Smith & Wesson .32-20 Hand Ejector 1st Model 3-Digit S/N 6″ Target Revolver
SOLD FOR: $1,463.00
LSB: LSB251122XX003
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: .32-20 Hand Ejector 1st Model Target
Serial Number: 749
Year of Manufacture: 1899-1902 / C&R
Caliber: .32-20 Winchester
Action Type: Single Action or Double Action Revolver with 6 Round Swing-Out Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “-32 WINCHESTER CTG-“. The top of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS, U.S.A. ,PATD JUL 1, 84, / APR 9, 89, MAY 21 95, JULY 10, 95, AUG 4, 96, DEC 22, 96, OCT 4, 98”. The butt of the grip frame is marked with the serial number “749”. The S&W monogram logo is on the right side of the frame. The crane and crane cut are marked “4898”.
Barrel Length: 6″, Pinned
Sights / Optics: The front Target sight is a square cut blade mounted and pinned to a raised boss. The rear sight is a micro adjustable U-notch attached to the top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two piece checkered walnut with smooth diamonds around the screw escutcheons and gold S&W medallions. There are minor dings and scratches and the checkering is slightly worn but visible. There are no chips or cracks. The grips rate in Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued, Case Color Hammer & Trigger
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is minor erosion present at the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 8/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 40% of its metal finish. There is near total finish loss in wear areas of the grip frame, backstrap and trigger guard. There is only finish remaining in protected areas of the frame, cylinder and barrel. There are some scratches along the frame. There are light carbon rings on the face of the cylinder and a heavy turn line with wear in the cylinder stops. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: The Smith & Wesson .32-20 Hand Ejector 1st Model represents one of the earliest examples of S&W’s revolutionary swing-out cylinder revolver design. Introduced in 1899, the Hand Ejector series marked a decisive shift away from top-break revolvers and established the basic K-frame platform that would become a cornerstone of Smith & Wesson production for decades. Chambered in .32-20 Winchester—a popular cartridge shared with contemporary lever-action rifles—these revolvers were favored for their versatility and accuracy. With its three-digit serial number “749”, this example is an especially early production (and scarce Target model) revolver from the 1899-1902 period and qualifies as C&R eligible.
This revolver retains approximately 40% of its original blued finish, with most remaining finish found in protected areas of the frame, barrel, and cylinder. The grip frame, backstrap, and trigger guard show significant finish loss from honest handling wear. The cylinder exhibits light carbon rings on the face and a pronounced turn line with wear at the cylinder stops. The screw heads remain sharp, and the markings are clear. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and only minor erosion, rating 8/10 in this writer’s opinion. The case-colored hammer and trigger add attractive contrast.
The two-piece checkered walnut grips with smooth diamonds and gold S&W medallions show minor dings and light wear to the checkering but remain free of cracks or chips, rating Very Good overall. Mechanically, the revolver functions correctly.
Overall, this is a solid and historically significant .32-20 Hand Ejector 1st Model Target with a desirable three-digit serial number, offering strong collector appeal as an early example of Smith & Wesson’s first swing-out cylinder design. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids!
BF/MA
