Make: Smith & Wesson / Savage Arms

Model: .32-20 Hand Ejector / Model 23C Sporter

Serial Numbers: 18238 (Round Butt Revolver), 29098 (Square Butt Revolver), 207962 (Rifle)

Year of Manufacture:

Round Butt Revolver- 1905–1906 (Model of 1905)

Square Butt Revolver- 1906–1907 (Model of 1905, 1st Change)

Savage 23C Rifle- Ca. 1923–1942

Caliber: .32-20 Winchester

Action Type:

Revolvers- Double Action / Single Action Revolvers with Swing-Out Cylinders

Rifle- Bolt Action, Magazine Fed

Barrel Lengths:

Square Butt Revolver- 6"

Round Butt Revolver- 5"

Rifle- 24.75"

Sights / Optics: The revolvers are equipped with fixed blade front sights and square notch rear sights integral to the topstrap. The Savage rifle has a dovetailed blade front sight and an adjustable notch rear sight mounted to the barrel.

Stock / Grips Configuration & Condition: The square butt revolver wears a set of checkered walnut grips with diamond escutcheons. They show light wear and remain well-fit to the frame. The round butt revolver is fitted with factory hard black rubber grips bearing the S&W monogram, showing age-related smoothing but remaining serviceable. The Savage rifle has a one-piece straight grip walnut stock. It shows expected handling marks, shallow compressions, and scattered small scuffs consistent with vintage field use, but no cracks or structural issues.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality:

Square Butt Revolver- Refinished

Round Butt Revolver & Rifle- Original

Bore Condition:

Square Butt Revolver- The bore is semi-bright with strong rifling and scattered fouling throughout. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 7/10.

Round Butt Revolver- The bore is gray with well-defined rifling and scattered erosion. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 6.5/10.

Rifle- The bore is bright with strong rifling and no visible erosion. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9.5/10.

Overall Condition:

Square Butt Revolver- This revolver retains about 98% of its professionally refinished blue finish. There is notable pitting beneath the new polish, visible around the barrel and sideplate under close inspection. The markings remain legible and the screw heads are sharp.

Round Butt Revolver- This revolver retains approximately 10% of its original finish with heavy edge wear, patchy thinning, and mottled gray patina. The grips are well-fit and markings are clear.

Rifle- The rifle retains about 85% of its original finish. There is some thinning and scattered oxidation on the receiver and bolt handle, but the barrel markings remain strong. The bolt cycles smoothly and the action locks up tight.

Mechanics: The actions on both revolvers function correctly. The cylinders lock up with minimal play and proper timing. The rifle’s bolt cycles, feeds, and ejects smoothly. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Accessories: Both revolvers include period leather holsters. The Savage rifle includes one full box of HSM factory-loaded .32-20 Winchester ammunition. ( Ammo Ships Separate)

Our Assessment: This lot brings together a fascinating and highly usable trio of classic American firearms, all chambered in the venerable .32-20 Winchester cartridge. The two Smith & Wesson Hand Ejector revolvers represent early 20th-century revolver production during the transition from blackpowder to smokeless designs, with the square butt example displaying a sharp refinish over pitted metal, and the round butt offering a worn but untouched appearance. Each tells a different story—one restored in new blue, the other carrying the marks of service and time.

Paired with the revolvers is a Savage Model 23C bolt-action rifle, a working-class utility piece built between the wars with superb bore quality and a smooth action. It retains clean markings and characterful patina, and it comes complete with a period-correct sight base and fresh factory ammunition. Just imagine the times to be had with your revolver and rifle loaded to the brim with the same round, just like the bandolero-strapped cattlemen of olden days.

Together, these three guns offer not only cross-compatibility in chambering but also a cohesive glimpse into the kinds of arms carried by American woodsmen, ranchers, and small game hunters during the first half of the 20th century. Whether you're a collector of frontier-era working arms or just appreciate the historical logic of a unified cartridge set, this is a well-balanced and display-worthy trio with field and story to match.