Liberty HW 5 .32 S&W Long 7-Shot Revolver, 2.5" Barrel, 1968 West German Ulm Proof
Produced in 1968 and proofed at Ulm, this Liberty-branded HW 5 revolver offers a rare, seven-shot cylinder chambered for .32 S&W Long and a factory 2.5-inch barrel. The revolver carries early “Made in Germany” import markings, an Arminius Indian-head logo, and a Liberty medallion used by the U.S. distributor, making it an appealing piece for collectors of post-war West German handguns.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Rifling Condition: Good - Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: The blued finish shows scattered scratches and light blemishes consistent with regular holster wear. The one-piece plastic grips remain solid with crisp checkering and no cracks. The bore is bright with strong rifling and only minimal frosting.
What’s Included
- Liberty HW 5 .32 S&W Long revolver
Built on a carbon-steel frame, cylinder, and barrel, the HW 5 is finished in a deep blue that complements its utilitarian lines. The exposed hammer and smooth double-action/single-action trigger give shooters flexible control for both deliberate single-action precision and rapid double-action follow-ups.
The revolver’s seven-shot capacity sets it apart from most six-shot .32s of the era, providing an extra round without enlarging the frame. Fixed iron sights—a serrated ramp front blade paired with a square-notch rear milled into the top strap—offer a low-profile, snag-free sight picture.
Proofed with the stag antler and Eagle N nitro marks at Ulm, this example predates the 1968 Gun Control Act import changes and bears the simple “Made in Germany” legend. The Liberty grip medallions denote the U.S. distributor’s branding, adding a unique touch that collectors often seek.
A short 2.5-inch barrel keeps overall length compact while still giving the .32 S&W Long cartridge room to develop respectable velocity. Combined with its modest recoil and checkered brown plastic grips, the HW 5 remains comfortable for extended range sessions and period-correct shooting displays.