Ala Dan...

K

Kentucky Rifle

New member
Three days ago when we were posting on the "Grip Change" thread, you asked me for info regarding the "Chief's Special" that is chambered for .32 S&W Long. This morning, I talked to the family member owner who currently owns it. You were right. It doesn't have a model number anywhere on it. (Not under the crane, not anywhere.) The weapon was purchased in 1960 from a gun shop owned by one of the original Hatfield's of the great Hatfield & McCoy feud in eastern Kentucky. The only marks on the pistol are on the barrel and the butt. One side of the barrel says "Smith and Wesson" and the other side says .32 S&W Long.
The serial number on the butt says 721XXX.
I'd appreciate a "date of birth" and a value for this pistol. It's in about 95%+ condition and none of the blueing is worn off. (The truth is that the revolver looks nearly new.)
The fellow who own's the pistol told me that it's only had about "half a box of ammunition ran through it. It looks nicer than my model 36.

KR
 
Why not PM him with this? He'll automatically be sent an email message that he's got a PM.

Your terse title got me worried that he had a problem. :D
 
Greeting's Again Kentucky Rifle-

Looks like your Smith & Wesson .32 caliber revolver is a
post war "Hand Ejector" model 30, manufactuered from
1961 to 1970, as your serial number falls between 536685
and 826977. Net worth, per The Standard Catalog Of Smith & Wesson, 2nd edition is as follows:

NIB = $350, EXC =$250, VG = $200

Noting that your weapon is in at least 95% condition, would
make the value somewhere between $300-350 I would think.
At any rate, they are long since discontinued (1976), and it
sounds like you have got yourself a family heirloom. My father
use to speak of the accuracy of the .32 S&W Long cartridge,
which was one of his favorite's. He owned a 1971 production
S&W model 30 in .32 S&W Long with serial H53XXX, which is
still in my family; and is suppose to revert back to me upon
my uncle's death. Hope this helps some.


Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
 
Thank you for the information. I have an additional question, if you don't mind. Could you please explain why you call the .32 a "Hand Ejector"? It looks and operates just like my model 36. 1 7/8 inch barrel, blue snub. Only the caliber is different. (And slightly, the wood grips.)

Thanks,
KR
P.S. Blackhawk: Terse??? I'm NEVER terse.:D
 
No problem Kentucky Rifle-

Piror to model designations revolver's were referred to
in "common name" terminology. Quoting from the book;

"The hand ejector is the style of handgun that epitomizes
S&W to the world". The use of the term "Hand Ejector"
cover's a vast amount of early named revolver's from a
period 1896 to 1957. This term applied to various calibers
starting with the .22 up to .45, and .455 Mark II caliber as
used by the British. In 1957 the first model number's
were issued for S&W revolver's; thus a model 30 .32
S&W Long caliber is thought of as a "Hand Ejector".

Have no fear KR, as you are exactly right. For all practical
purpose's the model 30 .32 caliber "Hand Ejector" does
resemble the model 36 .38 caliber "Chief's Special".
Hope this helps clear up the confusion?

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

*PS- Early model "Hand Ejector's" in pristine condition
are highly sought after by S&W collector's.
 
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