Any .32 shooters out there?

[22 Short]

I was wondering if any of you folks were regular .32 S&W long shooters. I've heard it is a real fun cartridge to shoot and was known for its accuracy. I have been kind of watching for one in my travels and have not run into any lately but hope to. I did pass one up about a year ago and kind of wish I hadn't.

I've heard it is a difficult caliber to find ammo for though, have others found this to be the case or are there places that it can be found. I'd hate to buy something I can't shoot.

Also what models would any of you recommend for a good shooter and not so rare that it would cost me my life's savings to purchase. I'm not sure how many models in the 50s-80s were made in this caliber. Seems the 30 and 31 were in this caliber.

Thanks in advance. I figured this would be a good place to find out my options.

Dave

[Erich]

Factory .32 S&W Long is loaded incredibly weak due to the number of top-break revolvers out there chambered in this round. Handloading with period data (search on my name here along with the term "Sharpe" to find a link to Phil Sharpe's reloading manual online for free) gives solid-frame .32 owners a lot more oomph for this accurate round.

I have a couple revolvers chambered for this round; again, search on my name, as I've discussed them here.

[badge]

They are enjoyable to plink with. SG Ammo has some factory stuff at reasonable prices.

[Alk8944]

Originally Posted by Erich

Factory .32 S&W Long is loaded incredibly weak due to the number of top-break revolvers out there chambered in this round.

It isn't loaded particularly heavy, but this isn't the reason! Except for some late H&Rs there were no top break revolvers made chambered for .32 S&W Long! The cartridge for the top breaks was .32 S&W, the cylinders were generally too short for the Long.

Post a picture of a top beak showing markings that it is chambered for .32 S&W Long, then I might believe this!

[RussellD]

I have become a .32. Convert. Easy to reload for. I like loading .32 wadcutters. Have decided to jump all the way in the water and get a dillon conversion for the 550. A four inch model 31 is a joy to shoot. I dream of a k frame .32

[Erich]

Originally Posted by Alk8944

It isn't loaded particularly heavy, but this isn't the reason! Except for some late H&Rs there were no top break revolvers made chambered for .32 S&W Long! The cartridge for the top breaks was .32 S&W, the cylinders were generally too short for the Long.

Post a picture of a top beak showing markings that it is chambered for .32 S&W Long, then I might believe this!

I suppose you'll have to believe what you want: as you note, H&R made some.

Sent from my VS980 4G using Tapatalk

[KarmannGhia]

I love 32s. Factory ammo is not cheap (like low end 9mm) but once you build up a decent supply of brass, it is a very easy caliber to reload. I have 2 32 longs, 2 32 HR Mags, 5 32-20s, 1 327 Mag, and 1 32 acp. I enjoy shooting every one. The 32-20 is the most difficult to reload.

[george_lehr]

Fun to shoot and easy (and cheap) to reload; light bullets and small powder charges. You could get .32 Long ammo on line today for a decent price if you wanted it. Not like .22 LR!
A model 30 or 31 would be the easiest to find and most reasonable to purchase. The K32 would be very expensive. Old I frame .32s are not hard to find, but if you want one with a clean bore and decent finish, they can get pricy and the sights are very hard to use for my old eyes.
My .32 HE 3rd change 4 +1/4" (from 1909) shoots well, despite a pitted bore, beat finish and incredibly tiny front sight. My model 30-1 (from 1972), 3" is lots better.
George

[robertrwalsh]

I have a very nice Colt DS in .32 long. Nice gun. Shoots well.

[Grayfox]

Some years ago the arthritis in my wife's hands made shooting her .38 uncomfortable. We came across a nice 2" 30-1 at a gun show and she took a liking to it. Long story short: I now have 4 .32 wheelguns and a 1903 Colt in .32acp
Its a neat little round. Almost no recoil, very accurate and cheap to reload. I really enjoy shooting them.

[jsfricks]

I find 32 Long factory ammo online often for around $16 a box. That's pretty reasonable to me. I'm a big fan of the 32's!

[Green Frog]

I don't think I can logically explain why I like the 32 revolver. After a few I-frames as well as a pre-War Target a couple of K-frames, and even a couple of Ruger Single Actions in 32, I have come to the conclusion that a J-frame 32 Long and a K-frame 327 Fed Mag are the ultimate developments of the caliber. Of course I had to build my own K-327 because S&W hadn't/ wouldn't, but that's another story. The fact is that any of the S&W 32s are fun to shoot, versatile and easy to load for... ask anyone who shoots one.

Froggie

[d524ax]

I have an old H&R 732, S&W long. It was my first carry gun, have had it over 30 years. Fun piece to shoot, just make sure you use the correct ammo.

[perrazi]

I don't have any older 32 longs, but my wife has a 2in smith in that caliber. I have two colt officers in the comparable colt chambering. of course you can shoot 32 long in the 32 magnum guns. also have a couple of 32-20 handguns. for 30 years I didn't own a 32 and now have a bunch.if you reload, they are super cheap to shoot.

[Nframe_is_no1]

I love .32s and hope to find a nice 32-20 or K32 someday. I've assembled a collection of small frames for now.

From top:
6" .32 H.E. Model of 1903
4 1/4" .32 H.E. Model of 1903
3 1/4" pre model 30

Model 31-1s from top:
4" nickle
3"
2"

Twin model 31-1s in 3"

Model 631 in .32 H&R Magnum


Model 632-1 in .327 Federal Magnum

[firemanhank]

I shoot my 31 snubby quite often..It's a blast..

[Double-O-Dave]

A Model 423PD in .32 H&R magnum was my first J-frame, and my introduction to the .32 Long whenever .32 H&R Magnum ammo could not be found. I like it, and its the pistol that is kept loaded and ready for the women in the house should they need to repel boarders.

Regards,

Dave