Smith & Wesson Identifacation

Gazzmann · January 24, 2009, 12:38 PM

I have 3 S&W 32 Long Revolvers that belonged to my father.
Two of them appear to be 3" barrels and one 4".
They look to be fairly old.
No model numbers stamped on any of them.
Serial numbers are:
425XXX 3" blue
160XXX 3" nickle
376XXX 4' nickle
Is there any way to find out when they were manufactured and model numbers?
Thanks in advance.
John

James K · January 24, 2009, 08:43 PM

If they are in .32 S&W Long, they must be swing-out cylinder revolvers. All those were in the .32 Hand Ejector series. 160xxx would be the Second Model 5th Change, made between 1910 and 1917. 376xxx and 425xxx would be the Third Model, made between 1911 and 1942.

They have no model numbers, since S&W didn't use model numbers until about 1958. (Terms like "Second Model, Fifth Change" are collector's terms to distinguish variations; they are not on the guns nor did S&W use them.)

Jim

Gazzmann · January 24, 2009, 10:01 PM

Jim,
Thank you for the great response!
Now it's time to clean em up.
Shoot safe,
John

TEDDY · February 7, 2009, 09:33 PM

those are the I model aren't they JIM JIM.
I have one is cute the right term?mine is 6"

James K · February 7, 2009, 11:12 PM

Yes, those are the I frame. The J frame is the same except lengthened for the longer .38/357 cylinder. Since the J frame is still sized otherwise for the .32, it will take only 5 .38 cartridges, like the old Terrier.

I saw a beautiful nickel, pearl grips .32 HE today at a gun show. Unfortunately, the $1500 price tag was too rich for me right now. But I know the guy and maybe he will come down some later.

Jim

January 24, 2009, 12:38 PM	#1
Gazzmann Senior Member Join Date: December 29, 2007 Location: South Florida Posts: 133	Smith & Wesson Identifacation I have 3 S&W 32 Long Revolvers that belonged to my father. Two of them appear to be 3" barrels and one 4". They look to be fairly old. No model numbers stamped on any of them. Serial numbers are: 425XXX 3" blue 160XXX 3" nickle 376XXX 4' nickle Is there any way to find out when they were manufactured and model numbers? Thanks in advance. John

February 7, 2009, 09:33 PM	#4
TEDDY Junior member Join Date: December 10, 2006 Location: MANNING SC Posts: 837	S&W 32long those are the I model aren't they JIM JIM. I have one is cute the right term?mine is 6"

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January 24, 2009, 08:43 PM	#2
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	If they are in .32 S&W Long, they must be swing-out cylinder revolvers. All those were in the .32 Hand Ejector series. 160xxx would be the Second Model 5th Change, made between 1910 and 1917. 376xxx and 425xxx would be the Third Model, made between 1911 and 1942. They have no model numbers, since S&W didn't use model numbers until about 1958. (Terms like "Second Model, Fifth Change" are collector's terms to distinguish variations; they are not on the guns nor did S&W use them.) Jim

January 24, 2009, 10:01 PM	#3
Gazzmann Senior Member Join Date: December 29, 2007 Location: South Florida Posts: 133	Jim, Thank you for the great response! Now it's time to clean em up. Shoot safe, John

February 7, 2009, 11:12 PM	#5
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	Yes, those are the I frame. The J frame is the same except lengthened for the longer .38/357 cylinder. Since the J frame is still sized otherwise for the .32, it will take only 5 .38 cartridges, like the old Terrier. I saw a beautiful nickel, pearl grips .32 HE today at a gun show. Unfortunately, the $1500 price tag was too rich for me right now. But I know the guy and maybe he will come down some later. Jim