Another S&W ? Model 30

[Josey]

I did it again! I have a Model 30 32 S&W Long revolver. 3" barrel with serrated ramp front sight. It has the serrated cylinder release. 944XX s/n Is this a J frame? Were many 3" 32 S&W Long revolvers made. It is a neat little 6 shot wheelgun. I put a Hogue J frame rubber grip on and it is comfortable to shoot. The barrel is pinned.

 

[Tamara]

Are you sure that's the serial number?

That'd date it to 1909-1910, long before serrated ramp sights and flat latches.

If it actually says "Model 30" on the gun, it was produced in '57 or later; if it has a flat latch, it was produced in '66 or earlier; if it's a "30" and not a "30-1", it's '61 or earlier.

 

[Ala Dan]

Josey-

I'm not really sure which S&W .32 caliber "Hand Ejector"
series you have? You see, from 1906-1909 is where the
serial number you indicated (944XX) falls; and this would
be from the 2nd change.

But, in more modern times the model 30 was produced
from 1948-1976; with your 3" barrel version becoming a
standard in 1957. Also, prior to 1957 these guns were
known only as the ".32 caliber Hand Ejector" series.
Begining in 1957, the model 30 designation was given
to these weapons; which was followed by the stamping
of the model number.

The J-frame production did not began until 1961, at serial
#712954. In 1969, the letter H was designated to preceed
the numerical didgits. Finally, in 1976 all model 30's were
dropped from the Smith & Wesson line.

*FootNote: this information was compiled using the book,
Standard Catalog Of Smith & Wesson, 2nd edition by
Supica & Nahas.

I have my father's S&W model 30, which is a 2" pinned
barrel, blue, six-shot .32 caliber "Hand Ejector" with the
H serial prefix. I bought in NIB for him in 1971. This gun
is now a "safe queen" among other treasures.

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

 

[Josey]

The s/n is what threw me too. That number is right. Did S&W start over with the numbers?

 

[Ala Dan]

Att: Josey

I can't answer that question for you, my friend.
Perhaps Mike Irwin or some of the other "in house"
expert's will be along shortly to shed some light on
the subject?

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

 

[FPrice]

Josey...

"Did S&W start over with the numbers?"

S&W did use the same numerical ranges of serial numbers for different models of guns in their early years. You needed to know which model and caliber you were talking about to help pinpoint it's year of manufacture. I don't think that letter prefixes came into use until about 1946.

All I have in front of me now is a copy of Supica and Nahas' serial number ranges, not the book.

Can you provide good, close-up pics of this gun? That's about the only way, short of a hands-on inspection that we can help you solve this mystery.

 

[Mike Irwin]

To the best of my knowledge no, they never started over with the serial numbers.

Where are you getting that serial number from, Josey?

That many numbers could also be the assembly floor number, which has nothing to do with the serial number.

It's also possible that it is an early frame, but with a later barrel.

Any chance of some pictures with the grips off?

 

[Ala Dan]

Many thanks Mike for coming to the rescue!

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

 

[Mike Irwin]

One other VERY important question...

How many screws in the side plate, and is there a screw in front of the trigger guard (one you'd see with the muzzle of the gun pointed at you, instead of one you'd see looking at the side of the gun).