Just arrived 22/32 Kit Airweight

[alfsauve]

Just arrived back from my dad's house, where I brought home the last of his guns.   I thought I'd share pictures along with how this is different from other S&Ws.

This is a S&W 22/32 Kit gun Airweight.  The design was originally for a .32S&W, but Smith adopted it for .22lr hence the name 22/32.  It was one of the early lightweights (1950s).  Sort of the Glock of i's day, using that wonder material aluminum, for the frame and cylinder.  It has recessed cylinders, a flat cylinder release, a 3 screw side plate and a captive coiled main spring (not a typical S&W flat spring).  This one has a 3-1/2" pinned barrel and fully adjustable rear sights.

I think this model morphed into the model 43 eventually.   It has no model number designation.  The serial number on the yoke differs from the serial number on the bottom of the frame which I believe is the true serial number.  In this case 24xxx.   Am doing more research and given my recent infatuation with S&W I'm going to have buy "the book".

[m25operator]

Congrats Alf, those are excellent revolvers, although I believe the cylinder should be steel, stick a magnet to it. I have never seen one that would not shoot well, great bunny and squirrel gun.

[alfsauve]

.......... although I believe the cylinder should be steel, stick a magnet to it.

Nope.  That's one of the unique things about these revolvers.  The frame and cylinder are aluminum.   I will admit that to look at it you couldn't tell.  It's why there were marketed as "airweight".   Very unique for the time.   As I said sort of the "Glock" of their day.


(I did double check with a magnet.  )

[kmitch200]

Very nice!

[alfsauve]

Not just to bore everyone, but mainly because I like this picture.  Here's a close up of the cylinder.





And just in case you're curious, the number inside the yoke isn't the serial number on the earlier S&Ws.  It is just a frame number.  The actual SN is located on the bottom of the butt.  And should match the number on the bottom of the barrel under the ejector rod, unless the barrel has been replaced.

[Sponsor]

[blackwolfe]

Alf.  Nice!  The book is very helpful as well as this forum:

http://smith-wessonforum.com/

[alfsauve]

Thanks Blackwolfe.

I've been a member over at SWForums for a couple of years.  They're very helpful, though they do strongly suggest after a few question that you go ahead and buy "the book".   I've had a few questions answered and to keep up my good standing I've posted new topics occasionally.  Now that I have 4 more S&Ws I'm a little more active this month.   The problem over there is they have SO MANY posts I don't have time to track them all.

Another REAL BUSY forum is Accurate Reloading.  A very interesting INTERNATIONAL site with a world perspective on shooting and hunting.   Mostly over there I just read the reloading section.   I got hooked over there on the airgun portion first.