S&W .35 auto parts
- Thread starter gyvel
- Start date
Yeah, I know the supply is limited, but I figure S&W must have had some leftover parts (Numrich got a bunch of barrels and slides), but I was hoping there was a Smith collector who maybe had a stash of parts.
My situation is that I purchased an early model at a very reasonable price whose barrel was no good and was stripped of the entire recoil spring assembly. Meanwhile, I found a very nice complete barrel on eBay with all parts for $39.00, BUT...
The eBay barrel is from a late model and they have a few differences from early models, as least as far as the bolts are concerned. Every part from an early bolt will interchange with a late bolt except the bolt release catch, which is wider than the early model. It's not hard of a part for me to fabricate, but I was hoping to find a collector that might have one to save the trouble.
Regarding the physical differences in the bolts, the early bolts had a protruding guide which fit into a channel in the barrel extension. The late models have no protrusion and the barrels are not milled for the protruding guide and use side "skirts' to keep them centered on the frame.
I guess if I can't find someone who has that one part, I'll break down and make one.
(Like I need another project.
)
My situation is that I purchased an early model at a very reasonable price whose barrel was no good and was stripped of the entire recoil spring assembly. Meanwhile, I found a very nice complete barrel on eBay with all parts for $39.00, BUT...
The eBay barrel is from a late model and they have a few differences from early models, as least as far as the bolts are concerned. Every part from an early bolt will interchange with a late bolt except the bolt release catch, which is wider than the early model. It's not hard of a part for me to fabricate, but I was hoping to find a collector that might have one to save the trouble.
Regarding the physical differences in the bolts, the early bolts had a protruding guide which fit into a channel in the barrel extension. The late models have no protrusion and the barrels are not milled for the protruding guide and use side "skirts' to keep them centered on the frame.
I guess if I can't find someone who has that one part, I'll break down and make one.
(Like I need another project.
)
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I saw it in the case and realized what it was. And it is a 35 not a 32.
It's listed as being in 70% condition. Judging from what I saw that was a fair cosmetic assessment. I would have to get there when they aren't busy (hah) and at least field strip it to make sure nothing is missing or obviously busted. Even then 500 is a touch high in my opinion.
More often than not they tend to get unhappy if you field strip; many salespeople there have marginal knowledge of what they are dealing with.
$500.00 is actually a little more than "a touch high" for a 70% gun (IMHO). I just bought a pair for $500.00 off Gunbroker (OK, one of them needs a part), and another last week for $299.00 that's about 92%.
$500.00 on GB will get you one a little better than 70% if you just look around. Remember, there is about "0" ammo for these guns, and shooting .32 ACP in them is not a very good idea. (Although there used to be a guy in southern AZ that custom loaded .35.)
Now, if you are interested in a .32 auto, there is currently one on GB for $3000.00, but I suspect it's going to be there for a while at that price; It's about $1000.00 too high.
And you know why I didn't give it a closer look; Kali tariff included.
Ammo options...32 ACP been done quite a bit no doubt but not the best idea. 35 Auto; not commercially loaded since before WWII.
Parts???
Well, we already know that score 
Good luck on your collection and making your ver. 1.4 or earlier run again.
As far as consignment goes:
Turners..at least my local ones seem to use the J&G scale...and they are generally honest about the condition. When they are off, they tend to understate the condition. Price??? They do tend to be high; but then again they do seem to try to get the owner a fair price plus their due. And with the Kali "Approved List" in force, we do pay a premium for transferable "non-approved" items.
Well, after studying the one missing the recoil spring guide (an "early" model), I have determined that it's about 80% a lathe turning with some minor milling work for the breechblock locator tabs, plus threading the forward end and drilling a small forward cap pin hole. I've got it about 90% done and just need to drill the small hole for the forward cap now, and install a guide tab in the rear portion.
These are fascinating guns and, had Smith & Wesson made them from the start in .32ACP, might have been a little more successful than they were. By the time they extensively redesigned it to fire .32, it was too late, which is a shame since they exhibit world-class workmanship.
These are fascinating guns and, had Smith & Wesson made them from the start in .32ACP, might have been a little more successful than they were. By the time they extensively redesigned it to fire .32, it was too late, which is a shame since they exhibit world-class workmanship.
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