not be converted to .38 Special but IMHO, it would cost more than the gun is worth. If you want to consider it, contact www.cylinder-slide.com and ask them if they consider it feasible and will give a quote.
Jim
Jim
I was reading some past conversations on the Smith and Wesson 32-20. Mine has a serial number of 27480, I was noting that this number is possible a pre 1905. could someone tell me when this handgun was manufactured and where I might find ammo for it. My grandfather used it as a guard in the coal mines during the union non union disputes
rcmodel
Member in memoriam
Ammo:
http://www.midwayusa.com/Search/#32-20 ammo____-_1-2-4_8-16-32
Serial #27480 would be a Model 1905 1st Change made in 1906-1907.
Be aware it does not have the S&W Hammer Block Safety of modern guns, and could fire if dropped on the hammer.
Probably best to only load five rounds, and leave an empty chamber under the hammer.
rc
http://www.midwayusa.com/Search/#32-20 ammo____-_1-2-4_8-16-32
Serial #27480 would be a Model 1905 1st Change made in 1906-1907.
Be aware it does not have the S&W Hammer Block Safety of modern guns, and could fire if dropped on the hammer.
Probably best to only load five rounds, and leave an empty chamber under the hammer.
rc
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