Anyone know if the model 1903 in 32 Cal has a cylinder with enough length for the re-bore to 327Mag or 32 H&R? I'm getting kind of desperate for a S&W 327 Mag.
BTW, has anyone seen that selling off the Thomson Center brand might open up enough manufacturing capacity in Springfield to bring out a few new revolvers? Or am I just dreaming?

that would not be a good idea, much higher pressure.
some here buy a newer j frame 32 long with a model number 30-1 i believe,and ream it for 32 H&R magnum.
Mike

The difference between .32 H&R, and .327 MAGNUM pressures is tremendous. I can/do shoot H&R from an airweight J-frame w/o issue.
The .327 from a heavier, but still small snub, Ruger SP101 I found to be
almost intolerable in an indoor range. There's not way in HECK I could
see modding an old J-frame to safely take the .327. Proceed with caution!

Had an improved I frame 32 RP from the early 50s. The cylinder was not long enough to alter to the 32 H&R Mag. You will need a J frame gun.

John

Even if you could no one here will recommend it. Buy a gun chambered for the 327 mag. It creates way too much pressure for any gun chambered for the 32 S&W long...

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Randy

Well, maybe not, Randy. The K frame .32-20 and .32 Long K-32 could handle it, IMO. There are also some rare K frames chambered for .32 Long and serialed in the .32-20 number range that could do it if someone was foolish enough to destroy the collector value.

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Guy
SWHF #474 SWCA LM#2629

I did not consider those, yes any one of those could be converted. I guess my mind went to the I frames chambered in 32 long, but you are certainly correct in that the collector value would be gone.

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Randy

I had my .327 built on a pre-15 K frame with a Model 16-4 barrel and rechambered K22 cylinder. Hamilton Bowen did it for me years ago.

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Chris
SWCA #2243 SWHF #292

mfholmes,

I too wanted a S&W in .327 mag. I bought 3 Rugers before I lucked onto a S&W 16-4.
My experience:
Factory .327 is downright painful to shoot in a Ruger LCR, uncomfortable in a Ruger SP-101 and wonderful in a Ruger New Model Blackhawk.
I'd suggest finding someone that has a .327 that he'd let you shoot and then consider the Lipsey's Distributor exclusive Ruger GP100, or Single Seven.

George

I suggest doing what I did, save your money, be patient and keep an eye open for a 16-4 (4, 6, 8-3/8") barrel. Buy it and ream to 327. Good luck.

FYI for anyone else similarly inclined, there is currently a 1903 I-frame in 32 cal on GB that is far from collector's condition that would be a good conversion candidate if it could be done. That is why I had to ask.

I have accumulated a modest amount of experience with the I frame 32 caliber S&Ws and a small amount with the 327. I wouldn't dream of mixing the two, however. IMHO, the 327 in even the later, stronger J frame S&Ws would still be "too much of a good thing."

I prefer the SA Rugers (Single Six and Blackhawk size) and of course the K frame S&W (available only as a custom build or a rebore of the 16-4.)

I too have engaged in much speculations to whether the Springfield folks would ever see fit to build such a gun, but for the foreseeable future, it seems like this is at best a custom proposition.

Froggie

The I frame 32 long is such a fun shooter, it is the perfect kit gun for a caster and reloader. If the intended target is less than 25 lbs it is tough to see a better short range cartridge.

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Front sight and squeeze

I HAVE A RUGER SINGLE SEVEN IN .327 AND A MODEL 16-4 RECHAMBERED BY HAMILTON BOWEN. The K-frame is more accurate and easier to shoot. Pressures are high, accuracy is fabulous, and hand loading is easy. Find a 16-4 and rechamber it. My J-frame .327 is truly unpleasant to shoot, and being ported is very loud.

Attached Images

	632-1(blk).jpg (61.5 KB, 17 views)
	16-4_327 Mag.jpg (76.9 KB, 17 views)
	Ruger Single_Seven Comp.jpg (58.7 KB, 21 views)

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Terry
SWCA, SWHS, IWLA, NRA

I totally agree with mtgianni... the I frame is a great little gun to knock around with and use on game/vermin up to maybe 25 lbs or less. It is simple and economical to reload for, especially if you cast your own bullets.

OTOH, it is a small revolver in fairly low power range, and one would be fooling himself if he were to try and push this little gun to do more than it was designed to do. You wouldn’t want to go deep sea fishing with an eight foot fly rod. Likewise, the little I frame is not appropriate as a big game gun, although I readily admit I use one as my EDC on my concealed carry permit, but this is maximum use for a minimal arm.

Froggie

The .327 is a high pressure round. IMHO if you want to shoot .327 buy a gun chambered for the round. There are plenty of options out there (not all current production of course). If you want a S&W .327 they did make J frames in the caliber. The only conversion of a Smith I would consider is a k-frame, certainly not an I frame, which probably couldn't be done anyway.

Another option is to convert a Dan Wesson .32 H&R with a cylinder ream. This is one I have and it makes a great .327 platform.

Attached Images

dan wesson 32 4 and 8_zpsay9ypyi7.jpg (129.4 KB, 8 views)

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Jim
Many K and N Frames