An OLD S&W

[Fishkiller]

Yesterday the widow of a friend gifted me several fire arms, most are rusted and unusable. But there were three handguns that work. One is a Ruger Single Six Colorado Centennial Model, one is a High Standard Model HB and last ly si this one. As best as I can figure out it is a S&W Model 1 1/2, .32 centerfire, single action, probably made around 1890. I cannot locate he serial number as it is most likely under the grips and the screw is rusted. It came to me loaded with 5 rounds of S&W .32, so that is the only reason I know the caliber. The only other markings are on top of the barrel and have "Smith & Wesson Springfield Mass. U.S.A. Pat'd Jan 17 & 24 55 (a bunch of other dates) Reissue July 25 1871"

Does anyone have any more information to share on this?

Thanks

 

[AlteisenMkII]

Looks like a Model 2 S&W not too sure though.

 

[V-Tach]

Later .32 frame Model 1 1/2 made between 1878-1892. Grips have been replaced ...and looks like the bottom of the trigger has been removed or broken off.

See page 76 of the Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson...........(I have the 3rd Edition)

 

[Fishkiller]

Later .32 frame Model 1 1/2 made between 1878-1892. Grips have been replaced ...and looks like the bottom of the trigger has been removed or broken off.

See page 76 of the Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson...........(I have the 3rd Edition)

Thanks for the info. I just got word from the local gun smith it is good to go now I gotta find ammo. Hope it don’t cost an arm and leg

 

[ringo1597]

Just remember, that SW was designed to be shot with black powder cartridges. Modern .32 could damage it.

 

[mortdooley]

You or someone you know should make ammo using black powder even if it is rated for smokeless. It isn't something you will shoot much so a single 50 round box may be all you will ever need.

 

[Lonesome Dove]

That's police trade in for a gift card material.

 

[deemus]

Dude, that’s a very cool piece of history. In my 25 years in this earth I’ve never seen one.

 

[ZX9RCAM]

Dude, that’s a very cool piece of history. In my 25 years in this earth I’ve never seen one.

25?

 

[Fishkiller]

Dude, that’s a very cool piece of history. In my 25 years in this earth I’ve never seen one.

Well I have a confession. It is not a .32 but a .38. I was misled by pictures and not having the gun in hand. Anyway best I can figure out it was made between 1887 and 1890. I have fired the thing and it is just fine. In fact all I read about the loads I bought ($50 per box, ouch) they are weaker than the original black powder ones. Anyway it will come out for show and tell on occasions. I have people lined up that want to shoot it.

 

[deemus]

So S&W 38? Versus 38 Special?

 

[Fishkiller]

Yes sir

 

[Texasjack]

Worked with a guy who inherited a .38 S&W and was looking for ammo at the height of the shortage. Took me a few weeks, but I finally found him a source. He nearly passed out when I told him the price. Some guns are better off as display pieces.

 

[Fishkiller]

Yes $1.00 per round is a bit much. But ya gotta have the ammo to feed the gun. Thankfully it will be only shot occasionally

 

[Polkwright]

Save that brass. .38 S&W is easy enough to reload. Even if you don't want to reload it the brass has value. Somebody will want it. It's not a rare caliber really, the WWII British Service revolvers were chambered in .38 S&W. A lot of those were sold as surplus in the States.

It's .80 a round online. Starline has brass. Missouri Bullet Company has .361 diameter cast lead bullets for it. But if you're not going to shoot it much it's not worth the trouble if you don't reload otherwise.

Of course I'd reload the cases, and then use the excuse that I have ammo to look for something I could shoot more in that caliber. Maybe you'll get a S&W Victory revolver.....

 

[Rhino]

If you ever decide to sell it, DM me...

 

[baboon]

.38 S&W without the bullet is what is used to propel 40 mm M781 chalk rounds. If you don't reload the case do have a resale value. perhaps as much as you paid for them.

 

[Polkwright]

New Starline brass is .19 to .25 cents a piece. Of course course you have to buy at least 500.

.38 S&W without the bullet is what is used to propel 40 mm M781 chalk rounds. If you don't reload the case do have a resale value. perhaps as much as you paid for them