Expert: Dean Speir - 11/2/2008

Question
QUESTION: I am interested in purchasing a S&W .32 caliber older revolver. It's designated " hammerless ". It appears to be nickel plated with black grips. Serial # 168817. It has a raised section along the lenght of the grip ..... assume it is depressed for firing purposes. It also appears to load by tilting the barrel open. Can you please provide any history, model type, style of ammo required, year of manufacture etc. I am enclosing a picture to help identify.

ANSWER: I don't "do" Private Consultations, so this has been made public.

Nor do I understand why you would consider this to be a "Second Amendment" type question.

That said, based on the six-digit serial number, this is a later edition "2nd Model DA Hammerless" breaktop pocket revolver with a palm safety, and chambered for the rimmed .32 S&W cartridge.

Here are some more images of that very revolver: http://www.collectorsfirearms.com/admin/product_details.php?itemID=23816.

The most authoritative answer would come from famed Smith & Wesson Historian Roy Jinks. Go to http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CustomContentDisplay?store to obtain a request form. There's a fee involved, $30 the last time I looked.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank You ....... This is my first visit to this site so a bit unsure about the procedures. Would you know what years these were manufactured ? How would you rate the reliability of these handguns ?  Thank You.

Answer
I've already gone well beyond the parameters of this topic, Greg, so you'll need to follow-up either with Mr. Jinks… the fee, I just noticed, as of yesterday has gone up to $50… or try one of the specific special interest Forums such as:

• http://www.eotacforum.com/viewforum.php?f=98

• http://smith-wessonforum.com/eve/forums/a/frm/f/540103904

G'luck to you.