U.S. Revolver 32

JeffG

I have recently aquired a U.S. Revolver 32. It is breach action,5-shot,double action, nickel plated, with the serial number 6701E or 6702E. I wish to know more about this pistol, especially if replacement parts are available and what ammo may work best.Thank you.

32 Magnum

US Revolvers were catalogue or hardware store "brand name" guns made by Iver Johnson between circa 1910 and 1935. You gun chambered in .32 cal and 5 shots is a small frame model and was meant to fire .32 S&W cartridges. Bill Goforth is the author of THE IJ book and he should be along soon. He can provide a year of or range of production for your gun based upon the serial number. One note of CAUTION - all older guns of dubious ancestry and unkown care and handling should be checked by a qualified gunsmith before being fired. I've seen a few of various makers with blown cylinders and curled top straps. Replacement parts may be available at e-gunparts.com, depending upon what you need. If not available there, you'll probably need to find a parts gun offered on one of the auction sites, such as Gunbroker.com. They show up quite often. SHOOT SAFELY!

Old Fool

Also note that these revolvers had cylinders that are free to move in rotation about 30 degrees. This is normal, and they line up when the trigger is pulled.

Good luck

jbw1776

And just to add one more thing before Mr. Goforth get here. These pistols are notorious for the timing being slightly off from wear/worn parts. If it's off, the cylinder doesn't line up 100% with the barrel and when fired can shave off the lead of the bullet as it enters the forcing cone...or worse. Have it checked good before firing and wear safety glasses. Having slivers of lead stuck in your face doesn't feel all that good.

Ben

nmyers

Actually, MORE dangerous to the guy standing next to you, as the shaved lead shoots out at a 90 degree angle. I still have the scar on my cheek to prove it.

Neal

b.goforth

for now i will need to keep this answer short. please check the left side of the grip frame (under the grips) this is the main serial number location and is the location of any letter code prefixes. sence iver johnson never used a letter code suffix on these revolver the last digit is most likely an 8 or 9. the serial number you are looking at is most likely the one on the bottom of the trigger guard but i need the one on the left side of the grip frame for postive ID.
bill

JeffG

I looked under the left side grip. The serial number is 57016. Thank you for all your help. Please advise.

b.goforth

jeff,
the u.s. revolver co. automatics (model name for the top breaks) were manufactured between 1910 and 1935. the small frame 32 caliber serial number (no letter code) 57016 was manufactured in 1913. there were approx. 14,250 of this model manufactured that year. if in good condition it should be safe with modern factory velocity ammo. but please remember this is a iver johnson second line product sometimes made with parts not good enough (seconds) for the main line "safety automatic revolver" and it is 84 years old. although to be honest these seconds parts were better than some companies first parts.
bill