Question for Mike Irwin

[scbair]

Or any member with the reference sources readily available.

I recently succumbed to temptation and purchased that most useless of implements (my opinion), a .32 S&W Long revolver.

NOT for serious use; I found an orphaned S&W model 1903 (blued steel, good condition), and the little I frame was so darned cute I couldn't resist adopting it. I am hoping I can find an approximate date of manufacture, just out of curiosity. The serial number is 217xxx.

Any info will be appreciated.

 

[Tamara]

Supica & Nahas state that serial numbers 102501-263000 were produced between 1910 and 1917. Given your serial number, I'd guess it was produced towards the latter end of this date range.

 

[scbair]

Thanks, Tamara!

Just what I wanted to know. I do appreciate your quick response!

 

[Mike Irwin]

"that most useless of implements (my opinion)"

Insulting my I frame .32 Long AND my J-frame .32 Long is NOT a way to get the information that you need.

I'd bet that your gun was made around 1914-1915.

As S&W started ramping up for production of guns for British contracts for World War I they scaled back production significantly of most other models, especially the small guns. From what I can tell, in 1917 virtually no I-frame .32s were made.

 

[Jim K]

At one time I carried, temporarily, a .32 S&W HE I frame. Another deputy told me, "Those puny little bullets won't hurt anybody." I told him to stand there while I put one of those "puny little bullets" in his left eye, then if he still felt like it, we would get some coffee and discuss the issue.

I didn't feel unarmed with the .32, but I did go back to my Model 36 not too much later.

Jim

 

[FPrice]

scbair...

"I recently succumbed to temptation and purchased that most useless of implements (my opinion), a .32 S&W Long revolver."

FWIW I found a S&W .32 S&W revolver recently, a .32 Safety Hammerless which dates to about 1908.

I agree with Jim Keenan's POV. I would prefer to carry something heavier, but I also would NOT want to be on the receiving end of any .32 caliber bullet.

 

[scbair]

Thanks all!

I appreciate the info.

No, I wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of a .32 bullet, either (nor even a .25, for that matter). However, I've been in some fairly serious street encounters, and appreciate the old adage, "There ain't no such thing as too big a gun!" The little I frame is a cute li'l rascal, and I look forward to firing a couple boxes of .32 ammo in the immediate future. Other than playing around at the range, though, I'll stick with my .45 ACP.