How do you determine what the model of a Smith and Wesson 32 cal CTG 6-shot revolver with a Winchester barrel is?

Answer 1

Well, the 32 CTG marking is the caliber- indicating 32 cartridge- but there were several different .32 cartridges- .32 S&W, .32 Long, and .32 WCF (Winchester Center fire, aka the 32-20). Step 1- be sure that your revolver IS a Smith and Wesson. Many different makes are marked 32 S&W CTG to indicate the caliber. A true S&W will be marked in the side plates Smith & Wesson (spelled out) and Marcas Registradas (S&W had problems with Spanish Counterfeits) and the S&W logo. Next, S&W began numbering their models about 1948, and stamping the model number on the frame, under the cylinder crane (open cylinder, look on part of frame that was hidden). However, the early NAMED models were not marked. You would need to have a knowledgeable collector or dealer do a hands on appraisal, or hunt through the Blue Book of Gun Values, Gun Traders Guide, or any of the several Smith & Wesson references. Last- to be best of my knowledge, Winchester did not make barrels for Smith & Wesson.