S&W .35 auto parts

gyvel · June 19, 2014, 04:13 PM

Does anyone know of a collector out there who has hoards of .35 S&W parts for sale?

James K · June 19, 2014, 08:15 PM

With only some 8300 made, the parts supply is about zero.

Just out of curiosity, what part do you need, and do you have a broken part that could be copied?

Jim

gyvel · June 20, 2014, 12:48 AM

Yeah, I know the supply is limited, but I figure S&W must have had some leftover parts (Numrich got a bunch of barrels and slides), but I was hoping there was a Smith collector who maybe had a stash of parts.

My situation is that I purchased an early model at a very reasonable price whose barrel was no good and was stripped of the entire recoil spring assembly. Meanwhile, I found a very nice complete barrel on eBay with all parts for $39.00, BUT...

The eBay barrel is from a late model and they have a few differences from early models, as least as far as the bolts are concerned. Every part from an early bolt will interchange with a late bolt except the bolt release catch, which is wider than the early model. It's not hard of a part for me to fabricate, but I was hoping to find a collector that might have one to save the trouble.

Regarding the physical differences in the bolts, the early bolts had a protruding guide which fit into a channel in the barrel extension. The late models have no protrusion and the barrels are not milled for the protruding guide and use side "skirts' to keep them centered on the frame.

I guess if I can't find someone who has that one part, I'll break down and make one.

(Like I need another project.

)

James K · June 20, 2014, 10:26 AM

"Like I need another project."

If it were me, I would just add that to the million or so other projects I have in the works.

Jim

gyvel · June 20, 2014, 08:16 PM

Quote:

If it were me, I would just add that to the million or so other projects I have in the works.

LOL!!!! AMEN!!!!! Kinda makes you want to rethink the definition of "retirement." LOL!!

SHR970 · July 8, 2014, 09:02 PM

There's a 35 S&W on consignment at the Turners in Torrance Ca for $500. As obscure as they are, I didn't pay it much attention. Maybe you find a working one and use the one you have as a parts gun.

gyvel · July 8, 2014, 10:07 PM

Thanks for the heads up. Actually, I have several, but only need one part to make the last one of them to work.

James K · July 9, 2014, 12:54 PM

If that $500 gun is in good shape, I would suggest run, do not walk, to the store and buy it. If it should be a .32 instead of a .35, run faster.

Jim

SHR970 · July 9, 2014, 07:18 PM

Quote:

If that $500 gun is in good shape, I would suggest run, do not walk, to the store and buy it.

I saw it in the case and realized what it was. And it is a 35 not a 32.

It's listed as being in 70% condition. Judging from what I saw that was a fair cosmetic assessment. I would have to get there when they aren't busy (hah) and at least field strip it to make sure nothing is missing or obviously busted. Even then 500 is a touch high in my opinion.
More often than not they tend to get unhappy if you field strip; many salespeople there have marginal knowledge of what they are dealing with.

gyvel · July 9, 2014, 08:08 PM

Quote:

I saw it in the case and realized what it was. And it is a 35 not a 32.

It's listed as being in 70% condition. Judging from what I saw that was a fair cosmetic assessment. I would have to get there when they aren't busy (hah) and at least field strip it to make sure nothing is missing or obviously busted. Even then 500 is a touch high in my opinion.
More often than not they tend to get unhappy if you field strip; many salespeople there have marginal knowledge of what they are dealing with.

$500.00 is actually a little more than "a touch high" for a 70% gun (IMHO). I just bought a pair for $500.00 off Gunbroker (OK, one of them needs a part), and another last week for $299.00 that's about 92%.

$500.00 on GB will get you one a little better than 70% if you just look around. Remember, there is about "0" ammo for these guns, and shooting .32 ACP in them is not a very good idea. (Although there used to be a guy in southern AZ that custom loaded .35.)

Now, if you are interested in a .32 auto, there is currently one on GB for $3000.00, but I suspect it's going to be there for a while at that price; It's about $1000.00 too high.

James K · July 10, 2014, 01:20 PM

Sorry, my definintion of good condition would be at least 90%. But a 92% at $300 would still be a good deal, so good that I would suspect there is something wrong with it that doesn't show on the outside.

Jim

gyvel · July 10, 2014, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Sorry, my definintion of good condition would be at least 90%. But a 92% at $300 would still be a good deal, so good that I would suspect there is something wrong with it that doesn't show on the outside.

It's on its way, so I'll see if my 92% was conservative or not. I have always generally tried to use NRA standards for grading, but so many people do not and it is a subjective thing.

By my judgment, "92%" would be at least VG+ by NRA standards.

SHR970 · July 10, 2014, 07:38 PM

Quote:

$500.00 is actually a little more than "a touch high" for a 70% gun (IMHO).

And you know why I didn't give it a closer look; Kali tariff included.

Ammo options...32 ACP been done quite a bit no doubt but not the best idea. 35 Auto; not commercially loaded since before WWII.

Parts???

Well, we already know that score

Good luck on your collection and making your ver. 1.4 or earlier run again.

SHR970 · July 10, 2014, 07:47 PM

Quote:

It's on its way, so I'll see if my 92% was conservative or not. I have always generally tried to use NRA standards for grading, but so many people do not and it is a subjective thing.

As far as consignment goes:
Turners..at least my local ones seem to use the J&G scale...and they are generally honest about the condition. When they are off, they tend to understate the condition. Price??? They do tend to be high; but then again they do seem to try to get the owner a fair price plus their due. And with the Kali "Approved List" in force, we do pay a premium for transferable "non-approved" items.

gyvel · July 12, 2014, 06:16 PM

It arrived.

James K · July 12, 2014, 09:32 PM

Going by the picture, that gun is in excellent condition. Unless there are problems that are not obvious, you got a very good deal.

Jim

gyvel · July 12, 2014, 11:41 PM

Thanks. I have given it a thorough check and it doesn't look like it was used much, plus the magazine is correct!

gyvel · July 29, 2014, 09:02 AM

Well, after studying the one missing the recoil spring guide (an "early" model), I have determined that it's about 80% a lathe turning with some minor milling work for the breechblock locator tabs, plus threading the forward end and drilling a small forward cap pin hole. I've got it about 90% done and just need to drill the small hole for the forward cap now, and install a guide tab in the rear portion.

These are fascinating guns and, had Smith & Wesson made them from the start in .32ACP, might have been a little more successful than they were. By the time they extensively redesigned it to fire .32, it was too late, which is a shame since they exhibit world-class workmanship.

gyvel · August 4, 2014, 06:31 AM

I guess this thread is done, but if any of you have some .35 auto parts laying around or hear of the whereabouts of some, PM me and let me know.

June 19, 2014, 04:13 PM	#1
gyvel Senior Member Join Date: August 30, 2009 Location: Northern AZ Posts: 7,172	S&W .35 auto parts Does anyone know of a collector out there who has hoards of .35 S&W parts for sale?

June 20, 2014, 12:48 AM	#3
gyvel Senior Member Join Date: August 30, 2009 Location: Northern AZ Posts: 7,172	Yeah, I know the supply is limited, but I figure S&W must have had some leftover parts (Numrich got a bunch of barrels and slides), but I was hoping there was a Smith collector who maybe had a stash of parts. My situation is that I purchased an early model at a very reasonable price whose barrel was no good and was stripped of the entire recoil spring assembly. Meanwhile, I found a very nice complete barrel on eBay with all parts for $39.00, BUT... The eBay barrel is from a late model and they have a few differences from early models, as least as far as the bolts are concerned. Every part from an early bolt will interchange with a late bolt except the bolt release catch, which is wider than the early model. It's not hard of a part for me to fabricate, but I was hoping to find a collector that might have one to save the trouble. Regarding the physical differences in the bolts, the early bolts had a protruding guide which fit into a channel in the barrel extension. The late models have no protrusion and the barrels are not milled for the protruding guide and use side "skirts' to keep them centered on the frame. I guess if I can't find someone who has that one part, I'll break down and make one. (Like I need another project. ) Last edited by gyvel; June 20, 2014 at 12:54 AM.

July 29, 2014, 09:02 AM	#18
gyvel Senior Member Join Date: August 30, 2009 Location: Northern AZ Posts: 7,172	Well, after studying the one missing the recoil spring guide (an "early" model), I have determined that it's about 80% a lathe turning with some minor milling work for the breechblock locator tabs, plus threading the forward end and drilling a small forward cap pin hole. I've got it about 90% done and just need to drill the small hole for the forward cap now, and install a guide tab in the rear portion. These are fascinating guns and, had Smith & Wesson made them from the start in .32ACP, might have been a little more successful than they were. By the time they extensively redesigned it to fire .32, it was too late, which is a shame since they exhibit world-class workmanship. Last edited by gyvel; July 29, 2014 at 09:11 AM.

August 4, 2014, 06:31 AM	#19
gyvel Senior Member Join Date: August 30, 2009 Location: Northern AZ Posts: 7,172	I guess this thread is done, but if any of you have some .35 auto parts laying around or hear of the whereabouts of some, PM me and let me know. __________________ As always, YMMV. __________________________________________ MIIAA SIFE

June 19, 2014, 08:15 PM	#2
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	With only some 8300 made, the parts supply is about zero. Just out of curiosity, what part do you need, and do you have a broken part that could be copied? Jim

June 20, 2014, 10:26 AM	#4
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	"Like I need another project." If it were me, I would just add that to the million or so other projects I have in the works. Jim

July 8, 2014, 09:02 PM	#6
SHR970 Senior Member Join Date: January 24, 2011 Posts: 1,427	There's a 35 S&W on consignment at the Turners in Torrance Ca for $500. As obscure as they are, I didn't pay it much attention. Maybe you find a working one and use the one you have as a parts gun.

July 8, 2014, 10:07 PM	#7
gyvel Senior Member Join Date: August 30, 2009 Location: Northern AZ Posts: 7,172	Thanks for the heads up. Actually, I have several, but only need one part to make the last one of them to work.

July 9, 2014, 12:54 PM	#8
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	If that $500 gun is in good shape, I would suggest run, do not walk, to the store and buy it. If it should be a .32 instead of a .35, run faster. Jim

July 10, 2014, 01:20 PM	#11
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	Sorry, my definintion of good condition would be at least 90%. But a 92% at $300 would still be a good deal, so good that I would suspect there is something wrong with it that doesn't show on the outside. Jim

July 12, 2014, 09:32 PM	#16
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	Going by the picture, that gun is in excellent condition. Unless there are problems that are not obvious, you got a very good deal. Jim

July 12, 2014, 11:41 PM	#17
gyvel Senior Member Join Date: August 30, 2009 Location: Northern AZ Posts: 7,172	Thanks. I have given it a thorough check and it doesn't look like it was used much, plus the magazine is correct!