Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: .32-20 Hand Ejector Target Model of 1905 1st Change

Serial Number: 30778

Year of Manufacture: 1906-1907 (reference “Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson” by Supica and Nahas), though S&W records assert that all flat butt frames were produced in 1904.

Caliber: .32-20 Winchester Center Fire (.32 WCF)

Action Type: Single Action / Double Action, 6-Shot Swing-Out Fluted Cylinder Revolver

Barrel Length: 6”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fin blade Target sight pinned to a raised base on the muzzle end of the barrel. The rear sight is a premicrometer adjustable Target sight with a “square” notch cut into the blade leaf on the rear of the top strap.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are genuine mother of pearl Service stocks without S&W medallions. They’re smooth with square butts, and brass escutcheons around the screws. There are some scattered light marks, and flecks at the bottom. One flake is missing from the top of the right grip panel, and there is some hairline crazing to the right grip panel as well. The color is bright. Overall, the grips rate in about Fine Condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

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

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. There is light finish loss on the right side of the barrel at the muzzle. There is light oxidation on the trigger. The screw heads are sharp. The grip screw is lightly worn with a strong slot. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Excellent 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. From 1899-1940, Smith & Wesson produced one of their classic small-frame, 6-shot hand ejector model revolvers chambered in .32-20 Winchester Center Fire. Initially introduced in 1882 as a black-powder round for small game, varmint hunting, and deer, .32 WCF was the first small-game lever-action cartridge from Winchester. The S&W .32-20 Hand Ejector Model of 1905 “1st Change” revolver was only made from 1906-1907 with 11,073 produced. S&W also produced a specially made target version of that piece, with a fin blade front sight and a premicrometer adjustable rear sight, and the Target model remains twice as valuable as the standard model today.

This Smith & Wesson .32-20 Hand Ejector Target Model of 1905 1st Change was made from 1906-1907 and is in Excellent Condition. It features a 6” barrel, 97% of its lustrous, original blued finish, factory original Target sights consisting of a fin blade front sight and a premicrometer adjustable rear sight, elegant genuine mother of pearl Service grips, strong mechanics, and a bright bore with sharp rifling and no erosion (there is some stubborn fouling). This is a strikingly beautiful example of a scarce Smith & Wesson.