Hello! i love the little rascals. i haven't been fortunate enough to round up a nice prewar example yet, but i have most of the variances after that.
here is a very early postwar:

 

i apologize for the shaky pic hosting! i am trying to figure out a new method. here is the other side:

 

i apologize for the shaky pic hosting! i am trying to figure out a new method. here is the other side:
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Beautiful example of the "38 Terrier" Post War Transitional I frame 6 screw model!
Almost as hard to find as the Pre War Model and the only difference is yours has the post war sliding bar hammer block safety.

 

 

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The Model 32-1 Terrier is actually in the R prefix serial Range. That's a mistake in the SCSW books until finally corrected in the 4th edition. The Models 30-1 .32 S&W Hand Ejector and 31-1 32 Regulation Police are the only J frames in the H range.

 

here is a "model of 1955" example in (fairly rare!) nickel:

 

here is a "model of 1955" example in (fairly rare!) nickel:
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You can delete the entire post by clicking Edit Post and then click Go Advanced, and delete at the top.

 

good grief! i am old and tired! i don't know how i posted the blue model 30 pics, and i can't figure out how to delete them! SO! there are pics of both sides of a sweet old flatlatch model 30 that have absolutely no relation to what we are talking about!

here is the other side of the nickel terrier (....maybe!):

 

good grief! i am old and tired! i don't know how i posted the blue model 30 pics, and i can't figure out how to delete them! SO! there are pics of both sides of a sweet old flatlatch model 30 that have absolutely no relation to what we are talking about!

here is the other side of the nickel terrier (....maybe!):

That nickle gun is a Model of 1953 "NEW" I frame, 4 screw, an early one with the old hammer style. It's a true Pre Model 32.

 

alright, i am going back to sleep. terriers are cool. buy one and post pics for us to see!

 

technically, these are both pre 32s, and i realize they may not even be what you are wanting to see!

 

That's OK, it's a nice .32!
We can see it's a 6 shot not a 5 shot like a Terrier.
A 32 long Hand Ejector, and is a Model of 1953, "NEW" I frame 3 screw, a Pre Model 30.

 

I don't have a Model 32 but I have these Terriers.

 

Both gorgeous examples!

This one is a 32 Terrier Improved I Frame (coil mainspring), 1st version with round sight, a 5 screw:

This one is a 32 Terrier Improved I Frame (coil mainspring), 2nd version with ramp front sight and barrel rib, also a 5 screw:

 

I don't have an S&W .38 S&W firearm. Haven't ever had the need for one and not so sure I need one now.

 

NEED???
The earlier I-Frame "Terrier" models are noticeably more compact than the J-Frame models - especially with the older abbreviated grip panels. Years ago...I had a well-worn I-Frame Terrier with the older grips that I used for pocket-carry - loaded with my own "stout" WC and SWC handloads. You could immediately tell the difference between the weight and bulk of it in the pocket when compared to my Bangor-Punta M-36.

When I switched over to carrying sub-compact 9mms around, I got talked out of it.....and sorely regret letting it go. The .38 S&W Terriers in years past could be acquired cheaper than the similar .38 Special snubs, but not so these days.

I've never bought a box of factory .38 S&W - too puny. Factory loads are still kept that way because of the many no-name top-break revolvers floating around. Handloading a Terrier up to .38 Special ballistics is the way to go. I have the proper .360" Ideal/Lyman 155gr. SWC bullet mould for it. If you get a Terrier, I'll lend it to you.

 

Need?? Is that why I have all these firearms?? NEED? I was thinking about it the other day....and the only sane reason I could explain the "need" for the guns I own would be to form my own militia. Not a bad idea... I have a Terrier somewhere..where is that little rascal...

 

I'm pretty sure this is a Terrier because it says so on the box..

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I'm pretty sure this is a Terrier because it says so on the box..

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Another scarce nickel 38 Terrier Post War Transitional I Frame, 6 screw with pre war type Service (round top) grips, and the box!

From that serial # it most likely shipped early Nov. 1950.

Those nickel guns can look like new with a little Mother's Mag Wheel polish while watching the news.

 

Here is my 32-1. I own four revolvers chambered in 38 s&w. They range from a 38 da to the 32-1. I load some 125swc that are
A little faster than the 146 factory loads. The BSR with my 200gr bullets is a ball to shoot spinners with. Here is a pic of my
snub and some of hand loads. The loads are 125, 146, and the 200 bullets. If you try one of these Robert I'll predict you'll keep it. I threw in a pic of the pre war BSR in 38s&w. Cliff

 

View attachment 339423 Here is my 32-1. I own four revolvers chambered in 38 s&w. They range from a 38 da to the 32-1. I load some 125swc that are
A little faster than the 146 factory loads. The BSR with my 200gr bullets is a ball to shoot spinners with. Here is a pic of my
snub and some of hand loads. The loads are 125, 146, and the 200 bullets. If you try one of these Robert I'll predict you'll keep it. I threw in a pic of the pre war BSR in 38s&w. Cliff

That's a like new J frame post 1968, probably with the R serial # prefix.

 

Only have one...

The newer J frame 32-1 circa 1961-67

 

The newer J frame 32-1 circa 1961-67

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That's a sweet J frame 6 shot, therefore a .32 Hand Ejector Model 30-1. But from after 1968 since they have no diamond around the grip screw, if they number to the gun under the right grip.

 

I have two Terriers in 38 S&W.

I have a 34 no dash which is an I frame but that really is not a Terrier per se.

 

I have two Terriers in 38 S&W.

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I have a 34 no dash which is an I frame but that really is not a Terrier per se.

WOW! An honest to goodness elusive pre war Terrier LNIB in box!

Those are two 'time machines' that take me back in time!

 

My one and only: Early Model 1953 4 screw improved I frame / early hammer from November 1955.

 

Quite a few beauties from a golden era!

 

What year would be associated with Serial No. 68933?

 

Presuming of course it's a .38 Terrier:

Very likely Mar-April 1953. It would be a 1st version Improved I frame with coil spring and round front sight. It wouldn't be Model 32 yet, or even a Pre Mod 32 though.

Jim

 

For a .32 HE, 1907. For a .22/32 Kit Gun, 1959-60.

 

My Terrier #6981x left the factory in February 1953 but the previous owner removed the grips and replaced them with the much later banana grips. Still looking for originals.

 

Robert, the improved I frame was introduced in 1953 around the same time the first J frame Chiefs Specials known as the Baby Chiefs due to the grip frame being the same as an I frame. Jim has a very good writeup on the progression in the SCSW4th.

As far as what is sought after, most of the 32 HE's are about the same through this period. However, there were some target Regulation Police revolvers made after the war from pre-war parts and they are probably the most sought after I frames after the Bekearts. In the J frames, the Baby Chiefs are sought after and the very early ones, especially in nickel, are highly valuable. I'm sure Jim has a more refined perspective and clearly knows more than I do on this subject.

 

Then, is the following correct?

1936 to 1953 S&W Terrier (I-Frame)
1953 to 1961 S&W Terrier (I-Frame Improved)
1961 to 1974 S&W 32-1 (J-Frame)

What did they do the I-Frame to improve it or was it just a move to save money in the manufacture of it?

What are the best features of these 3 periods of manufacture and which one is the most desirable?

 

Your timeline looks correct to me. The Improved I frame was a switch from a flat mainspring to the coiled mainspring. Your last questions have subjective answers depending on a lot of factors but mainly flat mainspring vs. coiled mainspring and I frame vs. J frame if you are focusing on shooting the gun. From a collectability standpoint, IMO, the early guns are more desirable because there are fewer of them.

 

Your timeline looks correct to me. The Improved I frame was a switch from a flat mainspring to the coiled mainspring. Your last questions have subjective answers depending on a lot of factors but mainly flat mainspring vs. coiled mainspring and I frame vs. J frame if you are focusing on shooting the gun. From a collectability standpoint, IMO, the early guns are more desirable because there are fewer of them.

Thank you. That is very good information for me.

 

What 2" inch barreled revolver did S&W make in the .32 S&W Long cartridge?

 

The .32 Hand Ejector later called the Model 30.

 

All of this information is making my head hurt. There's just too much to learn and not enough time to do it.

 

I love my 33-1, but I understand it's not a Terrier.

 

That's correct, it's what is Stamped on the barrel: Regulation Police because of the longer barrel and square grip frame.

 

So I have .38/32 6 screw with SN 551XX. Thinking it is Pre War based on the Serial Number. Thoughts?