What round is this gun chambered for?

[marksman13]

Can anybody tell me exactly what round this pistol is chambered for. I am pretty sure it is a .32 caliber of some sort, but there is a an awful lot of wear and tear on the gun's finish so it's hard to tell exactly what it is. I know it is a Smith and Wesson, and that this model is often refered to as a "lemon squeezer" because of the grip safety. I know it probably doesn't have much value because of the condition of the blueing(sp?), but it was given to me by a relative that was cleaning out his attic. Would anybody here risk shooting it with modern ammo? It seems to be fully funtional, but not sure if it would handle modern chamber pressures. Any other info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[Tbu61]

Yup, it's a Smith and Wesson "Lemmon Squeezer".
If it's 32, that would be .32 S&W
if it's the 38, it would be the .38 S&W not the more common .38 Special

If you really HAVE to shoot it, get is checked out first by a reputable Gunsmith.
let him decide. That's a lot cheaper and easier than a trip to the emergency room.

 

[Jim March]

I just want to emphasis: DON'T SHOOT THAT prior to professional evaluation.

Judging by the pic and your description, it's a wall hanger, period. I could be wrong, but I wouldn't want to find out without a padded vice and 100yds of string.

 

[marksman13]

Didn't really plan on shooting it. Sorry if it sounded like I was planning a range trip this afternoon. Just wanted to know what it might be chambered for. It is most definately a .32 caliber gun and not a .38. Thought I could make out the S&W behind the 32 but I wasn't certain. Thanks for the concern and the help. I think this is going to be a refinishing project and a display piece. Anybody still sell grips for these guns?

 

[Iggy]

Please don't refinish it... Clean it, oil it and display it as is.

It no doubt earned the wear and tear it shows. It would be a shame to cover it up with a modern finish of some kind.

Us old Geezers wear our scrapes and scars with pride, so should our guns.

 

[Tbu61]

Occasionally you will see Grips on E-bay, you can also try gunpartscorp.com

Agreed, it would look kewl in a shadow box with some old nicknacks, same period coins, old (empty) ammo box, etc....