S&W .32 revolver 4 inch question
- Thread starter gamecock
- Start date
carguychris
New member
When you say the first 4 numbers are 1115, do you mean that the serial number is 111,5xx?
If so, you have a .32 Hand Ejector Model of 1903 5th Change, made ca. 1910. Smith & Wesson did not give their revolvers model numbers until 1957, so your gun is named, not numbered. The .32 Hand Ejector became the Model 30 in 1957, and some collectors refer to earlier guns as "pre-Model 30s", but this nomenclature is usually only used for postwar guns (1946-1956 production).
Please note that IMHO this gun is NOT safe to carry with a live round under the hammer. S&W did not add a hammer block to the .32HE until the introduction of the Third Model in 1917 around serial number 262,000. Earlier guns may discharge if dropped on the hammer with a live round in the chamber.
If so, you have a .32 Hand Ejector Model of 1903 5th Change, made ca. 1910. Smith & Wesson did not give their revolvers model numbers until 1957, so your gun is named, not numbered. The .32 Hand Ejector became the Model 30 in 1957, and some collectors refer to earlier guns as "pre-Model 30s", but this nomenclature is usually only used for postwar guns (1946-1956 production).
Please note that IMHO this gun is NOT safe to carry with a live round under the hammer. S&W did not add a hammer block to the .32HE until the introduction of the Third Model in 1917 around serial number 262,000. Earlier guns may discharge if dropped on the hammer with a live round in the chamber.
Mike Irwin
Staff
"S&W did not add a hammer block to the .32HE until the introduction of the Third Model in 1917 around serial number 262,000."
And even then, that hammer block design was NOT foolproof. It could be defeated by dried grease, dirt, or corrosion.
And even then, that hammer block design was NOT foolproof. It could be defeated by dried grease, dirt, or corrosion.