Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: .32 Hand Ejector 3rd Model

Serial Number: 333447

Year of Manufacture: 1920-1942

Caliber: .32 S&W Long Cartridge

Action Type: Single Action / Double Action, Swing-Out Fluted Cylinder With Hand Ejector Revolver

Barrel Length: 3.25”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a round raised blade conformed to a raised base on the muzzle end of the barrel. The rear sight is a square notch trough milled into the top strap.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are round butt two-piece checkered black hard rubber panels with “S&W” monograms at their tops and raised “smooth diamonds” around the escutcheons. There are some scattered light marks, mostly at the bottom. The checkering is mostly sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips rate in about Excellent Condition.

Type of Finish: Nickel

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. There is some stubborn fouling about halfway through the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates about 9/10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 95% of its metal finish. There is some finish loss on the sides of the barrel at the muzzle. There are hard marks behind the cylinder release. The cylinder has a couple flecks removed and a crisp turn line through the finish. There are swirl marks throughout. The screw heads are sharp and the grip screw is lightly worn with a strong slot. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fine Plus Condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder lockup has very little play on all six chambers. The double-action trigger is smooth and the single action is crisp. We did not fire this handgun. As with all previously owned firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

Our Assessment: The name Smith & Wesson has been synonymous with finely crafted American made firearms since 1852. The Smith & Wesson .32 Hand Ejector, introduced in 1896, holds the distinction of being the first solid frame S&W revolver with a swing-out cylinder-the hand ejector configuration that served for decades as the backbone of the Smith & Wesson product line. It also marked the debut of the .32 S&W Long cartridge. 

This Factory Nickel Smith & Wesson .32 Hand Ejector 3rd Model was made between 1920-1942 and is in Fine Plus Condition. It features a 3.25” barrel, 95% of its gleaming, original nickel finish, crisp two-piece checkered black hard rubber grips with “S&W” monograms at their tops and raised “smooth diamonds” around the escutcheons, strong mechanics, and a fantastic bore. This would make for a great pocket piece that is lightweight and effective, or a fine addition to a Smith & Wesson collection.