32 S&W Pocket Pistol Questions

[Patrick Henry Brown]

Just received an Iver Johnson 32 DA Safety Hammer Third Model revolver. I also am awaiting a S&W 32 DA Fouth Model Hammered revolver. Can anyone give me some info on these. To begin with, do these use 32 S&W "Short" or "Long" cartridges? Plan to shoot these in NCOWS and SASS Side matches. Both are top-break models.

[St. George]

Use standard .32 S&W Short, and you can't go wrong.

These are both strong little revolvers - usually needing only a very thorough cleaning.

I detail-strip, clean and lube - but sometimes that's a daunting chore for those unfamiliar with them.

If so - hose 'em out with something like WD-40 and the pressurized lube should help dissolve old, hardened oil.

On the other hand, while there are a number of publications that deal with the take-down - including those printed by the NRA - but I'd strongly recommend you get a copy of Dave Chicoine's 'Gunsmithing the Guns of the Old West'.

Read - pay attention - and go slowly and you'll do just fine.

Do remember that all to often, spare parts reside in other folks' guns - so shoot with purpose, since these are older.

Besides - 'Fire Suppression' isn't needed when 'Aimed Fire' will do.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

[Tjackstephens]

I believe I read somewhere that those guns were given away with the purchase of flour. I have had some of the owl heads and they were fine little pocket pistol. My My how times have changed. St. George take care and enjoy that little part of history. TJ

[St. George]

Actually, these revolvers were over-the-shelf purchases.

The one found in the Flour bags were the little spur-trigger 'Suicide Specials'.,

I did a 'Note' on those and it also appeared in 'The Shootist' not too long ago - complete with manufacturers Trade Names.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!