S&W 32/20 info

[shorty32-20]

I have been left a S&W 32/20 pistol by my uncle. Serial number is 10114 on the butt of the gun. It is in excellent condition, has 4.5 inch barrel and black (plastic?) handles. It appears to be in mint condition which surprises me because my uncle was a game guide/hunter in California and Oregon mountains. Any information as to manufacture date, value, etc. would be appreciated.

 

[Sniper X]

If it looks lie this, it is probably a M&P in 32-20. I know a guy who had one and I shot it. I really liked it. They made them in .38spl, and I think .357 mag as well later when they went to the later M&P and then the model 10 and varients.

 

[Sniper X]

If it looks lie this, it is probably a M&P in 32-20. I know a guy who had one and I shot it. I really liked it. They made them in .38spl, and I think .357 mag as well later when they went to the later M&P and then the model 10 and varients.




I think this applies C&P off here BTW.

You have a Smith & Wesson .32-20 Hand Ejector, Model of 1905, 4th Chg. It was manufactured between 1915 and 1940, within a serial number range running from 65,701 to 144,684 with some 78,893 total made. You have a relatively late serial number suggesting that the revolver was made during the middle 1920's. The .32-20 cartridge was introduced by Winchester for use in their models 1873 and 1892 lever action rifles and carbines.

Standard barrel lengths were 4, 5, and 6 inches. Measure your barrel from the cylinder face to the muzzle end and I think you'll find the length is 5 inches.

 

[shorty32-20]

It is definitely a 32-20. It shots great. I am no professional by any means, but I was able to consistently hit the 10 ring at 15 yards. Very little recoil, but a very hard double action trigger pull. Had to use it single action to get the accuracy.

 

[Oyeboten]

Images?


Not likely to be an "M&P" with that Serial No.


Serial No. should also be found on the face of the Cylinder, and, under the Barrel where the Ejector Rod is when at rest.

 

[shorty32-20]

Yes, same serial number is under the barrel and on the face of the cylinder. Very clear. Has 32 Winchester ctg on the barrel. Pat. dates on top of the barrel are: April 9, 89, March 27, 94, May 21, 95, July 16, 95, Aug 4 96, They are a little harder to read.

 

[Radagast]

You have a .32-20 Hand Ejector Model of 1902 1st Change manufactured between 1903 & 1905. Serial range for those years was 9812 to 18125. The 32-20 Hand Ejector was manufactured on the K frame used for the .38 Military & Police, with a different serial number range.
Your gun lacks any internal hammer block safety, so if carried or kept loaded the chamber under the hammer should be left empty, otherwise the gun could discharge if dropped on its hammer.
Your gun also predates heat treatment of cylinders, so if you handload please stick to low end loads or loads that emulate factory lead projectile loads.
Modern factory cowboy loads will be fine, don't shoot any old 32-20 hi-speed or rifle only jacketed ammo through this gun as jackets have sometimes stripped off in the barrel of the .32-20, causing a bulged barrel when the next round was fired into it.
It wasn't until 1908-1909 that S&W started advertising its guns as being suitable for smokeless powder, so I would refrain from shooting any jacketed ammunition through your gun.
Stick to standard velocity lead and it should last a life time. Hot hand loads, the old hi-speed rounds intended for rifles or any jacketed ammo should be avoided.

 

[Radagast]

Re value:
The Standard Catalog of S&W in 2006 gave a value of $425 in very good condition, $850 in excellent condition and $2000 for as new in box.

If it has sentimental value then don't shoot it, just enjoy owning it with the knowledge that if you really need to you can sell it for a decent sum. If you are just looking for a gun to shoot I would recommend selling it to a collector and buying a modern .357 magnum revolver such as the S&W 686.
A good place to look for a buyer / more precise valuation is here:
http://smith-wessonforum.com/

 

[shorty32-20]

Radagast, Thank you for the great info. It has great sentimental value and will never leave the family. As for shooting it, I don't plan on doing so except for the box I shot through it a few weeks ago. It would probably qualify for excellent condition and I plan to keep it that way. My regular shooter is my carry weapon, a Colt 45 Defender. I do have a couple of wheel guns, a Colt Python and a Colt Diamondback. Both retired when I did. Again thanks for the information.