S&W .32 rf & .44 Russian - The Firearms Forum

Simon · 02-18-2005, 06:42 AM

Hi all,

I have recently bought 3 S&W revolvers (they are considered obsolete calibre here in England so they are OK to own).

I'm sure I have ID'ed the models correctly but wonder if the serial number will confirm this:

S&W Number 1 1/2 .32 rimfire serial No 9969 (could be 6696), has S&W markings on top of barrel and what looks like 7Y stamped on some parts. Blue finish.

S&W Number 2 .32 rimfire serial number 19338 and S&W markings top of barrel and around the cyclinder and what looks like TL stamped on some parts. Blue finish.

S&W Number 3 DA .44 S&W Russian serial number 14785, serial number stamped on frame, barrel and cyclinder. S&W markings on top of barrel. Nickel finish.

Any help appreciated,
Cheers,
Simon

inplanotx · 02-18-2005, 07:35 AM

Quote:

S&W Number 1 1/2 .32 rimfire serial No 9969 (could be 6696), has S&W markings on top of barrel and what looks like 7Y stamped on some parts. Blue finish.

Serial numbers ranged from 1 to 26,300 for this pistol. Made circa 1865-1868.

Quote:

S&W Number 2 .32 rimfire serial number 19338 and S&W markings top of barrel and around the cyclinder and what looks like TL stamped on some parts. Blue finish.

Serial number range is 1 - 77,155 and made circa 1861 - 1874.

Quote:

S&W Number 3 DA .44 S&W Russian serial number 14785, serial number stamped on frame, barrel and cyclinder. S&W markings on top of barrel. Nickel finish.

This one is going to take more information. Is the 44 Russian a rimfire or centerfire? Barrel length and shape? All patent dates on the revolver? Pictures would be a real plus. Also, the serial number was usually printed in pencil under the right hand grip. Please also tell us the grip types. Let us know.

By the way, welcome to TFF. Nice to have you with us.

Simon · 02-18-2005, 08:18 AM

Thanks for that info.

S&W No3 DA: 100% it is .44 S&W Russian center fire, I managed to find 1 inert rd, to check this.

Barrel length is exactly 6 inches.

The grips I have for this are not the originals as a different number is scratched on them, can't find any pencil marks. Grips are Black Bakerlite ? guta percha ? with S&W monogram on them.

Markings on barrel are 2 lines begining with a stylised cross then top line:
SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS. U.S.A. PAT'D JAN . 17 & 24. 65
Bottom line:
JULY 11 65 AUG 24 69 JULY 25 71 DEC 2 79 MAY 11 & 25 1880

It has a round barrel with a half moon foresight on the flat top to the barrel.

I'll have a go at putting a picture up.

Thanks.
Simon

Simon · 02-18-2005, 08:28 AM

Hope you can see this

inplanotx · 02-18-2005, 08:41 AM

Simon, thanks for the pic. It is going to take a little bit of reading to find out exactly which one this is. I think we can safely say that it was manufactured after 1880 as this is the last patent date. However, there are so many variations it is incredible. Hang in there and I will get back to you on it.

Simon · 02-18-2005, 08:49 AM

Much appreciated.

Simon

Marlin · 02-18-2005, 08:52 AM

Glad to have you at TFF, Simon.

Hope you will stay and post often. We always love an adition to the family.

inplanotx · 02-18-2005, 09:04 AM

Okay, think I have it. The "Number 3" was what was throwing me. The book says .44 Double Action First Model (New Model Navy No. 3 Revolver).

ID
Large frame double action, .44 caliber, either 1 & 7/16" cylinder with any serial number, or 1 & 9/16" cylinder with serial number above 15,340.

Serial number range is 1 - 54,668 with 53,590 manufactured circa 1881 - 1913.

NOTE:
Although cataloged into the 20th century, all frames were manufactured prior to 1899, making this gun an antique.

Hope this helps.

Simon · 02-18-2005, 09:36 AM

Thanks again.

oops got the model wrong.

Cyclinder is 1 7/16th long.

I'm about to order 2 books, Smith & Wesson Six Guns of the West and Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson I hope these will be full of good info.

I used to own and shoot a fair number of handguns & semi auto rifles but they are banned now...but the criminals did not hand theirs in...no surprise there then.

Simon

inplanotx · 02-18-2005, 09:53 AM

Good luck Simon. I used the later book to get my information. I found it and another by Roy Jinks to be the best.

If you know anyone who can reload black powder, the 44 Russian case is simple to make by cutting down 44 Special cases.

I really empathize with you on your gun laws. We have to be constantly on our toes over here to keep the gun grabbers at bay. So far we seem to keep one small step ahead of them. Stay well and keep in touch! Cheers!

SouthernMoss · 02-18-2005, 09:27 PM

Welcome to TFF, Simon! Neat revolvers!

Simon · 02-19-2005, 12:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SouthernMoss

Welcome to TFF, Simon! Neat revolvers!

Thanks.

Hand guns are, apart from some exceptions banned here in England, but I can own an obsolete calibre handgun without a permit as long as it's an original antique. But if I had 1 rd of live ammo I would need a permit and if loaded with black powder an explosives permit too ? I hope to get some pyrodex, cases, primers and heads, that is legal without a permit as long as I don't assemble the rds...which would need a permit....

Of course criminals use MAC 10's etc and don't bother with permits, guess the Goverment didn't figure the criminals would be such criminals and not hand their guns in....

Simon

SouthernMoss · 02-19-2005, 07:49 AM

Quote:

Of course criminals use MAC 10's etc and don't bother with permits, guess the Goverment didn't figure the criminals would be such criminals and not hand their guns in....

Wish you'd come and tell that to all the anti-gunners over here. They seem to think that banning guns will solve all our problems.

Marlin · 02-19-2005, 09:28 AM

Just like our folks over here -

A CLOSED MIND.

What a waste.

Simon · 02-20-2005, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SouthernMoss

Wish you'd come and tell that to all the anti-gunners over here. They seem to think that banning guns will solve all our problems.

Well here in England although handguns and semi auto rifles are banned and ALL legally held guns of that type were handed in...armed crime has risen and continues as does the use of handguns in crime !!!

Is reblueing the S&W's considered heresy ? or should I leave them as they are ?

Simon

Xracer · 02-21-2005, 08:22 AM

Please leave them as they are! These guns definitely fall in the "collector" or "antique" category, and any refinishing would destroy their value.

That "well-worn" look is what's known in collector circles as "patina", and actually adds to an antique gun's value.

02-18-2005, 06:42 AM	#1
Simon Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 7	S&W .32 rf & .44 Russian Hi all, I have recently bought 3 S&W revolvers (they are considered obsolete calibre here in England so they are OK to own). I'm sure I have ID'ed the models correctly but wonder if the serial number will confirm this: S&W Number 1 1/2 .32 rimfire serial No 9969 (could be 6696), has S&W markings on top of barrel and what looks like 7Y stamped on some parts. Blue finish. S&W Number 2 .32 rimfire serial number 19338 and S&W markings top of barrel and around the cyclinder and what looks like TL stamped on some parts. Blue finish. S&W Number 3 DA .44 S&W Russian serial number 14785, serial number stamped on frame, barrel and cyclinder. S&W markings on top of barrel. Nickel finish. Any help appreciated, Cheers, Simon -->

02-18-2005, 08:18 AM	#3
Simon Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 7	Re: S&W .32 rf & .44 Russian Thanks for that info. S&W No3 DA: 100% it is .44 S&W Russian center fire, I managed to find 1 inert rd, to check this. Barrel length is exactly 6 inches. The grips I have for this are not the originals as a different number is scratched on them, can't find any pencil marks. Grips are Black Bakerlite ? guta percha ? with S&W monogram on them. Markings on barrel are 2 lines begining with a stylised cross then top line: SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS. U.S.A. PAT'D JAN . 17 & 24. 65 Bottom line: JULY 11 65 AUG 24 69 JULY 25 71 DEC 2 79 MAY 11 & 25 1880 It has a round barrel with a half moon foresight on the flat top to the barrel. I'll have a go at putting a picture up. Thanks. Simon

02-18-2005, 08:28 AM	#4
Simon Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 7	Re: S&W .32 rf & .44 Russian Hope you can see this

02-18-2005, 08:41 AM	#5
inplanotx Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Texas Posts: 8,897	Re: S&W .32 rf & .44 Russian Simon, thanks for the pic. It is going to take a little bit of reading to find out exactly which one this is. I think we can safely say that it was manufactured after 1880 as this is the last patent date. However, there are so many variations it is incredible. Hang in there and I will get back to you on it. __________________

02-18-2005, 08:49 AM	#6
Simon Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 7	Re: S&W .32 rf & .44 Russian Much appreciated. Simon

02-18-2005, 08:52 AM	#7
Marlin TFF Admin Staff Chief Counselor Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: At SouthernMoss' side forever! Contributor Posts: 13,853	Re: S&W .32 rf & .44 Russian Glad to have you at TFF, Simon. Hope you will stay and post often. We always love an adition to the family. Attached Images __________________ *The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing.* *The only criminal class native to the United States is Congress.*

02-18-2005, 09:04 AM	#8
inplanotx Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Texas Posts: 8,897	Re: S&W .32 rf & .44 Russian Okay, think I have it. The "Number 3" was what was throwing me. The book says .44 Double Action First Model (New Model Navy No. 3 Revolver). ID Large frame double action, .44 caliber, either 1 & 7/16" cylinder with any serial number, or 1 & 9/16" cylinder with serial number above 15,340. Serial number range is 1 - 54,668 with 53,590 manufactured circa 1881 - 1913. NOTE: Although cataloged into the 20th century, all frames were manufactured prior to 1899, making this gun an antique. Hope this helps. __________________

02-18-2005, 09:36 AM	#9
Simon Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 7	Re: S&W .32 rf & .44 Russian Thanks again. oops got the model wrong. Cyclinder is 1 7/16th long. I'm about to order 2 books, Smith & Wesson Six Guns of the West and Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson I hope these will be full of good info. I used to own and shoot a fair number of handguns & semi auto rifles but they are banned now...but the criminals did not hand theirs in...no surprise there then. Simon

02-18-2005, 09:53 AM	#10
inplanotx Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Texas Posts: 8,897	Re: S&W .32 rf & .44 Russian Good luck Simon. I used the later book to get my information. I found it and another by Roy Jinks to be the best. If you know anyone who can reload black powder, the 44 Russian case is simple to make by cutting down 44 Special cases. I really empathize with you on your gun laws. We have to be constantly on our toes over here to keep the gun grabbers at bay. So far we seem to keep one small step ahead of them. Stay well and keep in touch! Cheers! __________________

02-18-2005, 09:27 PM	#11
SouthernMoss Admin Tech Staff Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: SW MS Contributor Posts: 10,651	Re: S&W .32 rf & .44 Russian Welcome to TFF, Simon! Neat revolvers! __________________ My Second protects your First "I declare to you that woman must not depend upon the protection of man, but must be taught to protect herself, and there I take my stand." - Susan B Anthony

02-19-2005, 09:28 AM	#14
Marlin TFF Admin Staff Chief Counselor Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: At SouthernMoss' side forever! Contributor Posts: 13,853	Re: S&W .32 rf & .44 Russian Just like our folks over here - A CLOSED MIND. What a waste. __________________ *The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing.* *The only criminal class native to the United States is Congress.*

02-21-2005, 08:22 AM	#16
Xracer TFF Admin Staff Mediator Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Minn-eeee-sota, ya, sure, you bet! Posts: 9,144	Re: S&W .32 rf & .44 Russian Please leave them as they are! These guns definitely fall in the "collector" or "antique" category, and any refinishing would destroy their value. That "well-worn" look is what's known in collector circles as "patina", and actually adds to an antique gun's value.