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Smith & Wesson Model 31-1 Snubnose
Posted: Mon Dec 29, 2014 9:52 am
by tjtM38
I've been wanting to shoot this pistol for the past three years since purchase, but just can't bring myself to do it. Found this one in a pawn shop at a reasonable price and bought it on impulse. My S&W Standard Catalog says it was manufactured in 1971. It is one of those pistols that stayed in some lady's night stand drawer for years and was never fired. There was only the slightest bit of surface corrosion on the top strap which I mitigated. I would call it 90% plus. Would you shoot it, or leave it as is?
Re: Smith & Wesson Model 31-1 Snubnose
Posted: Mon Dec 29, 2014 11:00 am
by Genetically Swiss
It is a tool mean't to shoot. I would shoot it.
GS
Re: Smith & Wesson Model 31-1 Snubnose
Posted: Mon Dec 29, 2014 12:07 pm
by MeatMarket
I'd shoot it. I'd shoot any weapon as long as ammo is available and it's safe.
Re: Smith & Wesson Model 31-1 Snubnose
Posted: Mon Dec 29, 2014 2:32 pm
by Mosinhope
Are you absolutely sure it was never fired. Gun Store personal like to say that to close a sale. Do you know or can you tell if it has ever been shot? Maybe the little old lady bought it used or her late husband shot it. Anyway, I don't think a box or two of ammo will hurt it or lessen value a heck of a lot. S&W Model 31-1 are collectable but are not way at the top of the list.
Re: Smith & Wesson Model 31-1 Snubnose
Posted: Mon Dec 29, 2014 3:09 pm
by redspoon
That's a nice one tjt, congrats but as mentioned above I would at least have to squeeze off 4 or 5 rounds.
Re: Smith & Wesson Model 31-1 Snubnose
Posted: Mon Dec 29, 2014 3:30 pm
by tjtM38
Mosinhope wrote:Are you absolutely sure it was never fired. Gun Store personal like to say that to close a sale. Do you know or can you tell if it has ever been shot? Maybe the little old lady bought it used or her late husband shot it. Anyway, I don't think a box or two of ammo will hurt it or lessen value a heck of a lot. S&W Model 31-1 are collectable but are not way at the top of the list.
No, I'm not certain it is unfired. However, close inspection shows no cylinder rings and no powder residue on the top strap between the barrel (a hard place to clean on a S&W). Also, there was no hint of any lead in the forcing cone or barrel (these little pistols were typically shot with soft lead wad cutters). I'm just assessing that it looks unfired. The gun shop personnel never stated anything except that it was being sold as "used." I may shoot it some; I don't think it would detract from the value if I just keep it in good shape. Thanks for looking.
Re: Smith & Wesson Model 31-1 Snubnose
Posted: Wed Dec 31, 2014 8:00 am
by entropy
I'd shoot it. It's not extremely rare, ammo is available, and I've always liked .32's. Good find!
Re: Smith & Wesson Model 31-1 Snubnose
Posted: Sat Jan 03, 2015 12:47 pm
by Tennessee_Mosin
Shoot it man---Shoot it---
