.32 Regulation Police I-Frame Rescue Mission Question

[HPShooter]

A local gun shop has a S.& W. .32 Regulation Police, 3.25 inch barrel in overall excellent mechanical shape for sale. Bore a bit dark but lands and grooves ok, muzzle crown ok.

The finish (basically non-existent) needs a great deal of TLC, that is part of the appeal as I want to get better at refinishing. No pitting, very light surface rust here and there. Square type wooden grips with a 1917 patent date are dirty but otherwise excellent and should clean up nicely.

This revolver is missing the uppermost screw adjacent to the hammer. Could someone please comment on exactly what this screw does, where a replacement can be had, and what effect the missing screw should have on price? Is is safe to shoot without this screw (believe I know the answer to that, just asking)? The shop is asking $225.

Your comments appreciated in advance.

 

[Old Fuff]

The screw in question does nothing more then help hold the sideplate. You might find a replacement here.

www.e-gunparts.com

If the 3 other sideplate screws were tight it would be safe to shoot, but you would want to check them once and awhile.

Given your description of the revolver, I think the price is a little steep. Thirty two revolver are not in great demand except when they are in excellent condition or happen to be a (original) snubby. The missing screw is also likely to turn off many potential buyers. While the worn finish seems to not influence you (and wouldn't me either) its another reason buyers usually look at something else. I would bring cash, and see if the seller wants to deal.

 

[madcratebuilder]

I agree with fluff on the price. That model in very nice condition is a marketable revolver, but well worn it has a very limited appeal unless it has some sort of special history behind it. I would offer 150 max.

 

[Oro]

"Fair" condition and missing parts = $150 tops to me. But I'm not a .32 fan so it would probably take less than $100 to get me interested. But if you like the gun and cartridge, that's still way to steep based on your description.

 

[junior geezer]

personally, i don't consider $225 excessive for any I-frame Smith in good shooting condition.
i would offer $200 and see what happens.

 

[HPShooter]

Thanks for all the help, I will wave some cash and see what happens. It does have an incredible lock-up and smooth pull for a revolver probably made before 1940.

 

[Old Fuff]

It does have an incredible lock-up and smooth pull for a revolver probably made before 1940.

That's because it WAS MADE BEFORE 1940...

The variant of the Regulation Police model you're looking at was made between 1917 and 1941. The Great Depression years were hard on Smith & Wesson, and they almost went bankrupt. But the the guns they made were some of the best within the company's entire history.