S&W 4th model

[ndnchf]

I just picked up this sweet little S&W 4th model in .32 S&W short.  Its just a little thing and would fit nicely in a pocket or ladies handbag.  I figure it was made in the late 1880 or early 1890s.  I've never had a break top revolver before so this is something a little different.  It seems to be in good mechanical shape and has a good, but not perfect bore.  It locks up tight, has nice grips and still has a fair mount of bluing left. 





Anybody else have one of theses or similar little .32 revolver? 

I've got a box of factory ammo, probably from the 1960s.  Also have dies and brass, but need some bullets.  I'll load up some BP or maybe APP loads for it.  What loads have you used for .32 S&W?

[matt45]

being a newbie to the block, I'm hardly qualified, but David Chicoine recommends only B.P. in the older top breaks.  Sure looks like a nice pistol.

[ndnchf]

Good advice.  I may see if I can pull the lead bullets from the factory ammo and reload with APP or 3F BP.  I see that Midway has cast bullets for the .32, so I may buy a box to try out.

[WaddWatsonEllis]

Hi,

The Club I shot with had a mandatory stage for a pocket pistol ...

So I bought this one:



I sent it to Big T (online here; he is a SASS member), and he made me these grips:

.

TTFN,

[ndnchf]

That's a beauty, original holster too?  What loads do you shoot?

[ammodave]

Try here http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-antiques/ for more info on ammunition, etc.

[ndnchf]

Thanks for the link, I'll check it out.  I just pulled the bullets on 10 rounds of factory ammo.  Dumped the smokeless powder and replaced it with a full case of APP 3F.  Then reseated the original 85 gr bullet. Now I can test fire it. 

[dusty texian]

That's a very nice Pistola ndnchf". Hope you give us a report on how the little S&W shoot's,,,Dusty