[legelegel]

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.

 

[Hondo44]

When was this version first introduced?

What years of production are the best or preferred by collectors and why?

The Improved I frame Terriers, 1st version w/rd sight, were 1st shipped in the last quarter of 1951, lowest # I know of is 58832.

"Why?" depends on the collector and what they collect:

Some want the earliest examples and usually the scarcest, the pre war Terriers and the 38 Terrier Post War Transitional which is the last that still has the leaf mainspring.

Some want an example of each evolutionary change.

The upshot is the most collecting pressure is on the least available, the pre war and Transitional Models.

 

[Hondo44]

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?

Close, but more convoluted than that:

Here's a “nutshell” version of the “.38/32 Terrier” evolution which is applicable to all post war I frames with a few exceptions:

1. Pre War: Introduced in 1935 as a snubby barrel, rd grip version of the 38/32 Regulation Police. Flat mainspring and 6 screws.

2. Post War: Re-introduced in 1948 and know as the Post War Transitional Model.
A. Pre war post war: almost identical to pre war version including 6 screws, barrel and frame markings, and rd top Svc Grips, but with new sliding bar hammer block safety.
B. Pure post war; no patent dates on barrel, 4 line address on frame, some new post war parts, like Mini Magna grips.

3. Improved I frame: late 1951, 5 screws, coil mainspring replaced leaf spring, deletion of tension screw, the 6th screw, no overall size changes.
A. 1st version, rd sight
B. 2nd version ramp front sight with barrel rib, early 1952

4. Model of 1953 NEW I frame forging: 4 and 3 screws, longer, egg shaped trigger guard (deleted 5th screw), and 1/8” longer rd butt grip frame (same changes to the Model of 1953 J frame. Four screws until late 1955, when upper side plate screw (4th screw deleted). These are the Pre Model 32s. NOTE: screw numbering is different than K and N frame because of the order in which they were eliminated.

5. Designated Model 32 June of 1957, Model # stamping didn’t actually occur until 1958.

6. Designated the Model 32-1 Jan 1961, I frame eliminated, .38/32 built on J frame with extended cyl window/frame, and longer cyl.

The Post War I frames are the most convoluted and misunderstood of the S&W Hand Ejectors. Write ups in the SCSW eds. 1 thru 4 exhibit the confusion and lack of discoveries for these models. Although the 4th Ed. on page 144 is my clarification in detail, the I frame sections following it still have the old inaccuracies.

You can see my section in my commentaries here: http://smith-wessonforum.com/blog.php?u=134353
Although for some reason the commentary links are working sporadically much of the time.

 

[legelegel]

Close, but more convoluted than that:

Here's a “nutshell” version of the “.38/32 Terrier” evolution which is applicable to all post war I frames with a few exceptions:

1. Pre War: Introduced in 1935 as a snubby barrel, rd grip version of the 38/32 Regulation Police. Flat mainspring and 6 screws.

2. Post War: Re-introduced in 1948 and know as the Post War Transitional Model.
A. Pre war post war: almost identical to pre war version including 6 screws, barrel and frame markings, and rd top Svc Grips, but with new sliding bar hammer block safety.
B. Pure post war; no patent dates on barrel, 4 line address on frame, some new post war parts, like Mini Magna grips.

3. Improved I frame: late 1951, 5 screws, coil mainspring replaced leaf spring, deletion of tension screw, the 6th screw, no overall size changes.
A. 1st version, rd sight
B. 2nd version ramp front sight with barrel rib, early 1952

4. Model of 1953 NEW I frame forging: 4 and 3 screws, longer, egg shaped trigger guard (deleted 5th screw), and 1/8” longer rd butt grip frame (same changes to the Model of 1953 J frame. Four screws until late 1955, when upper side plate screw (4th screw deleted). These are the Pre Model 32s. NOTE: screw numbering is different than K and N frame because of the order in which they were eliminated.

5. Designated Model 32 June of 1957, Model # stamping didn’t actually occur until 1958.

6. Designated the Model 32-1 Jan 1961, I frame eliminated, .38/32 built on J frame with extended cyl window/frame, and longer cyl.

The Post War I frames are the most convoluted and misunderstood of the S&W Hand Ejectors. Write ups in the SCSW eds. 1 thru 4 exhibit the confusion and lack of discoveries for these models. Although the 4th Ed. on page 144 is my clarification in detail, the I frame sections following it still have the old inaccuracies.

You can see my section in my commentaries here: http://smith-wessonforum.com/blog.php?u=134353
Although for some reason the commentary links are working sporadically much of the time.

Wow, just Wow!

 

[legelegel]

Close, but more convoluted than that:

Here's a “nutshell” version of the “.38/32 Terrier” evolution which is applicable to all post war I frames with a few exceptions:

1. Pre War: Introduced in 1935 as a snubby barrel, rd grip version of the 38/32 Regulation Police. Flat mainspring and 6 screws.

2. Post War: Re-introduced in 1948 and know as the Post War Transitional Model.
A. Pre war post war: almost identical to pre war version including 6 screws, barrel and frame markings, and rd top Svc Grips, but with new sliding bar hammer block safety.
B. Pure post war; no patent dates on barrel, 4 line address on frame, some new post war parts, like Mini Magna grips.

3. Improved I frame: late 1951, 5 screws, coil mainspring replaced leaf spring, deletion of tension screw, the 6th screw, no overall size changes.
A. 1st version, rd sight
B. 2nd version ramp front sight with barrel rib, early 1952

4. Model of 1953 NEW I frame forging: 4 and 3 screws, longer, egg shaped trigger guard (deleted 5th screw), and 1/8” longer rd butt grip frame (same changes to the Model of 1953 J frame. Four screws until late 1955, when upper side plate screw (4th screw deleted). These are the Pre Model 32s. NOTE: screw numbering is different than K and N frame because of the order in which they were eliminated.

5. Designated Model 32 June of 1957, Model # stamping didn’t actually occur until 1958.

6. Designated the Model 32-1 Jan 1961, I frame eliminated, .38/32 built on J frame with extended cyl window/frame, and longer cyl.

The Post War I frames are the most convoluted and misunderstood of the S&W Hand Ejectors. Write ups in the SCSW eds. 1 thru 4 exhibit the confusion and lack of discoveries for these models. Although the 4th Ed. on page 144 is my clarification in detail, the I frame sections following it still have the old inaccuracies.

You can see my section in my commentaries here: http://smith-wessonforum.com/blog.php?u=134353
Although for some reason the commentary links are working sporadically much of the time.

It appears that the September 1950 Terrier that I am looking at would be pure post war. It has 5 screws, no patent dates on barrel and 4 line address on frame. Here's a picture of the matching serial number grips:

View attachment 339915

 

[Oldernrocks]

I have two Terriers in 38 S&W.

View attachment 339461

View attachment 339463

View attachment 339465

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

I inherited a 38 S&W, 5-shot snub nose revolver years ago, S/N 73XXX, that appears to be identical to the one you pictured. Mine has much more holster wear but is functionally sound. It also has the peculiar flat cylinder release button that is not characteristic of later S&W revolvers. I have not fired it enough to judge accuracy but the single-action trigger pull is everything I have come to expect from S&W.
You mention you S&W is an "Early Model 1953 4 screw improved I frame / early hammer from 1955". Do you know the exact year of manufacture of your revolver?
Thanks,

 

[Hondo44]

I inherited a 38 S&W, 5-shot snub nose revolver years ago, S/N 73XXX, that appears to be identical to the one you pictured. Mine has much more holster wear but is functionally sound. It also has the peculiar flat cylinder release button that is not characteristic of later S&W revolvers. I have not fired it enough to judge accuracy but the single-action trigger pull is everything I have come to expect from S&W.
You mention you S&W is an "Early Model 1953 4 screw improved I frame / early hammer from 1955". Do you know the exact year of manufacture of your revolver?
Thanks,

Welcome to the forum.

Troll pictured two different Terriers; the 1st is a Transitional I frame 6 screw with black grips, and the 2nd is an Improved I frame Terrier, 1st version with walnut Magna grips. Which is yours like?

 

[Hondo44]

It appears that the September 1950 Terrier that I am looking at would be pure post war. It has 5 screws, no patent dates on barrel and 4 line address on frame. Here's a picture of the matching serial number grips:

View attachment 339915

The Pure Post war model has 6 screws including the mainspring tension screw at the bottom of the foregrip. Your attachment wouldn't open. But if it only has 5 screws it's an Improved I frame.

 

[Kdjohn1]

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

 

[Hondo44]

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.

 

[Roger Rabbit 2023]

Close, but more convoluted than that:

Here's a “nutshell” version of the “.38/32 Terrier” evolution which is applicable to all post war I frames with a few exceptions:

1. Pre War: Introduced in 1935 as a snubby barrel, rd grip version of the 38/32 Regulation Police. Flat mainspring and 6 screws.

2. Post War: Re-introduced in 1948 and know as the Post War Transitional Model.
A. Pre war post war: almost identical to pre war version including 6 screws, barrel and frame markings, and rd top Svc Grips, but with new sliding bar hammer block safety.
B. Pure post war; no patent dates on barrel, 4 line address on frame, some new post war parts, like Mini Magna grips.

3. Improved I frame: late 1951, 5 screws, coil mainspring replaced leaf spring, deletion of tension screw, the 6th screw, no overall size changes.
A. 1st version, rd sight
B. 2nd version ramp front sight with barrel rib, early 1952

4. Model of 1953 NEW I frame forging: 4 and 3 screws, longer, egg shaped trigger guard (deleted 5th screw), and 1/8” longer rd butt grip frame (same changes to the Model of 1953 J frame. Four screws until late 1955, when upper side plate screw (4th screw deleted). These are the Pre Model 32s. NOTE: screw numbering is different than K and N frame because of the order in which they were eliminated.

5. Designated Model 32 June of 1957, Model # stamping didn’t actually occur until 1958.

6. Designated the Model 32-1 Jan 1961, I frame eliminated, .38/32 built on J frame with extended cyl window/frame, and longer cyl.

The Post War I frames are the most convoluted and misunderstood of the S&W Hand Ejectors. Write ups in the SCSW eds. 1 thru 4 exhibit the confusion and lack of discoveries for these models. Although the 4th Ed. on page 144 is my clarification in detail, the I frame sections following it still have the old inaccuracies.

You can see my section in my commentaries here: http://smith-wessonforum.com/blog.php?u=134353
Although for some reason the commentary links are working sporadically much of the time.

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

 

[Roger Rabbit 2023]

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

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass! It's post-war, a Terrier. Probably 1949. 54475 started off 1949. It has also been refinished but the grips are pre-war S&W and fairly valuable in their own right.

 

[Hondo44]

Welcome to the forum.
Guy above is correct, it has a post war serial #. The .38/32 Regulation Police was introduced at #1 in 1917. The 2" barrel Terrior was introduced by 1936, but does the # under the barrel on the bottom flat match the grip frame butt #?

So it's marked like it's post WWII but not by much. So it's a ".38 S&W (not .38 special) Terrier (Hand Ejector) Post War Transitional Model" with a custom brushed nickel or hard chrome finish. It has pre war factory genuine MOP grips.

 

[WendyZXZ]

Welcome to the forum!

 

[R89074]

This Terrier is serial 57210 shipped October 9, 1950. I have several Terriers, shipped to US Post Office, NYPD and Sacramento PD, all shipped between July 1950 and May 1952.

 

[Tintype42]

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.

I have a Terrier #73435. I have new 38 S&W cases but need some bullets. Do you still have the mold blocks and what kind of powder and amounts are you using?
Thanks, John

 

[BlackBat242]

Matt's Bullets 150gr .38 S&W (.361)

MISSOURI BULLET COMPANY CAST 38c (.361) 145gr RN .38 S&W

 

[Llymphs17]

The S&W Model 32 Terrier is a small frame revolver in .38 S&W. It was manufactured from 1936 to 1974. They resemble the more common Model 36 Chief's Special. The primary difference is that the M32 is chambered for the older .38 S&W cartridge rather than the more common and more powerful .38 Special chambering of the Model 36. The Terrier was originally built on the I-Frame but later models (32-1) were built on the J-Frame beginning in 1961 after S&W discontinued the I-Frame.

Does anyone have the S&W Model 32 (I-Frame) or the S&W Model 32-1 (J-Frame)?

Yep. '74 . Was dad's.

 

[Squiggs]

Great old thread that deserves a breath of fresh air.
I find the Terrier quite interesting and it seems to have served a strong role in the evolution that brought us the Chiefs Special and Model 36. Recently it seems people are paying more attention to them as I note prices have been increasing substantially, for ones in great condition, anyway. Here is one I have in the stable. It is a pre-war nickel finish that shipped March 20, 1939, nearing the pause of production during WWII. This one sports the black hard rubber stocks, although I have seen pre-war production with walnut service stocks too.