Need help IDing an old S&W

[jamesonamac]

I'm trying to identify this older S&W and then hopefully be able to find a replacement grip for it. The only writing on it is on the top of the barrel and does not give a model #, just pat. dates. I am fairly sure it is a .32 caliber. Any help is appreciated.

[41M]

You appear to have a .44 DA variant in the Smith & Wesson Model 3 family.

[smguser]

You appear to have a .44 DA variant in the Smith & Wesson Model 3 family.

Maybe if you post the serial number we can narrow it down for you. I doubt it's a .44 though.

[dfletcher]

^^^
I'd agree - looks like 38 S & W or 32 S & W short scale.

[ojisan]

3rd model 1882-1883
Made in .32 or .38
Curve at rear of trigger guard, no notched back trigger (2nd model), pinned front sight blade (integral on 4th and 5th models).

(Info from a book: Guns of the American West)

[jamesonamac]

Maybe if you post the serial number we can narrow it down for you. I doubt it's a .44 though. More of a pocket or hideout gun.

Serial number is 18477*. Yea, it is not a .44 for sure.

3rd model 1882-1883
Made in .32 or .38
Curve at rear of trigger guard, no notched back trigger (2nd model), pinned front sight blade (integral on 4th and 5th models).

(Info from a book: Guns of the American West)

Basically just want to have the model number so I can attempt to get a replacement grip for the broken one. Thanks again for the help.
EDIT: If anyone has an idea on where to look for a grip replacement let me know. I think it's going to be a difficult find...

[smguser]

I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say it's a .32 Double Action 4th Model. Based on the serial number range of 43406 to 282999, the round trigger guard and the pinned front sight. The 3rd Edition Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson says on page 77 that 239600 of them were made between 1883 and 1909. The book mentions it having a small premium added to the value for serial numbers before 209301.

Here are a few links you can look at and see what you think:

http://www.joesalter.com/detail.php?f_qryitem=15265

http://nramuseum.org/the-museum/the-galleries/the-new-prosperity/case-48-the-booming-arms-industry/smith-and-wesson-32-double-action-fourth-model-revolver.aspx

Don't forget you can always send away to S&W and get a factory letter. I've had good luck calling the factory and talking to Roy Jinks, the historian for the company. He'll know exactly what it is.

[smguser]

Sorry, forgot to add you can start your search for grips here:

http://www.gunpartscorp.com/catalog/Detail.aspx?pid=1224620&catid=8048

Numrich Gun Parts. Looks like they might have a set.

[bballwizard05]

also gunbroker sometimes has parts for these oldies. If you can find someone who will ship a scary plastic grip to KA...

[Gryff]

I always thought those little top-break .32s would be fun to shoot. Just not sure I would trust it, though.

[jamesonamac]

Thanks, can't tell you how much I appreciate the help. BTW smguser, they had the grips! Got that site bookmarked now.