Is a SW 30-1 in 4" rare?

[HighValleyRanch]

I found this nice pristine J frame model 30-1 in .32 SW long for sale.
It has a 4 inch barrel. 6 shot.
Is it fairly desirable and rare with the longer barrel?
Pristine condition for 700.00
1969?

A 4" 6 shot j frame revolver is pretty neat. Did they ever make this in .32 HR?
Can you load the .32 long close to 32-20 specs and shoot in this model?

[Drm50]

I would say 4” is scarce not rare. Why would you want to load a revolver like this with hot loads? What are you planning on shooting with it?

[HighValleyRanch]

Just trying to understand the anemic ballistics. In my research I found that the .32 SW Long was developed for older breakup revolvers of the period, hence the 750 fps loads.
But that the load can be developed hotter to 1000 fps in the smiths.

[Outpost75]

In the S&W Models 30 and 31 you can load 3 grains of Bullseye with the 100-grain Hornady XTP with CCI500 primer in Remington brass at 1.175" OAL for 871 fps @ 19,600 psi or with the 85-grain XTP for 909 fps @ 16,800 psi. Pressures are MEASURED via. Oehler M43PBL and strain gage and not estimated. These loads are safe, well-proven and will not loosen up the gun.

[Jim Watson]

In my research I found that the .32 SW Long was developed for older breakup revolvers of the period, hence the 750 fps loads.

Strange. In my research I found that the .32 S&W Long was developed for the .32 Hand Ejector. Smith did not make a topbreak long enough for the Long.

At one time the wadcutter made for foreign target automatics was the most powerful factory load.

[Pumpkin]

If that were mine I wouldn’t be wanting to over do it pressure wise.
Just enjoy it for what it is, a sweet little revolver.

[105kw]

They made the Model 30-1 until 1976. 2, 3, and 4inch barrels were standard.
If the grips are original, yours is post 1967 vintage.
The model 30s, and 31s had a reputation for being accurate, low recoil Revolvers.
I would advise strongly against trying to hot handloading for it, they weren't built for it.
Enjoy it for what it is, a nice old Smith.

[HighValleyRanch]

Thanks everyone for the input.
Not mine yet, just considering it.

[smee78]

I enjoy a nice Model 30/31, they are sweethearts to shoot and make for a relaxing range day. I can say most of the ones I see are the 2 or 3-inch barrel models. I like loading wad cutters and cutting circles on paper unless I'm outside shooting; they make a golf ball fly, and are accurate little shooters.

[Mike Irwin]

"In my research I found that the .32 SW Long was developed for older breakup revolvers of the period, hence the 750 fps loads."

No.

The .32 S&W Long was developed specifically for the Hand Ejector Model of 1896, the first solid-frame S&W revolver.

As originally developed and offered for sale it was a black powder loaded cartridge, which explains its ballistics.

As far as I know S&W never chambered the .32 Long in any of its breaktop revolvers other than as a possible special order one off target version in its breaktop Number 3 Target.

The common target chambering in the Number 3 was the .32/44 cartridge, which was short lived and not interchangeable with the .32 Long.

[Mike Irwin]

"I found this nice pristine J frame model 30-1 in .32 SW long for sale.
It has a 4 inch barrel. 6 shot.
Is it fairly desirable and rare with the longer barrel?
Pristine condition for 700.00
1969?"

Not common, but not rare.

But $700 is a fantastic price in today's environment.

I hope you bought it.

[RoyceP]

That revolver looks nice. I would load regular 32 S&W Long for it and be happy. If you want a different load buy a gun that will handle it.

[P Flados]

I found a 30-1 about a year ago. Condition was almost as good as the OP. Cost was a good bit less. I Did not get the accuracy I was hoping for. Also it does not fit my hand well with factory grips. It does not get much use these days.

The 30-1 is a solid gun and can be rechambered to 32 H&R.

[GEM38]

Nice revolver! @ $700. Plus its rarity & condition ... seems like a great buy. As for increasing the power factor to that of a 32-20 ... personally I would avoid it. In my opinion, I would just keep it in original form and collectible status.

[eastbank]

mine came from a public auction at a dirt cheap price as it had a adjustable s&w rear sight added to it. 240.00.

[Mike Irwin]

"The 30-1 is a solid gun and can be rechambered to 32 H&R."

Not something I'd do.

The .32 H&R Mag. operates at a max 21,000 psi.

Thats 6,000 psi more than the .32 Long.

[Mike38]

A S&W M30 is on my list of shall buy.