so i have been looking for a 32 top break DA revolver for sometime now, i have found a fellow forum member willing to sell me one for $400.00 (with original box)

my question is am i able to shoot .32acp ammo out of it? it is a black powder revolver so i am told, and i do not like shooting powder. also trying to pinpoint the year...if it is before 1899 i do not have to ship it to a ffl dealer...which would be great he places the year between 1883-1909, S/N 181xxx, 3 inch barrel...anyone know?

The SAAMI pressures for the .32 S&W weren't listed in the latest pressure chart but it is less than the .32 S&W Long which is maximum 15,500 psi. The .32 ACP is 20,500 psi. The black powder loads are even way less than the .32 S&W Long so you could figure with .32 ACP you are probably DOUBLING the safe pressures the gun can stand. Sounds like a sure blow-up if you ask me. I would be loading that puppy with black powder meself. All pressures quoted are Piezzo, while CUP will be less.
Stu

The 32 acp is not the correct load for this gun. This is for a 32 S&W (not a 32 S&W long). Some refer to it as a 32 S&W short. The ammo is available, but pricy. This is the only ammo you should use. New factory is loaded mild enough for these old guns, but I wouldn't shoot it a great lot.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

.32 S&W is not loaded any hotter than it ever was. There is some debate over the effect of smokeless versus black, but a moderate amount of smokeless is not going to wear your gun out. At least it did not mine.

As said, .32 ACP is not right and it IS substantially hotter than .32 S&W.
Don't shoot it.

A period S&W in the original box is a good catch, take care of it.

Flayderman says that .32 Double Action 4th Model, 1883-1909, serial numbers below 209300 were made before 1899. That would make yours an antique. SCSW does not pronounce on antiquity that I have seen.

Thanks everyone for the education

in direct reference to this quote H richard, its safe to say that i can use 32 S&W loads through this gun and not the black powder correct? all i seem to find for ammo is 32 S&W long no shorts...just want to be extra sure before i purchase this fine machine

.32 S&W Long will not chamber in a revolver chambered for .32 S&W due to the length difference. As stated, .32 ACP will fit and fire in a .32 S&W chamber, but as its chamber pressure is much higher, it is not safe to do so in any of the old top-breaks. I have done it with no problem in later solid-frame revolvers chambered in .32 Long. .32 S&W is difficult to find, even though it is still manufactured - or at least I think it is. A gun shop might special-order it for you if you are willing to pay the price. .32 S&W factory ammo loaded with smokeless powder is perfectly safe to use in older BP-era guns. It is loaded lightly, to pressure levels and velocities about the same as the old BP loads. The same is true for the ammunition made in most of the other older calibers from the BP era, such as the .38 S&W.

very informative...i may just purchase this revolver afterall, pending the ammunition availability

I recently bought 200 rounds of .32 S&W online...it's out there. I have several old Smiths in .32 S&W and a nice old Iver Johnson from the 1920's. They are very good shooters, and were very popular carry guns in their day. I recommend only OCCASIONAL firing, just because these old guns in good condition should be treated with respect.

mark

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Liberals made the USA

A couple of weekends ago at a local gun show I saw several boxes of 32 S&W (not Long) for sale. Boxes looked fresh, but I don't know that they were of recent manufacture. Anyway, as above guys have said, it is out there. And if that gun of yours is solid, I wouldn't be afraid to shoot it with modern smokeless loads. I've shot my Safety Hammerless some and even with some chamber corrosion it didn't blow.

Good to know man thanks

".. at a local gun show I saw several boxes of 32 S&W ..". Me too, but the sticker shock was $60./box of fifty! I passed as I think cooler minds still exist. Mike #283

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Mike Maher #283

I suggest that you check AmmoSeek.com for .32 S&W. This morning I see availability for prices as low as $.46/rnd.

Good luck! I have the same gun (sans box and with nickle finish not in such good shape as yours) that I have fired with modern ammo without any problem.