S&W gurus.......I could use some help.

[Handsome Rob]

I've just been given this by a really good friend (it's good to help out sometimes!)

As far as I can tell it's a Model 32 (possibly a Terrier) in .38 s&w

That's pretty much all kinds can find online about it. I found a couple on Gunbroker with values that, to me, seem outlandish, but I can't find any dating info for the serial number. 

It has one number on the butt, that matches inside the grips, but there's a different number on the inside of the crane.

Can anyone help me out with dating/value info please? This is my first actual Smith revolver.....

 

 

[gregintenn]

The number on the but is the serial number. 

The grip adapter appears to be a Tyler-T. They are quite popular.

Edited August 17, 2019 by gregintenn

[Garufa]

Through out the first few digits of the serial # on the butt and I’ll look it up in The Standard Catalog.

You might as well get some ammo while it’s available.  I think it’s kinda seasonal.

https://aimsurplus.com/ammunition/38-s-w/

Edited August 17, 2019 by Garufa

[gregintenn]

The non diamond grips indicate it was made after 1968, and the pinned barrel indicated it was made before 1982. To further narrow it down, I believe they ceased production of the Terrier in 1974.

Edited August 17, 2019 by gregintenn

[Handsome Rob]

The serial number is 1217** if that helps.

It came with a box full of Remington 146gn LRN but I could definitely use more. Thanks.

[Garufa]

That puts it in the 1973-77 range.  Serial number range for those years are R100000–R190000.  That model was discontinued in ‘74.  I’d say it was made in ‘73

Edited August 17, 2019 by Garufa

[gregintenn]

I assume the serial number has a “j” in front of it?

If not, it’s a 1957 model with the wrong grips. If so, Garufa is right.

Nevermind. I now see it is a -1 model. Never doubt the Garufa!

Edited August 17, 2019 by gregintenn

[Garufa]

4 minutes ago, gregintenn said:

I assume the serial number has a “j” in front of it?

I doubt it. Probably R.  Editing post now.

Edited August 17, 2019 by Garufa

[Handsome Rob]

No letter prefix, the 6 numbers. The numbers stamped on the inside of the grips matches.

[gregintenn]

Just now, robtattoo said:

No letter prefix, the 6 numbers. The numbers stamped on the inside of the grips matches.

Now that presents a conundrum.

[Handsome Rob]

2 minutes ago, gregintenn said:

Now that presents a conundrum.

 

[Handsome Rob]

[gregintenn]

I’m stumped. Between 68 and 74 is close as I can get. I’m sure you already know, but in case someone who reads this might not, the 38 S&W cartridge is not interchangeable with the more popular 38 Special.

[Garufa]

20 minutes ago, gregintenn said:

Now that presents a conundrum.

Yeah, The Book leads me to believe all J-frames of that era had a J or R prefix.  It specifically lists the R prefix for Model 32’s and as we see it is a 32-1 with matching grips so that rules out a 1957 model as you already know would be correct for that number with no prefix. J or R, would still make it a ‘73 gun IMO, according to what The Book says, but it is not always right.

Rob, you might want to go over to the S&W forum (the blue one that sucks on mobile) and let those guys figure this out.

Edited August 17, 2019 by Garufa

[gregintenn]

8 minutes ago, Garufa said:

Yeah, The Book leads me to believe all J-frames of that era had a J or R prefix.  It specifically lists the R prefix for Model 32’s and as we see it is a 32-1 with matching grips so that rules out a 1957 model as you already know would be correct for that number with no prefix. J or R, would still make it a ‘73 gun IMO, according to what The Book says, but it is not always right.

Rob, you might want to go over to the S&W forum (the blue one that sucks on mobile) and let those guys figure this out.

Evidently the Terrier serial numbers were separate from the rest of the j frames. I knew the model 60 numbers were different, but not the terriers. I’m always learning something. As my memory fades, I find I learn the same things multiple times.

[KahrMan]

Nice!  Cool little gun. 

[A.J. Holst]

3 hours ago, gregintenn said:

 

The grip adapter appears to be a Tyler-T. They are quite popular.

Ask Jamie Jackson, he's a fan.

[LCPfraTN]

That’s a very nice and unique little revolver!

[Moped]

Nice little revolver! This looks like what you were looking for, unless it’s worth a lot of money. Reloading may be the way to go for it though. .38S&W isn’t that easy to find.  And most of it that I’ve seen are lead round nose. Not the greatest defense round out there. Of course, if you are just going to use it to plink with, then who cares.

[Garufa]

I just did some more digging through the book.  Your Model 32-1 was most likely made in 1968/1969.  The listing is on a different page from the rest of the J-frames, thus the confusion.  It also says R prefixes for this model started in 1969 and as diamond grips were eliminated in '68, this one is on the cusp so to speak.

.38 Regulation Police and Models 32,33

1949-1969  54475-122678

[Quavodus]

Garufa your the man. I had no idea that they made .38 S&W that late. I thought it was kinda obsolete for a lonnnnngggg time.

[Handsome Rob]

2 hours ago, Garufa said:

I just did some more digging through the book.  Your Model 32-1 was most likely made in 1968/1969.  The listing is on a different page from the rest of the J-frames, thus the confusion.  It also says R prefixes for this model started in 1969 and as diamond grips were eliminated in '68, this one is on the cusp so to speak.

.38 Regulation Police and Models 32,33

1949-1969  54475-122678

Dude, you're AWESOME! Thank you for all your help.

The guys over at S&W either don't know or are ignoring me

[gregintenn]

6 hours ago, robtattoo said:

Dude, you're AWESOME! Thank you for all your help.

The guys over at S&W either don't know or are ignoring me

You put it in the right section. Someone will be along sooner or later and give you more info than you ever cared to know about it. Between all the members there, someone knows EVERYTHING!!! They are very good about sharing information too.

 

You are getting some action over there now, Rob.

Edited August 19, 2019 by gregintenn

[Grayfox54]

See if you can find some of the old British .38/200 ammo or at least a good recipe for it. All it is is a 38 S&W with a heavier bullet for a bit extra thump. The British used that load for their military or police revolvers with good results for 50 years or more. 

[Jamie Jackson]

6 hours ago, gregintenn said:

You put it in the right section. Someone will be along sooner or later and give you more info than you ever cared to know about it. Between all the members there, someone knows EVERYTHING!!! They are very good about sharing information too.

 

You are getting some action over there now, Rob.

Agree 100%. While I'm new over there I've found them to be extremely knowledgeable, informative, and friendly.

It took a few hours before they started providing info on my M&P .32, but the volume of info on that thread now is encyclopedic!