Tell me about "I" frame S&W guns

[depicts]

What can some of you tell me about "I" frame S&W's? When were they discontinued? What were the calibers they came in and some models?

I love my J frame 640-1, and my 340 kit gun, because my hands are small. Would love to find some even smaller, but don't know what to look for.

I love .22 caliber revolvers, and I'm sure I'd love .32's though I don't own any. Did I frames come in other calibers?

Any responses will be appreciated.

Bill

 

[Owen]

The I frames were the original "Lady Smith's" back in the day. Every one I have ever seen is a .22 or a .32 S&W.

They are quite cute.

 

[1 old 0311]

I think .32 was the biggest, but this was before more modern, stronger, materials.

Kevin

 

[roo_ster]

Did they not come in .38S&W?

 

[lanceman193]

Here is a pre model 34 from 1953.It is an I frame.I also have a pre model 30 and It is a modified I frame.

 

[gunfan]

The "I" frame...

was the very first "Hand Ejector" S&W ever produced. It was originally chambered in .32 S&W Long. Discontinued in 1961, the "I" frme was replaced by the "J" frame (a cost-cutting measure so that the .32 S&W Long could be produced on a larger frame). The .38 S&W was also a "resident" of the "I" frame revolver. These were five-shot revolvers while the 32 S&W Long revolvers were six-shooters.

The .38 S&W is still produced at about 65% of the .38 S&W Special's power levels (these are the commercial loads) that are a nominal 145-grain RNL bullet, .360"-.361" in diameter, loaded to about 650-675 fps from a 4" barrel. This commercial offering is comparable to a .380 Auto Pistol cartridge. These loads are kept at these levels due to the older, break-top revolvers in which the .38 S&W was so frequently chambered. There is a liability issue for that ammunition manufacturers here. The modern, solid-framed revolvers chambered for the .38 S&W can be loaded to about 85% of the .38 S&W Special's power. For the 145-grain HCRNL, this can safely push the slug up to 800-850 fps from a Colt Official Police, the square-butted S&W .38 Regulation Police, (possibly the 2" barreled round-butted Terrier) or a .38 H&R Defender. (This is the only break-top .38 S&W that I know that will handle the more powerful loadings. It was discontinued in 1964).

Long live a revival of the "I" frame revolver! I am so adamant for Nick, (Charter 2000's CEO) to bring this lightweight revolver back in 9mm/.380, .32 H&R Magnum/.32 S&W Long/.32 S&W and .22 WMRF/.22 WRF.

This could be what the concealment market needs. Don't you agree?

Scott

 

[gunfan]

The I frames were the original "Lady Smith's" back in the day. Every one I have ever seen is a .22 or a .32 S&W.

They are quite cute.

The original .22 Ladysmiths were in the even-smaller "M" frame.

Regards,

Scott

 

[depicts]

Gunfan,...thanks!

Gunfan, thanks for the info. Yeah, I'd love to see something smaller for carry, but here in Massachusetts they don't allow Charter Arms to be sold. Crazy rules. Maybe someday I'll live in a free state.

Interesting your comment about an "M" frame being smaller, I'd have figured that to be bigger than a "K" frame Oh well, that's why I'm enjoying reading these boards so much now that I have found them. I learn so much, and I thought I knew it all

Thanks to you other guys that provided info as well, keep it coming if there is more to the I frame story. My 340 kit gun is on layaway, and I NEED something until I get it

Bill

 

[gunfan]

Gunfan, thanks for the info. Yeah, I'd love to see something smaller for carry, but here in Massachusetts they don't allow Charter Arms to be sold. Crazy rules. Maybe someday I'll live in a free state.

Interesting your comment about an "M" frame being smaller, I'd have figured that to be bigger than a "K" frame Oh well, that's why I'm enjoying reading these boards so much now that I have found them. I learn so much, and I thought I knew it all

Thanks to you other guys that provided info as well, keep it coming if there is more to the I frame story. My 340 kit gun is on layaway, and I NEED something until I get it

Bill

Bill:

If you go to the GunBroker and GunsAmerica, you can often find Colt's Police Positive in .32 S&W Long and .38 S&W. You can occasionally encounter Colt's Pocket Positive, S&W's diminutive "Terrier" and Regulation Police (in both .32 S&W Long and .38 S&W as well). If you look hard enough you may find what you want of either manufacturer.

If you are interested in other brands, On GunsAmerica there is an Iver Johnson 55-5A revolver in .32 S&W Long. running $89.00!

http://www.gunsamerica.com/1810/1810-random-1.htm

http://www.gunsamerica.com/guns/976672675.htm

Perhaps this will solve your dilemma.

Scott

 

[wundudnee]

Here is my grandfather's 32S&W First Model Hand Ejector. Also a .38S&W Topbreak. I figure the .32 is just over 100 years old.

 

[gunfan]

Wundudnee:

That's a nice pair of Pocket revolvers if I eve saw one! I purchased Shelley, (my wife) a 1905-vintage .32 Hand Ejector. It came with a pair of slightly disfigured oversized aftermarket grips (read: uuuuuugly) that I want to replace with originals. The 4 1/4" barrel makes the .32 S&W Longs find their mark very well!

I also bought her an H&R 732 (in .32 S&W Long, of course) 4" barreled square-butt revolver NRA rated @ 99%. I also bought a 1982 vintage H&R Model 732 2 1/2" barrel round butt NIB! The 2 1/2" barreled concaealment revolver shoots better than the 4 incher! LOL!

That's some mighty fine "shootin' irons" ya got there, Brother!

Scott

 

[MatthewVanitas]

I'm going to revive this 2yr old thread, since the title is perfect anyway.

Are the S&W Model 30 and Model 31 J-frame guns, or are some models I-frame?

How about the "Pre-Model 30 5-screw"?

Or is the 1903 Hand Ejector the only I frame?