S&W 32 Info

[sixshooter32]

I'm looking for some info on gun that was given to me after my father passed.It is a S&W 32 cal otg (from left side of barrel) Serial# 251xxx
patd # May 11 1880-Jan 3 1882-April 9 1880 , 5-shot dual action rev has a
black hard rubber/plastic handle rounded with a diamond shape in the middle of handle where screw holds it together.I would like to know about how old it is and what ammo I need. The gun is in great shape and I would like to fire some rounds from it

 

[rcmodel]

You are in the wrong Forum.
This is for IT / computer / BBS technical support!

I have ask a mod to move it to the Firearms Research forum.

rc

 

[sixshooter32]

Thanks I'm newbie at this

 

[rcmodel]

S&W 32 cal otg

It actually says S&W 32 cal CTG.
As in .32 S&W Cartridge.

That is the caliber ammo you need.

Is it a 6-shot swing out cylinder??
By the serial #, it sounds like it should be a .32 Hand Ejecter 1st. Change, made around 1905.

rc

 

[sixshooter32]

I found some info on it I'm thinking it is a top break dual action model 4, 5-shot with a 3 1/2 barrel. It does not have a swing out cyl. There was one on you-tube he said his grandfather had bought it in 1910 said there was about 326000 of them made he didn't give serial# but from the video of the gun it was the same

 

[Radagast]

If it has an exposed hammer then it is a .32 Double Action 4th Model manufactured between 1898 (serial number 209301 & 1909 (serial number 282999). The round it is chambered for is .32 S&W.
http://www.ows-ammo.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=58_21&products_id=146
Note that your gun was designed for blackpowder and use of modern smokeless powder may lead to rapid excessive wear.
It lacks an internal hammer block, so leave the chamber under the hammer empty. Otherwise if dropped it could fire.
There are few if any gunsmiths willing to work on these and new parts are not available, so refrain from dryfire or other forms of play.

 

[sixshooter32]

It does have a exposed hammer.Can you buy black powder .32 or do you have to load your own? thanks for the saftey tip.

 

[Jim K]

Unless that S&W is badly worn or defective, firing a few modern cartridges won't hurt it, but most folks suggest not shooting very many. The modern ammo is loaded to the same pressure levels as the old black powder rounds, but the pressure curve could be different and that gives some extra-cautious folks concern.

Jim

 

[Radagast]

Black powder ammo is a load your own scenario.