US Pistol Co .32 Revolver

[brue21]

Hello, I have a few questions about this pistol. First, what kinds of ammo can I use (.32 acp, .32 s&w, etc.) and would modern smokeless cartridges work or must I use black powder cartridges (are these available?). Also, what would happen if I did use modern ammo in this gun (what are the risks)? And finally, what is the approximate value of this firearm (appears to function properly, rust & scratches). Any answers are much appreciated!

These are the best pictures I could come up with... The top of the barrel has US Pistol Co imprinted on it and the only serial number I could find was under the grip at the base of the handle. The number appears to be 5 79 (only half of the 5 is imprinted). The pistol is solid frame, 5 shots and appears to be .32 caliber.

[RJay]

I will let Mr. Goforth ( the Guru ) answer most of your questions, I wll answer one. .32 ACP will fit, fire and perhaps even eject, it is semi rimmed. HOWEVER I would not use 32ACP in any firearm that old. It simply is not designed for the increased power curve from the 32 ACP. I have used 32 ACP in modern firearms such as the S&W Model 31, but never ever in a revolver that old.

[Jim K]

I only get part of your first picture. Are you sure it is marked U.S. Pistol Co. and not U.S. Revolver Co.?

Many people strongly recommend not firing any smokeless ammo in the old guns, and black powder cartridges are a hand loading proposition. All I can say is I have fired many modern rounds in old guns I felt were safe, and have had no problems. Makers of modern ammo take the old guns into consideration, but they really were not made for smokeless powder ammo.

Edited to add: While I was typing, RJay posted the above. I was referring to the .32 S&W, a common cartridge for those old revolvers. He is right to never use .32 ACP; it is much higher pressure and could be dangerous to gun and shooter.

Jim

[Slabsides]

You have basically the same gun I have but with a shorter barrel. Here is a link to the thread I posted when I got it. http://www.thefirearmsforum.com/show...light=revolver

[hrf]

The "U S" revolvers made by Iver Johnson were marked U S Revolver Co and have different cylinder pin catches and grips marked US. I believe those with large S on grips are as described in this earlier response by Bill Goforth:
http://www.thefirearmsforum.com/showthread.php?t=64315

[b.goforth]

first i need to point out this is not the same revolver as the one slabslides has. this one is made by Otis A. Smith (the S on the grips bear this out) and it was made at the earlist between 1880's and 1899. i am not sure the exact dates of his operations most likely he was out of business long before 1899 but his designs could have lived own for a few years.

O.A. Smith main products were single action spur trigger and double action solid frame revolver. very few of them carry his name. he does hold a few patents. but they were for cylinder retainers or such minor improvements.

as stated before do not fire this revolver with modern ammo or for that matter any ammo.
bill

[brue21]

Thanks for the answers!

[Jim K]

Weren't the Otis Smith guns marked U.S. ARMS Co.?

Jim

[b.goforth]

my personal opinion is there were only two companies who used names like U.S.Arms CO. or U.S.Pistol Co. on solid frame double action revolvers. Otis Smith and iver johnson. only iver johnson used the name U.S. Revolver Co. between 1910 and 1935. all the other U.S. names and variations of the name were Otis A. Smith, from before that date. i believe iver johnson choose the name U.S. Revolver Co. for two reasons first it was available and second because of the association of the early use of simular names.
bill