Given that the other S&W Top breaks were not called lemon squeezers pretty much zeroes in on the grip safety feature being the reason for the nick name. Thanks for the review. I'm looking at one of these to purchase right now - $275 - it's a blued one with an even patina and vg original grips. They're not showing the bore but I would expect it to be somewhat worn as the 32 S&W was a black powder cartridge at the time... I used to own one of these previously and I let it get away but it shot hollow based wad cutter bullet loads pretty well. These things are quite dainty in 32. I think the 38 S&W models are a bit bigger? A pocket gun really. Thanks for the review!
Thanks for a great comment and good points. I find them kind of fascinating from a historical perspective on a number of different levels. You mentioned pocket gun, I think they did actually refer to these , and even some of the slightly smaller ones, as vest pocket guns given the three piece suit of the day. I could see the pistol in one pocket and a chain watch in the other back in that time period…
Don’t know if you are still fallowing this thread but, great little guns! I have several different top breaks from several companies. Most in 32s&w two in 38s&w. All but three have a nickel finish. Wish I knew a way of posting pics in the comment column. I have a few that shoot black powder cartridges. You can get away with shooting smokeless in them some but, I don’t. Why risk it. I always have my eye open on a good deal when it comes to the good old top break 32/38s&w.
I just bought a .38 version in a 3.5” barrel, nickel and the current grip is pearl. Not sure if it’s original, but I won it at an auction for $125. Trying to decide if i have it restored or leave it as it is.
Thanks for the comment, they are fun little pieces of S&W history that as you’ve found are pretty inexpensive to have in your collection. Some of the early hand ejectors are kind of similar with prices in the 300-450 range.
Can you shoot modern loads in a gun that old ? Had they started using smokeless at that time ? I’d love to have an old top break but not sure if you would have to load your own ammo ? Thanks
I think that’s where you’d want to have the firearm in question reviewed by a gunsmith to determine just what your dealing with, pistols, shotguns, etc…of these vintages they really need to be reviewed and discussed. Many shop owners can also be very helpful in that regard, I had that very conversation not too long ago about an Ithaca shotgun.
@@twentyfifthdui4717 hey thanks for all the additional information my knowledge of the top breaks is still growing but fascinated with all of it and all the things S&W was able to do back then.
I don’t see that many of them, and the ones I’ve seen have all been below 500 , but far from an expert on values of the top breaks , but a cool piece of S&W history.
Given that the other S&W Top breaks were not called lemon squeezers pretty much zeroes in on the grip safety feature being the reason for the nick name. Thanks for the review. I'm looking at one of these to purchase right now - $275 - it's a blued one with an even patina and vg original grips. They're not showing the bore but I would expect it to be somewhat worn as the 32 S&W was a black powder cartridge at the time... I used to own one of these previously and I let it get away but it shot hollow based wad cutter bullet loads pretty well. These things are quite dainty in 32. I think the 38 S&W models are a bit bigger? A pocket gun really. Thanks for the review!
Thanks for a great comment and good points. I find them kind of fascinating from a historical perspective on a number of different levels. You mentioned pocket gun, I think they did actually refer to these , and even some of the slightly smaller ones, as vest pocket guns given the three piece suit of the day. I could see the pistol in one pocket and a chain watch in the other back in that time period…
Don’t know if you are still fallowing this thread but, great little guns! I have several different top breaks from several companies. Most in 32s&w two in 38s&w. All but three have a nickel finish. Wish I knew a way of posting pics in the comment column. I have a few that shoot black powder cartridges. You can get away with shooting smokeless in them some but, I don’t. Why risk it. I always have my eye open on a good deal when it comes to the good old top break 32/38s&w.
Thanks for the reply, I find these older smiths really interesting pistols and a great part of history.
I just bought a .38 version in a 3.5” barrel, nickel and the current grip is pearl. Not sure if it’s original, but I won it at an auction for $125. Trying to decide if i have it restored or leave it as it is.
Thanks for the comment, they are fun little pieces of S&W history that as you’ve found are pretty inexpensive to have in your collection. Some of the early hand ejectors are kind of similar with prices in the 300-450 range.
Helo, Good video. How can ai identify the manufacture date of the revolver?
Thanks, well speaking generically, you can call S&W depending on how old it is, there are the forums that are great sources of info as well as books.
You should get a mask or something like Batman.🤔 I think that would be cool
Can you shoot modern loads in a gun that old ? Had they started using smokeless at that time ? I’d love to have an old top break but not sure if you would have to load your own ammo ? Thanks
I think that’s where you’d want to have the firearm in question reviewed by a gunsmith to determine just what your dealing with, pistols, shotguns, etc…of these vintages they really need to be reviewed and discussed. Many shop owners can also be very helpful in that regard, I had that very conversation not too long ago about an Ithaca shotgun.
@@twentyfifthdui4717 hey thanks for all the additional information my knowledge of the top breaks is still growing but fascinated with all of it and all the things S&W was able to do back then.
What model is this one I have the same but is blued
I don’t believe the model name would have changed , it simply would be referred to as blue finish.
how many millimeters of bullets does it use
WHAT TYPES OF Bullets ?
32s&w. Thought that was quite clear.
Are these worth anything
I don’t see that many of them, and the ones I’ve seen have all been below 500 , but far from an expert on values of the top breaks , but a cool piece of S&W history.
Thank you so much for your response @@thedailydefender1408
Tengo un revolver me falta una poeza
Buenas tarde