Smith & Wesson Model 33-1

[Barbaroja]

Hey gang,
I came across an add for a Model 33-1 for what seems like a reasonable sum, and wanted to try and get some info from the collective here as there doesn't seem to be much about them on the web besides that they are chambered in 38 S&W, built on a J frame and are a 5 shot revolver.
Wondering if anyone has any experiece with them.

This is the only photo i have of the gun for now, id have to drive to the shop to see it any closer.

I have 350pcs of brass (that none of you folks is buying from the reloading componets forum!) and I cast so ammo wont be a problem.

thanks

 

[Walkalong]

Sweet! I'm jealous.

 

[J-Bar]

The Standard Catalog says the 33-1 began production in 1961, ended in 1974. In 1966 the older latch thumbpiece was changed to the one in the photo. Diamond grips were deleted in 1968. So if the grips are original and numbered to the gun, my best guess is it was made between 1966 and 1968. The serial number on the butt might help pin it down closer. Hope this helps.

 

[Mark_Mark]

Hey gang,
I came across an add for a Model 33-1 for what seems like a reasonable sum, and wanted to try and get some info from the collective here as there doesn't seem to be much about them on the web besides that they are chambered in 38 S&W, built on a J frame and are a 5 shot revolver.
Wondering if anyone has any experiece with them.

This is the only photo i have of the gun for now, id have to drive to the shop to see it any closer.

I have 350pcs of brass (that none of you folks is buying from the reloading componets forum!) and I cast so ammo wont be a problem.

thanks

only a reloader buys the brass then the gun! What are they asking fir that bad boy?

 

[Barbaroja]

The Standard Catalog says the 33-1 began production in 1961, ended in 1974. In 1966 the older latch thumbpiece was changed to the one in the photo. Diamond grips were deleted in 1968. So if the grips are original and numbered to the gun, my best guess is it was made between 1966 and 1968. The serial number on the butt might help pin it down closer. Hope this helps.

Very helpful thank you

 

[Barbaroja]

@Mark_Mark
Listed at $537 but they have been willing to haggle in the past, I bought 2 H&R handi rifles from them this past summer. I was thinking I might offer $450. I dont have a real need for it besides the compulsion to buy revolvers. Seems like a good size to carry around the farm when im not carrying my other "around the farm" guns

 

[Mark_Mark]

@Mark_Mark
Listed at $537 but they have been willing to haggle in the past, I bought 2 H&R handi rifles from them this past summer. I was thinking I might offer $450. I dont have a real need for it besides the compulsion to buy revolvers. Seems like a good size to carry around the farm when im not carrying my other "around the farm" guns

at $500! that a good price without even knowing what they go for. You already have the brass and period correct ammo boxes! I really like the trigger pull of the S&W especially the double action. Way different from a Colt stacking and that click right before the hammer drops

 

[Barbaroja]

That said, since i made up the " around the farm" excuse, I have acquired a couple cool guns including a 4 5/8" .327 single seven and my model 10 " southern mountain gun"

 

[Mark_Mark]

That said, since i made up the " around the farm" excuse, I have acquired a couple cool guns including a 4 5/8" .327 single seven and my model 10 " southern mountain gun"

Revolver are a bit expensive here in the PNW. but the revolver addiction is real! you like that Model 10? if I find a shooter at a ok price, getting it. My .38 collection is growing big! need to look into .41 mag, heard that’s the hot new-old round.

 

[Seedy Character]

I would be all over that 33, like a rooster on a June bug.
Been looking for one for Wife for several years.
The 4 5/8" Single Seven .327 or Single Six .32 H&R is a very close second.

 

[Barbaroja]

I adore the model 10, especially with the tapered barrel. 38spl is a great round and one of my favorites for fun target shooting.

.41mag , well now your speaking my language. My first handgun was a 41 mag blackhawk and is my favorite cartridge. Between my dad and I there is the blackhawk, a model 57 no dash and a 10” contender barrel around here and we can’t get enough.

 

[Barbaroja]

I would be all over that 33, like a rooster on a June bug.
Been looking for one for Wife for several years.
The 4 5/8" Single Seven .327 or Single Six .32 H&R is a very close second.

Would you believe the day after I bought my single seven I found a 32 h&r in another shop down the road. Kicking myself for not getting that one too. They only wanted $650, and that was only about 6 months ago! I’m an idiot.

 

[Mark_Mark]

I adore the model 10, especially with the tapered barrel. 38spl is a great round and one of my favorites for fun target shooting.

.41mag , well now your speaking my language. My first handgun was a 41 mag blackhawk and is my favorite cartridge. Between my dad and I there is the blackhawk, a model 57 no dash and a 10” contender barrel around here and we can’t get enough.

sucker for a taper barrel and no under lug too!

 

[Walkalong]

I dont have a real need for it besides the compulsion to buy revolvers

So......when do you think you'll cave in and go get it?

 

[Barbaroja]

See the trouble with this place is it’s hard to leave with just one. They also have a 4”gp100 for $650, 6” 686 for $699, ruger super blackhawk 10.5” for 650ish. So you see why I’m trying to avoid it. That said if I buy a travel trailer next week, I’ll need a truck. There is one I want to check out for sale in the same area as this shop. Your in Alabama too, they don’t ship but if you get down the the mobile area, they have some deals

 

[Gordon]

I have an armory of fire arms to choose from, why do you think I carry my old 33 no dash or the Terrier snub .38 ? Not loud, and they kill very near .38 spl. Level. About top real pocket pistols IMHO

 

[Mark_Mark]

See the trouble with this place is it’s hard to leave with just one. They also have a 4”gp100 for $650, 6” 686 for $699, ruger super blackhawk 10.5” for 650ish. So you see why I’m trying to avoid it. That said if I buy a travel trailer next week, I’ll need a truck. There is one I want to check out for sale in the same area as this shop. Your in Alabama too, they don’t ship but if you get down the the mobile area, they have some deals

I didn’t go to my Secret Shop in Seattle today, even though I was in the area… Same reason! my wallet is EMPTY

 

[J-Bar]

Travel trailers are a money pit. Buy the guns instead, which hold their value, and let the hotel/motel folks take care of you on the road.

 

[Barbaroja]

Travel trailers are a money pit. Buy the guns instead, which hold their value, and let the hotel/motel folks take care of you on the road.

Don’t worry bud the rv and gun are funded from different accounts.
I am aware of the problem where the majority of Rvs are very poorly built and want to rattle themselves apart on the road. This is why I’m flying back to the west coast. I’ve been researching a particular brand that supposed to set itself apart from the pack. Built for true 4season use. Smaller company called Outdoors rv. I hope they life up to they hype as the wife as I are looking to spend some time on the road.

 

[Barbaroja]

I have an armory of fire arms to choose from, why do you think I carry my old 33 no dash or the Terrier snub .38 ? Not loud, and they kill very near .38 spl. Level. About top real pocket pistols IMHO

This is what I had in mind for it should I get it. The most interesting thing about the gun to me is that it’s a j frame with a 4” barrel, after that I’ve got a habit of liking stuff that is hard to find or seldom seen so 38s&w would fit right in around here. As for 38spl vs 38s&w power. The load I shoot out of my model 10 only averages about 720fps, (it was worked up for my 6”gp100) so I wouldn’t have any qualms about the same weight bullet going 650ish from the 38s&w.
What load do you carry? If I remember correctly I had read that the 33 no dash was built on a modified I frame and then moved to j frame for the -1 designation. I’d love to see a photo of yours if your willing to share.

 

[Gordon]

I'll get you a picture of my Terrier which is an I frame and very petite and I do carry it once in a while.I mostly shoot Fiocci Ammo which I bought a case of years ago for my four .38S&W pistols. Here is the 33 Regulation Police which I cased with a .44 Hand Ejector 5" . It is a S&W case designed for a Model 29 six" and a Kit Gun (j frame) 4" .As you can tell from latch it is a later 1966 j frame .

 

[Gordon]

Here is the earlier I frame model 32 Terrier

 

[Mark_Mark]

Here is the earlier I frame model 32 Terrier
View attachment 1143780

those bullets look a little aged! how long have they been there?

 

[RevolvingGarbage]

Here is the earlier I frame model 32 Terrier
View attachment 1143780

It’s such a shame they don’t make something like this anymore. Short cylinder, short frame window. Powerful enough as is, but the same gun sold today could take moonclipped 9x19 or make it a six shot using moonclipped .30SC.

 

[Barbaroja]

I'll get you a picture of my Terrier which is an I frame and very petite and I do carry it once in a while.I mostly shoot Fiocci Ammo which I bought a case of years ago for my four .38S&W pistols. Here is the 33 Regulation Police which I cased with a .44 Hand Ejector 5" . It is a S&W case designed for a Model 29 six" and a Kit Gun (j frame) 4" .As you can tell from latch it is a later 1966 j frame .
View attachment 1143771

Boy that 33 is comically small looking sitting next to that n frame. Thanks for sharing I love the grips on your 33.