The Smith and Wesson 3rd Model Hand Ejector in .32 S&W Long

The Smith and Wesson 3rd Model Hand Ejector in .32 S&W Long was produced from 1917 until 1942. A further refinement of the I-frame series of revolvers introduced in 1896, it continued the evolution of S&W's first model that incorporated a swing out cylinder.  With more petite dimensions than the J-frame, which is the foundation of the immensely successful S&W Chief's Special, the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Model Hand Ejectors are delightful to own and shoot.  They also carry well in a belly band.

The .32 S&W Long cartridge, which was introduced with the 1st Model Hand Ejector, has never been a power house but with its mild report, low recoil, and superb accuracy, it is a pleasure to shoot. Despite its modest ballistics, the round was adopted (as the .32 Colt New Police cartridge) by the the New York City Police Department the year that it was introduced, other departments followed suit, and it soon became a fairly popular round for police in the Eastern United States during the early Twentieth Century.

The 32 Colt New Police cartridge is the same round as the .32 S&W Long but it used a flat rather than round nosed bullet that was purportedly more effective.  A primary reason that the cartridge was adopted by the New York City Police Department was not stopping power; rather it was the notoriously poor shooting skills of the officers as observed by Theodore Roosevelt when he was Police Commissioner.  Then, as is today, a cartridge with modest recoil and mild report is easier to master, especially for those who are not firearms enthusiasts.  Ballistics are meaningless if the bullet misses the target and I contend that accuracy and shot placement will always surpass power that is improperly delivered.

Smith & Wesson 3rd Model Hand Ejectors are still relatively easy to find at attractive prices and they exhibit the quality, finish, and dependability from an era when manufacturers were truly proud of their products.  Despite their tiny sights, they are quite accurate and I have shot examples that delivered consistent, one hole groups offhand at seven yards (the statistically average range in which a gunfight occurs).   For recoil sensitive shooters, the Smith and Wesson 3rd Model Hand Ejector in .32 S&W Long is a small and light revolver that is easy to carry, provides simplicity of operation, has a good trigger, and offers more power than a .22 rimfire with less recoil than ultralight, sub-compact pistols in .32 and .380 ACP.