Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > Smith & Wesson Revolvers > S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present
o

Notices

S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present All NON-PINNED Barrels, the L-Frames, and the New Era Revolvers


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 10-20-2009, 10:51 PM
JamesD's Avatar
JamesD JamesD is offline
US Veteran
Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum  
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Georgia, up in the mounta
Posts: 117
Likes: 21
Liked 39 Times in 14 Posts
Default Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum

I am looking for a revolver chambered in .32 H&R Magnum.
Wondering if any of y’all had any “favorites” to point me towards.

S&W of course. (Or Colts maybe, if that’s OK).

This revolver will be carried, so my preferences would be:
- short-ish barrel
- light-ish weight

But then I have two other preferences which sort of run contrary to carry logic:
1- I just don’t like shrouded hammers (sorry, I can’t help it).
2- I have big hands and long fingers. I am really more comfortable with a bigger frame/grip.
But maybe...for carry...stay with a small frame and find the right grips to “swell” the grip/size for me? ? ?

Anybody have any favorite revolvers to recommend, and/or ideas about mating my big hand to a small frame revolver?

Thanks for your help!

JamesD
__________________
Happy to be here!
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 10-20-2009, 11:07 PM
Allen-frame's Avatar
Allen-frame Allen-frame is offline
Member
Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Florida,South,hell.
Posts: 2,781
Likes: 143
Liked 2,499 Times in 368 Posts
Default Not many.

James ,there were not many Smith revolvers chambered in 32 H&R Magnum. There are the J frames which, I imagine, bark pretty good but have little recoil with the 98 grain bullet.

Then there is the K-32, Model 16-4. These came in 4" and 6". Finding either at a reasonable price is a task in and of itself.

Here is my 4" Model 16-4 , these begin at $600. and go up.





Regards ,, Allen F.
__________________
NRA cert.instructor&R.S.O.
Reply With Quote
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #3  
Old 10-20-2009, 11:27 PM
JamesD's Avatar
JamesD JamesD is offline
US Veteran
Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum  
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Georgia, up in the mounta
Posts: 117
Likes: 21
Liked 39 Times in 14 Posts
Default Yours...I like it...I'll take that one ! ! !

Allen,

Thanks for the reply.
Can you "dumb down" your post a bit for me?

I come (mainly) from the world of the semi-auto and am a bit "terminology challenged" here.

So like...I know what a j-frame is.
(Have a couple of my Daddy's you can find pictured/posted here.)

But if I were Googling/searching on Gunbroker/this forum here, etc. what exactly would I be "asking" for?
Just "a S&W j-frame in .32 H&R Magnum"?
Or are their certain model numbers that were specifically .32 H&R Magnums?

And, likewise, exactly how do I interpret how you designated your gun?
It's a model 16-4, which IS a 4" k-frame in .32 ? ? ?
Or is there a bunch of variations of 16-4s, and your particular 16-4 is a 4" k-frame in .32?

Sorry to get all kindergarten-y on you, but a man's gotta get started sometime, somewhere, somehow.

Thanks!

James
__________________
Happy to be here!
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 10-21-2009, 01:36 AM
Dale53 Dale53 is offline
Member
Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum  
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Southwestern Ohio
Posts: 2,337
Likes: 209
Liked 1,195 Times in 457 Posts
Default

I have an S&W Model 631 ("J" frame, 4" barrel, stainless steel chambered in .32 H&R Magnum). These are not easy to find as they only made one run of them. They are small, easily carried and make a near perfect "belt gun" for use with a shotgun when bird hunting or to carry when hiking. They shoot really well but require a bit more effort as they are so small and light.

I have an S&W 16-4 (6" barrel) and these are the "Creme de la creme" of .32 H&R magnums. These are blued. They have the full underlug barrel ( as illustrated above) excellent triggers, enough weight and size to enable you to shoot really well but are a bit large for carry. They fit large hands well and there are any number of good grips available (I prefer Pachmayr grips for field use).

I have a Ruger SP101 (stainless steel, very strong pocket gun with a 4" barrel). The Ruger has a lot going for it (but is out of production). However, it will need a trigger job, has a small grip, and the rear sight is only adjustable for windage. Mine would not allow me to zero it with the sights as furnished.

The caliber is an excellent one for target and edible small game shooting. I cast my own bullets for mine and have shot them a LOT.

Dale53

Last edited by Dale53; 06-13-2017 at 07:39 AM.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #5  
Old 10-21-2009, 01:49 AM
DC7's Avatar
DC7 DC7 is offline
Member
Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum  
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 302
Likes: 14
Liked 127 Times in 32 Posts
Default J-frames in .32 Magnum

The following were S&W's small (J) frame revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum:
  • Model 032: Airweight Centennial (fully-enclosed hammer). An uncataloged model--only about 180 were ever built.
  • Model 431PD: Airweight with exposed hammer.
  • Model 432PD: Airweight Centennial.
  • Model 631: Stainless steel with exposed hammer.
  • Model 632: Stainless Airweight Centennial.
Small batches of the 431PD and 432PD are still built from time to time. The others have been discontinued since the early 1990's, although S&W re-used the 632 model number for their recently-introduced .327 Magnum revolver.

Here are the 032 and 632 Centennials from 1991:



JamesD, if smaller J-frame grips like those pictured above don't work for you, you could always try something like the Uncle Mike's combat grip, pictured below. They're extremely comfortable, and should work better for someone with larger hands.

Uncle Mike's combat grips on a .38 Special Centennial:
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #6  
Old 10-21-2009, 10:39 AM
Nygma Nygma is offline
Member
Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum  
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Michigan
Posts: 439
Likes: 18
Liked 35 Times in 18 Posts
Default

Here are the 631s:

2" Lady Smith


4"
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #7  
Old 10-21-2009, 11:37 AM
m657's Avatar
m657 m657 is offline
Member
Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum  
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: sunny Orygun
Posts: 2,910
Likes: 392
Liked 307 Times in 195 Posts
Default

Ruger makes an old SAA style revolver (they call their model a "Single Six") in 32 mag with different length barrels available. Sometimes they are plentiful and more often they are difficult to find. I believe Taurus offers a couple also.

I had one made by NEF now defunct. Don't bother with the bottom quality models. My NEF was fired about 20 times, cleaned, put in a drawer for 10 years, taken out and was inoperable due to spring failure.

If you like the advantages of the small bore, 32 mag is a great round.
__________________
Dum vivimus Vivamas
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #8  
Old 10-21-2009, 01:10 PM
HeyJoe's Avatar
HeyJoe HeyJoe is offline
Member
Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum  
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: New York
Posts: 522
Likes: 922
Liked 335 Times in 174 Posts
Default

There also airlight models 331 with an exposed hammer and a 332 which is a centennial.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 10-21-2009, 01:29 PM
BUFF BUFF is offline
SWCA Member
Absent Comrade
Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum  
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: SLC, Utah
Posts: 5,062
Likes: 739
Liked 3,271 Times in 1,282 Posts
Default

The Model 16-4 was the first K frame (mid-size frame) .32 H&R Magnum revolver made by S&W, in 1989. The earlier Model 16's (M-16, 16-1, 16-2 and 16-3) were K frame revolvers chambered for the shorter, less powerful father, the .32 S&W Long cartridge, are also referred to as the "K-32 Masterpiece," and had been discontinued by 1974. All Model 16's of any era are fairly scarce and pricey, but the most modern, the .32 H&R Mag M-16-4, is the most affordable. The M-16-4 was made with 4, 6 and 8-3/8 inch barrels with the full-length barrel underlug.

In "Smith & Wesson-speak", MOST of the time the first digits of the model number designate the frame size, frame material and cartridge, while the "dash" number designates an engineering change or some other variation, but the exceptions to this scheme are huge.

I would google or search ".32 H&R Magnum S&W" and variants, like ".32 Mag Smith & Wesson" and so forth and see what turns up. .32 H&R Mag revolvers made by other makers include products from Harrington & Richardson, Ruger and Charter Arms.

The .32 caliber handgun never really has caught fire in the U.S. It is a great little family of cartridges (.32 S&W, .32 S&W Long, .32 H&R Magnum, .327 Magnum, plus relatives .32 WCF/.32-20 Winchester, .32 ACP) that are accurate and cheap to reload for, but they have, especially since WWII, become pretty much a niche item.

Laid off one summer between college quarters, and unable to find other work, I spent the better part of a month casting SWC bullets for the .32 Long (free wheelweights), reloading them with a small pinch of Bullseye powder (then about $5.00 a pound) and small pistol primers bought for 50 cents a hundred, then driving to a nearby range on my motorcycle (gas was about 65 cents a gallon for premium) and spending the afternoon shooting my shiney little cartridge gems through a 4 inch Model Model 31. I got pretty good at it when I could shoot up 500 rounds a week, and those 500 rounds cost me about $3.25 to load. It made me feel frivolous to waste $7.50 for a brick of .22 LR cartridges!

I felt absolutely giddy when I found a used plain base mould, Lyman 3118, $10.00 with handles, in a gunshop junkbox, so I could save the spendy price of gaschecks I had been using on my Lyman 311316 mould!

I had wanted to find a K frame K-32 Model 16, to go with my K-38 Model 14 and K-22 Model 17, but I never saw one for sale in my home city from 1974 to the 1990's. I was thinking hard on sending the little Model 31 off to Larry Kelly's Mag-Na-Port firm to have it outfitted with an adjustable J frame Kit Gun rear sight and taller ramp front sight, but that would have to wait until work started back up to pay for it.

By fall, school started back up, the plant reopened and I had enough spending money to go back to shooting my beloved home-cast .44 and .45 caliber bullets, and to shoot .38 Special varmint loads in my 6 inch M-14 K-38. The .38 handloaded cartridge was a Sierra 110 grain JHP ($5.00 a box of 100) over 7.0 grains of Unique ($5.00 a pound) on top of small pistol primers at 50 cents per 100. So the hot 110 grain JHP loads (now they would be called "Plus-P" loads) cost me $17.50 to load 500 of them.

There wasn't many little varmints at the range to shoot, so my motorcycle was parked and my trusty 1974 Ford Bronco became the means of searching out hunting fields to take the place of the target fields, to turn loose the K-38 when punching paper got tiring. The mountain and agricultural land around the outskirts of town and in the hills and canyons nearby were populated with jackrabbits, cottontails and mobs and throngs of small, vocal, skitterish ground squirrels, also called "pinion pickets" or "pocket pests" by the ranchers and farmers. We called them "ground grizzlies" for the enthusiasm they displayed for carting off the freshly-shot remains of their clan so they could eat them.

It was easy to find farmers and ranchers who, when asked politely, were pleased to have us damage, dent and reduce the varmint populations that were digging holes all over their fields and tunnelling into their canal banks.

The hot .38 Specials, a 110 grainer at almost 1,200 fps from the 6 inch K-38 barrel, was a lot better at stopping the ground grizzlies' charges, flanking movements and tactical retreats. The little bullets often really splattered the savage rodents, while leaving our .32 Long, propelling it's 112 grain solid at half the speed, needing much closer targets to score. The little mobsters really didn't get dismembered from the slow .32's anywhere near the way they were torn up by the screaming .38's.

I really wished I could have found a K-32 back them. A cast .32 bullet at some 1,000 fps would have been very do-able.

That little Model 31 was a ton of fun The cheapest real shooting I ever had. I foolishly sold it when the stainless, .32 H&R Mag 4 inch Model 631 .32 Mag Kit Gun came out in 1990 because I hadn't shot the M-31 for a few years and figured the newer stainless steel gun, with more power from the longer, hotter cartridge, and adjustable sights might be an improvement. Sadly, I didn't find that .32 Mag Kit Gun until 1992 and still haven't shot a handloaded round through it yet.

I really would like S&W to make a "Classic" 6 inch K-327 Mag with the slender barrel of the original Model 16. MIM and IL aside, I would still buy one.

I hope you find what you want!

Last edited by BUFF; 10-23-2009 at 03:44 AM. Reason: spelling
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #10  
Old 10-21-2009, 02:26 PM
Stainz's Avatar
Stainz Stainz is offline
Member
Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum  
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Pinson, AL
Posts: 2,106
Likes: 57
Liked 656 Times in 307 Posts
Default

I had both a Ruger Bird's Head Grip 4.6" SS SSM and a 4" SP-101 in .32 H&RM, and shot them a lot with .32 S&WL and H&RM. It was fun, but my homebrews, with 115gr LRNFP making ~790 fps, wouldn't drop the small bowling pin rebounding steel plates. Bullets were hard to find - as was ammo - and .38's are cheaper. Wimpy .38's drop those plates, are cheaper as components or ammo, and you can find a wide variety relatively easily. I sold my .32's 5/08 - and dies & components. I don't miss them at all.

I bought more .38/.357M revolvers - a wider selection, availability, and better prices being givens. I am much happier. YMMV - but consider .38s! Below is the 627 Pro I bought with some of my .32 moola - an eight shot N-frame .357M. Fantastic plinker - whether wimpy target .38 loads or .357 Magnum hunting rounds. Also shown is a 642 - a J-frame AirWeight 5-shot 642 - S&W's most popular revolver. Great pocket protector. These are current stock - available new from any S&W dealer. Finding used S&W .32s is problematic - and pricey.



S&W has a 'new' .32 in the '09 catalog, but no one has seen it yet. It's a 4" ported 632 J-frame - MSRP $980 vs the 627 Pro's $1,059. The latter is a better deal.

Stainz
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #11  
Old 10-21-2009, 02:35 PM
Pilgrim's Avatar
Pilgrim Pilgrim is offline
US Veteran
Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum  
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Massachusetts - Live Free
Posts: 1,068
Likes: 11
Liked 609 Times in 206 Posts
Default

Here's a 332

__________________
ASA/NSA 67-71
NRA Benefactor
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 10-21-2009, 03:30 PM
Landric's Avatar
Landric Landric is offline
Member
Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum  
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 333
Likes: 4
Liked 54 Times in 18 Posts
Default

I have the 431PD and 432PD, which are both J-frames. They are small and light, but for your specific needs, I think you might be better off with a Ruger SP101 chambered in either .32 H&R Magnum (discontinued but still available on Gunbroker and such places) or .327 Federal Magnum (which will also shoot .32 S&W Long and .32 H&R Mag just fine).

I really like the .32 H&R, low recoil, easy to handload for, fun to shoot, etc. With handloads and my own cast bullets its just about the same price to shoot as .22 LR and a lot more fun. If one sticks with factory ammunition or handloads without casting one's own bullets, a .38 Special is going to be cheaper to feed.
__________________
Hello Cleveland, Rock and Roll
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 10-21-2009, 03:49 PM
DGNY DGNY is offline
Member
Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum  
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Garden Spot, Upstate NY, USA
Posts: 1,418
Likes: 3,385
Liked 748 Times in 445 Posts
Default .32 H&R Mag Revolvers

I wish you all good luck finding a kit gun in .32. They are out there, but pricey. Saw one with tag of nearly $1000 a few weeks ago. Maybe still there. 585-924-1733. Tim, Pat, Paul or John could help you if you inquire.

My favorite is the Ruger Single-Six .32 H&R w/4 5/8" bbl.

Buff - you brought back some .32 memories with your excellent post. My first reloading was for an Iver Johnson nickel hammerless in.32 S&W - used roundball and black powder, no reloading tools but a nail to deprime and cut-off case with a soldered piece of wire for handle as dipper. Fun.

Regards,

Dyson
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #14  
Old 10-22-2009, 01:36 AM
JamesD's Avatar
JamesD JamesD is offline
US Veteran
Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum  
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Georgia, up in the mounta
Posts: 117
Likes: 21
Liked 39 Times in 14 Posts
Default Thanks everybody

Thanks Allen-frame for the first post and the great picture. I WANT
(...although I’m afraid that, as the monkey said when he peed on the cash register, “This is going to run into some money!” – old joke my dear Daddy used to make ALL the time!)

And Dale, and DC7 for the nice summary and ALL the really good (!) pictures.
(Is that DC7 as in the DC-7 that my Daddy used to fly for Delta back in the day?)

And Nygma and M657 and Hey Joe.

And BUFF, for the great remiscence!

And peyton, although I don’t know whether I am to find,
“keep you eyes on the clssified here, I find them often”
encouraging or discouraging.
Does that mean that I might find some, or that YOU will be finding them !?!?!?!?!

And Stainz and Pilgrim and Landric and DGNY.

EVERYBODY for all your comments, info and pictures.

I know a TON more than I did yesterday.

Now I just got to get to work scouring and searching.

Best regards,

JamesD

P.S. If any of you bloodhounds ever sees one of these nice old S&Ws we’ve been talking about, and don’t be getting it yourself – I’d be much obliged if you would PM or eMail me through my profile ! ! !
__________________
Happy to be here!
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 10-22-2009, 12:16 PM
Sugar River Sugar River is offline
Member
Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum  
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: S Florida
Posts: 70
Likes: 1
Liked 14 Times in 11 Posts
Default

I can heartily recommend the M431 PD. It fits 3 of your 4 requirements and I love mine.

Pete
Reply With Quote
  #16  
Old 10-22-2009, 01:35 PM
peyton's Avatar
peyton peyton is offline
US Veteran
Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum  
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,251
Likes: 1,170
Liked 2,450 Times in 712 Posts
Default

GB has two smokin deals, for an example(just to show you can find them , I know you are not supposed to link to live auctions). I have each of these.
Smith & Wesson 631 Lady Smith 32 H&R Magnum : Revolvers at GunBroker.com
Smith & Wesson 331 Airlight TI 32 H&R Magnum : Revolvers at GunBroker.com
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 10-22-2009, 01:57 PM
walnutred walnutred is offline
US Veteran
Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum  
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Ohio
Posts: 4,450
Likes: 785
Liked 3,030 Times in 1,002 Posts
Default

Some people are converting 31's to 32 H&R. Not recommending it mind you but is is being done.
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 10-22-2009, 04:38 PM
kennyb's Avatar
kennyb kennyb is offline
SWCA Member
Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum  
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 6,895
Likes: 736
Liked 1,208 Times in 737 Posts
Default

my vote goes to the 16-4...beautiful gun...shoots great and easy to reload for
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 10-22-2009, 04:51 PM
VonFatman's Avatar
VonFatman VonFatman is offline
Member
Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum  
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: KC Area
Posts: 1,621
Likes: 231
Liked 284 Times in 97 Posts
Wink I gave up looking for a S&W...

So, I picked up a couple Rugers.
MUCH more plentiful and good shooters...especially if you switch out the springs.

These are the two I have:

Single-Six Birds Head grips:


Stainless Vaquero (.32 H&R Mag and 32-20 cylinders):


I just bought a 9.5" barreled Single-Six (adjustable sight model) yesterday. I'll have it on Tuesday. If you are looking for a long-snouted unit, drop me an e-mail.

Bob
__________________
"Onward thru the Fog"
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 10-22-2009, 05:09 PM
BrianE's Avatar
BrianE BrianE is offline
Member
Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum  
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Springfield, MA
Posts: 1,214
Likes: 1,986
Liked 440 Times in 228 Posts
Default

I purchased a 432pd for my first gun, which was used for ccw. I didnt know very much about firearms at the time of purchase and wish I would have went with the .38 for many reasons. I later did purchase a M&P340 w/ CT grips and love it (now my ccw). Im going to keep it around for when I get older and recoil sensative though . Definitely not a bad gun and would recommend it...
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 02-19-2010, 11:05 AM
djw54 djw54 is offline
Member
Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum  
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Michigan
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Landric View Post
I really like the .32 H&R, low recoil, easy to handload for, fun to shoot, etc. With handloads and my own cast bullets its just about the same price to shoot as .22 LR and a lot more fun. If one sticks with factory ammunition or handloads without casting one's own bullets, a .38 Special is going to be cheaper to feed.
Landric,
Just curious about the cost numbers for .32 vs. .38. Obviously, casting your own is cheapest, but I'm finding commercial cast .32's for less than, or certainly no more than, .38's. There are more bullet types out there in .38, and more common availability at suppliers, but cost still seems to favor the .32(when you find them). Is that not your experience?
Thanks.
Don

p.s. BTW, my 4" 631 and 4.6" Single Six are my favorites in this caliber.
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 09-14-2012, 03:39 PM
Gatorbaiter's Avatar
Gatorbaiter Gatorbaiter is offline
Absent Comrade
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Southeast Texas Swamp
Posts: 268
Likes: 7
Liked 364 Times in 68 Posts
Default

I'll probably be BANNED for mentioning it, but a Colt Detective Special in 32 S&W Long can be reamed out to accept a 32 Mag and makes a great 6 shot CCW gun! Here's two that I converted, bottom one to 32 Mag & top one to 32-20. They can also be found with a 3" bbl, although not as plentiful as the 2" version.

Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 09-14-2012, 06:04 PM
Green Frog Green Frog is offline
Member
Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum  
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Central VA
Posts: 8,596
Likes: 1,550
Liked 9,320 Times in 4,181 Posts
Default

JamesD, You don't mention whether adjustable sights are a prerequisite. If not, you can find a Model 631 fairly reasonably (at least for this economy) and then add a set of S&W J-frame target grips (as found on the Model 34) and you should be good to go. If you must get a "LadySmith" version of the 631, just polish off the marking from sideplate and stay away from pink grips.

I personally limit my "small frame" shooting to 32 S&W Long and am going with a larger K-frame for the true magnum of the 32 pistol family, the 327 Federal Mag. It will be a belt gun, but won't be as easily concealed as the smaller frames. Works for me, but as always, YMMV!

Froggie
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 09-14-2012, 07:16 PM
nutsforsmiths nutsforsmiths is offline
SWCA Member
Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum  
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Western Washington
Posts: 1,619
Likes: 219
Liked 1,307 Times in 352 Posts
Default

I own a 432PD that I really like a lot. I have carried it on occasion and fired it a bunch. It is a lot of fun to shoot and quite accurate, with very little recoil. Loaded it weighs 14oz.

I bought it brand new in 2009 and I have seen a few on Gunbrokers at times.

It;s a great gun if you can find one. Good luck!
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #25  
Old 09-15-2012, 12:07 AM
peyton's Avatar
peyton peyton is offline
US Veteran
Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum  
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,251
Likes: 1,170
Liked 2,450 Times in 712 Posts
Default

Guys, the last time JamesD posted was in 2010, I guess he got the 32 he wanted.
Reply With Quote
  #26  
Old 09-16-2012, 01:56 PM
tjpopkin's Avatar
tjpopkin tjpopkin is offline
SWCA Member
Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum  
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Silver Spring, MD
Posts: 1,551
Likes: 104
Liked 3,168 Times in 604 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by JamesD View Post
I am looking for a revolver chambered in .32 H&R Magnum.
Wondering if any of y’all had any “favorites” to point me towards.

S&W of course. (Or Colts maybe, if that’s OK).

This revolver will be carried, so my preferences would be:
- short-ish barrel
- light-ish weight

But then I have two other preferences which sort of run contrary to carry logic:
1- I just don’t like shrouded hammers (sorry, I can’t help it).
2- I have big hands and long fingers. I am really more comfortable with a bigger frame/grip.
But maybe...for carry...stay with a small frame and find the right grips to “swell” the grip/size for me? ? ?

Anybody have any favorite revolvers to recommend, and/or ideas about mating my big hand to a small frame revolver?
I have a model 631 (J-frame) Stainless (6 designation) with fixed sights and large combat grips (factory) that will fill large hands with a small revolver....this revolver has an exposed hammer and is 32 H&R Mag. that will also shoot .32 S&W long wadcutters for practice (and accuracy). My only complaint is the fixed sights on the 2" gun (the 4" has adjustable sights). These guns were only made for a year or 2 in the early 1990's. Prices have escalated because they are scarce. True of most .32's since they were never really popular and now are collectable. I can post some photos later if you wish......
Terry
Reply With Quote
  #27  
Old 09-17-2012, 08:07 AM
Stainz's Avatar
Stainz Stainz is offline
Member
Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum  
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Pinson, AL
Posts: 2,106
Likes: 57
Liked 656 Times in 307 Posts
Default

Wow... he's gone.... and I had a suggestion for him!



No, not the 632 Pro - he didn't want a shrouded hammer - he sure wouldn't want a nasty enclosed hammer! Nope, my .32 H&RM chambered suggestion is the 3" NEF R73. Not an S&W - but made up yonder in MA, anyway. Clunky - and heavy - it could be a medium frame, at least in weight. A five shooter, it's trigger reminds me more of my 1895 Nagants... sort of. Hey, it was $200 OTD at a LGS earlier this year - my last firearm purchase (How can I top that??), too. It's fun with .32 S&WLs - I don't have any .32 H&RMs, just the .32 S&WL homebrews and some nasty meaning business .327 Federal Magnums for that 632 Pro.

Stainz
Reply With Quote
  #28  
Old 01-07-2013, 02:36 AM
JamesD's Avatar
JamesD JamesD is offline
US Veteran
Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum  
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Georgia, up in the mounta
Posts: 117
Likes: 21
Liked 39 Times in 14 Posts
Default

Guys, Guys, GUYS!!!

I love you guys.

Yes I have been... away.

But I came back tonight, was looking through my profile, found this old thread... and you have been keeping a light in the window for me!

Yeah, Peyton, I remember you! Man, so nice to me.
And I did, I did, not just get my "gun" but gunS as it turned out.

I found a guy, a store, who had TWO 431PDs, N.I.B. and I just figured if one would be good, two would be better and got both, a large reason because the price was irresistible.

And I ordered me a couple of... there was a fellow on the forum who was making "The Plug" is that what it was called, so I got two of those and then sent the two 431PDs and the two plugs off to Randy Lee at Apex Tactical, to do some action work, take out the two locks and install the two plugs.

Maybe the action work wasn't "needed" and maybe I could have installed the plugs myself, but I had followed Flork out there from the SIG forum, and Randy did great work for a modest cost so I was very happy with my decision, and I LOVE my two 431PDs. There's just SO many days, when I KNOW I should holster up my 1911 but man it's just SO easy to grab the little snubbie in the pocket holster, shove it in my pocket and go.

And when I got them back, I know I should have taken pictures and posted them and all, but I just didn't, and I apologize.

Truth be told, you didn't miss a lot as regards the pictures I didn't send.
The 431PD is a very UN-sexy gun. Matte black gun with very unattractive flat black grips.

But I have been threatening to get me some Esmeralda grips on there.
If I do maybe THAT's what I'll take a picture of and post.

So a very BELATED thanks to ALL who really fueled my search for these revolvers.

And two more things:

1- I recently woke up and realized that I was handgun rich but rifle poor, and set out to rectify that with a few rifle purchases. But coming here tonight has made me realize that, for me, handgun rich means "pistol" rich, but I am REVOLVER POOR! Man, just the pictures in this thread alone! The ones posted by Gatorbaiter just a few months ago, in my absence! I need more revolvers!!! About my visit here tonight, I could use a witticism my dear departed Dad was quite fond of: "As the monkey said when he peed on the cash register, 'This is going to run into some money.' "

2- Which, actually, brings me to my second thing.
I have been thinking of late that I need a .357 magnum, like maybe for my coffee table, or bedside table. I have been lusting after a Colt Python, but have grown tired of seeing ones for sale for 4 digit numbers beginning with a 2. So what I came here for tonight was to do some research, or possibly post for some advice/opinions regarding the Smith models in .357 Magnum. So... I think I'll hit "Submit" on this post, and go to... wherever
is appropriate, and see if I can post a "School me on Smith & Wesson .357 Magnum models" post. Will you follow me over there? I would like to repeat what I did here for my .32 H&R magnum. (...and if I find and get one you better believe I'll post a picture of it and say Thanks!)

Thanks again guys, sorry for my lapse of etiquette, I'm sort of a wanderer, will try to do better next time.

JamesD
__________________
Happy to be here!
Reply With Quote
  #29  
Old 01-07-2013, 05:13 PM
Green Frog Green Frog is offline
Member
Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum  
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Central VA
Posts: 8,596
Likes: 1,550
Liked 9,320 Times in 4,181 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Nygma View Post
Here are the 631s:

4"
Wow Nygma,

If I coulda found one like that, I wouldn't have spent the last 5 1/2 months having Project 616 built. I love my small frames, so even if the K-32 design is stronger and more authoritative, that 631 would have found a welcome spot at my place. {If only I could have gotten Dale53 to turn his back for a little while longer! }

Froggie
Reply With Quote
  #30  
Old 01-07-2013, 11:50 PM
peyton's Avatar
peyton peyton is offline
US Veteran
Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum  
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,251
Likes: 1,170
Liked 2,450 Times in 712 Posts
Default

James, I am glad you re-appeared, I love the model 431 and 331's. I would recommend stepping up to a 632 in 327 federal magnum. They make them in black or stainless steel and shoot 327, 32 H&R, 32 S&W long and 32 ACP.
Reply With Quote
  #31  
Old 06-12-2017, 03:30 PM
james spadoni james spadoni is offline
Member
Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum  
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Italy
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default do s&w want 2 suicide?

neither the 32 H&R MGM models are listed in the s&w website, & our fellow member "Collo Rosso" EVEN ignored s&w do 327 models.
Do s&w want 2 favour Ruger? NONSENSE 4 me
JS
Reply With Quote
  #32  
Old 06-13-2017, 07:34 AM
florange florange is offline
SWCA Member
Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Ponce Inlet, Florida
Posts: 186
Likes: 182
Liked 90 Times in 58 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by DC7 View Post
The following were S&W's small (J) frame revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum:
  • Model 032: Airweight Centennial (fully-enclosed hammer). An uncataloged model--only about 180 were ever built.
  • Model 431PD: Airweight with exposed hammer.
  • Model 432PD: Airweight Centennial.
  • Model 631: Stainless steel with exposed hammer.
  • Model 632: Stainless Airweight Centennial.
Small batches of the 431PD and 432PD are still built from time to time. The others have been discontinued since the early 1990's, although S&W re-used the 632 model number for their recently-introduced .327 Magnum revolver.

Here are the 032 and 632 Centennials from 1991:



JamesD, if smaller J-frame grips like those pictured above don't work for you, you could always try something like the Uncle Mike's combat grip, pictured below. They're extremely comfortable, and should work better for someone with larger hands.

Uncle Mike's combat grips on a .38 Special Centennial:
I have had luck finding a New 432 PD at a reasonable price on line at one of the large internet gun dealers. However, I have not seen one recently...but they do show up.
Reply With Quote
  #33  
Old 06-13-2017, 09:59 AM
Green Frog Green Frog is offline
Member
Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum  
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Central VA
Posts: 8,596
Likes: 1,550
Liked 9,320 Times in 4,181 Posts
Default

I'm still "looking for" a Model 631, but it is becoming more and more of a pipe dream at my age... I've got my Project 616 and R***r BH in 327 FM and my little I-frames in 32 S&W L, so I really don't "need" the 631, but "what's need got to do with it?" To paraphrase a song. At least the ache is not so strong!

Froggie
Reply With Quote
  #34  
Old 06-13-2017, 11:56 AM
RedCardinal RedCardinal is offline
Member
Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum  
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: South Carolina
Posts: 744
Likes: 581
Liked 646 Times in 211 Posts
Default

This could be what you are looking for, a S&W 632-1. Has the exposed hammer, shoots the powerful 327 Federal Magnum, the 32 H&R Magnum, the 32 S&W Long and Short. The three inch barrel is just right and is ported for a quick on target second shot. Small enough for concealed carry with variable choice of ammo.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg S&W 632-1 Left.jpg (101.3 KB, 53 views)
Reply With Quote
  #35  
Old 06-13-2017, 12:05 PM
RedCardinal RedCardinal is offline
Member
Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum  
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: South Carolina
Posts: 744
Likes: 581
Liked 646 Times in 211 Posts
Default

If you could warm up to the shrouded hammer, you might prefer the S&W 632 Airweight. This one has a three inch barrel and is a 32 H&R Magnum. Can also use the S&W 32 long or short.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg S&W 632 L 2.jpg (55.3 KB, 35 views)
Reply With Quote
  #36  
Old 06-14-2017, 07:50 PM
H Richard's Avatar
H Richard H Richard is offline
US Veteran
Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum Recommendations Sought for revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum  
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: West Central IL
Posts: 22,758
Likes: 18,437
Liked 22,313 Times in 8,245 Posts
Default

My first was the 16-4 in 6" and it is a tack driver.


Then last year was able to locate and buy both a 431PD and a 432PD. For a 13 oz 1 7/8" barreled carry gun they are fantastic. My developed load still does over 1000fps from the 1 7/8" barrels.
__________________
H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
Reply

Tags
16-4, 327, 631, 642, bullseye, cartridge, hammerless, j frame, k frame, k-22, kit gun, masterpiece, model 14, model 16, model 17, ruger, s&w, savage, tactical, vaquero, winchester, wwii

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
whats the most sought after s&w revolvers?? BigBill S&W Hand Ejectors: 1896 to 1961 56 07-03-2017 12:31 AM
S&W revolvers chambered in rimless cartridges. mcb S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present 27 04-08-2017 05:07 PM
Auto Caliber Chambered Revolvers Tinygnat219 S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present 48 08-21-2012 03:27 PM
Recommendations sought for Phoenix/Mesa area rock doc The Lounge 8 08-21-2010 05:16 PM
Revolvers chambered in auto pistol calibers BlackSky The Lounge 22 12-05-2009 10:45 PM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 05:21 AM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)