32 S&W long

Casehardn · #1 10-08-2010, 07:05 PM

I picked up a Colt Det spl in 32 S&W long (new police) the other day.
The S&W long Magtech bullets I purchased leave quite a bit of room left in the cylinder. The wad cutter versions leave even more room.

I guess I'm just used to seeing rounds filling up most of the cylinder space in my S&W guns.

Does anyone else out there have this gun, and if so are there other cartridge choices that I'm not aware of?
Not sure why all the space before the cartridge hits the forcing cone.
Thanks.

cjw3 · #2 10-08-2010, 11:30 PM

I am guessing, and it is only a guess, that the cylinder length is for the .38 Special and was adapted for the .32 as is to avoid having to reduce the frame/cylinder window for a shorter cylinder.

Sounds like a nice piece to shoot and enjoy.

Casehardn · #3 10-09-2010, 08:13 AM

Thanks cjw3,
That makes perfect sense.

I'm hoping the extra space doesn't lead to inaccuracy, because it's a sweet little BUG.

Ammo that was available was Magtech 98 gr jacketed hollowpoint and Magtech 98gr wadcutter.

The hollowpoint round has greater velocity and energy, but I don't really expect the bullet to expand much at the posted velocity(and from a 2" barrel). Just looking to see which round the gun likes better.

I plan on doing some accuracy tests this weekend if I have time.
I'll post pics if I'm able to get to the range.

cjw3 · #4 10-09-2010, 06:08 PM

That .32 Long is a sweet little cartridge. I reload it for use in the .32 Hand Ejector in the pic. Even with my 56 year old eyes and that skinny front sight nested in the little groove in the topstrap you can usually frighten something the size of a tennis ball at 20 yards offhand.

HKSmith · #5 10-09-2010, 11:10 PM

I have a 1961 vintage Colt Police Positive Special in .32 Colt New Police (aka .32 S&W Long). It's essentially the same as the Detective Special, but with a 4 inch barrel. cjw3 is correct - the cylinder is long for this cartridge to accomodate the .38 Special cartridge.

I use my gun for plinking and paper targets at 50 feet with excellent results. I don't think the longer cylinder materially affects accuracy in this type of weapon - these are not 200 yard silhouette guns!

I've never used factory ammo in this caliber; I reload about 500-800 rounds per year of .32 S&W Long. The hollow base wadcutters are very accurate and shoot to point of aim. I've also had good results with 115 grain flat point bullets that are originally designed for the .32-20 cartridge.

Enjoy your gun and good shooting!

Casehardn · #6 10-10-2010, 11:58 AM

Well, I just returned from the range and I could not be happier with my Colt Det Spl 32 S&W Long.

This gun is not only fun to shoot, but really accurate for a 2" snubby.
I was able to shoot 2-3/4 inch groups at 15 yards with Magtech 98 gr wad cutters.
The 98 gr hollowpoints gave the same results with a liittle more zip.

What was really fun, was shooting the Remington 88 grain S&W 32 ( a shorter version of the S&W32 long) at a tin can. I was able to keep this guy dancing at 10 yard distance with single or double action fire.

At 20 yds, I took shots at a paper ground hog. Wanted to see if I could put meat in the pot with this gun. Sure enough, with single action it was no problem.
I'm definitely going to purchase more of both types of ammo.

No problems with dirty rounds, no misfires, all very manageable due to recoil being very low.

I love my Smith & Wessons, but I'll give credit where due and this little gun is one of the best snubbies I've ever shot.
Happy shooting! .

Vulcan Bob · #7 10-10-2010, 08:54 PM

Good gun, good shooting! Yeah give the devil his due, I have a Colt Police Positive in 38 special four inch and that little thing flat out shoot's.

cjw3 · #8 10-11-2010, 08:37 AM

That is a real nice revolver. For some reason, Colts are hardly ever seen around here in as nice shape as that; usually the reverse...scuffed up and rattling to boot. I think you'll have a good time with it.