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March 14, 2022
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Conflicting answers regarding the first 32WS rifle. Can anyone advise if 1901 or 1902 was the first year of rifle production? I know the cartridge was created by Winchester or introduced in 1901, but if anyone knows a specific serial number to a rifle with a 1901 DOM.
RickC
Rick C
November 19, 2006
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Rick – I don’t know the answer – but, fascinating topic 
(You knew I was going to click on this one right away)
March 14, 2022
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Haha yes I figured that Steve. I read on another thread here that there are rifles in 32WS that have 1901 DOM’s, as the serial number was applied in 1901, but shipped from the warehouse in 1902. Therefore 1901 would be the actual year of the rifle. I read on another forum ser 107731 is one with a 1901 ser # ??.
Rick C
November 19, 2006
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RickC said
Haha yes I figured that Steve. I read on another thread here that there are rifles in 32WS that have 1901 DOM’s, as the serial number was applied in 1901, but shipped from the warehouse in 1902. Therefore 1901 would be the actual year of the rifle. I read on another forum ser 107731 is one with a 1901 ser # ??.
For me, the interesting question is do any of these have 1901 ship dates?
September 22, 2011
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I seem to recall reading somewhere that the first shipped .32 Winchester Special Model 1894 didn’t ship until January 1902.
March 14, 2022
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As a 32WS fan, I would consider paying a small premium for one with a 1901 DOM.
Rick C
January 26, 2011
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I have 118912 & 136639 as 32WS rifles with 1901 dates in my survey. That said, they are most likely receivers that were not used until 1902.
~Gary~
March 14, 2022
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pdog72 said
I have 118912 & 136639 as 32WS rifles with 1901 dates in my survey. That said, they are most likely receivers that were not used until 1902.
Thanks Gary. It would be nice to know if one got shipped in 1901. I had a deluxe shipped in Feb 1902. Close but…
Rick C
April 15, 2005
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The first Model 1894 (a Sporting rifle) that was manufactured in the 32 WS cartridge was S/N 107731. It was serialized on February 14th, 1901, received in the warehouse on October 5th, 1901, and it shipped on October 16th, 1901.
The confusion about the true introduction date for the 32 WS was created when certain past authors inferred that it was not introduced until June 1902 (when it was first listed in Catalog No. 69).
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
March 14, 2022
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Bert H. said
The first Model 1894 (a Sporting rifle) that was manufactured in the 32 WS cartridge was S/N 107731. It was serialized on February 14th, 1901, received in the warehouse on October 5th, 1901, and it shipped on October 16th, 1901.The confusion about the true introduction date for the 32 WS was created when certain past authors inferred that it was not introduced until June 1902 (when it was first listed in Catalog No. 69).
Bert
Ah there we have it. I wonder how many have a 1901 DOM & ship date. Probably not many. Thanks Bert.
Rick C
November 19, 2006
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RickC said
Bert H. said
The first Model 1894 (a Sporting rifle) that was manufactured in the 32 WS cartridge was S/N 107731. It was serialized on February 14th, 1901, received in the warehouse on October 5th, 1901, and it shipped on October 16th, 1901.
The confusion about the true introduction date for the 32 WS was created when certain past authors inferred that it was not introduced until June 1902 (when it was first listed in Catalog No. 69).
Bert
Ah there we have it. I wonder how many have a 1901 DOM. Probably not many. Thanks Bert.
That’s where my thoughts went, but I am most interested in how many had 1901 ship dates. Thanks to Bert, at least we now know they are out there but surely the ones with the 1901 ship dates are few.
April 15, 2005
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My guess is that Winchester assembled and shipped at least a few hundred of them from October through December of 1901.
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
November 19, 2006
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Bert H. said
My guess is that Winchester assembled and shipped at least a few hundred of them from October through December of 1901.
Then should be one out there for Rick to find 
March 14, 2022
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Also found this info.
“The first 32 WS carbine produced was either SN122967 (by serial number order, man.8-27-1902) or 142889 (by date order, man. 5-10-1902).”
If correct, no 32WS carbines made in 1901, only rifles.
Rick C
November 19, 2006
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RickC said
Also found this info.“The first 32 WS carbine produced was either SN122967 (by serial number order, man.8-27-1902) or 142889 (by date order, man. 5-10-1902).”
If correct, no 32WS carbines made in 1901, only rifles.
And I’m going to bet it had a ring on it 
March 23, 2010
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The .32 Winchester Special is a nice and pleasant calibre to shoot.Enjoy.
November 19, 2006
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28 gauge said
The .32 Winchester Special is a nice and pleasant calibre to shoot.Enjoy.
Another member of the (elite) club
March 14, 2022
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steve004 said
28 gauge said
The .32 Winchester Special is a nice and pleasant calibre to shoot.Enjoy.
An other member of the (elite) club
Welcome 28 gauge! ?
Rick C
March 14, 2022
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From the Buffalo Bore website:
“The 32’s bigger bullet diameter, this is a definite advantage in lethality on big game. I’ve killed enough big game to know that if all else is equal, bullet diameter seriously affects how lethal the cartridge is on big game and this is where the 32 WS shines over the 30-30.”
Rick C
November 19, 2006
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RickC said
From the Buffalo Bore website:
“The 32’s bigger bullet diameter, this is a definite advantage in lethality on big game. I’ve killed enough big game to know that if all else is equal, bullet diameter seriously affects how lethal the cartridge is on big game and this is where the 32 WS shines over the 30-30.”
Thinking back (very pleasant deer camp memories), my Uncle Don, Uncle Myron, Cousins Gary, Mike, Ron, Brad … myself… all would heartily endorse the above statement.
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