Was in the shop looking at light pocket sized guns and was interested in a Sig P238 but then spotted a NIB S&W 431PD in 32 Magnum. Light weight, 6 rounds and the 32 Mag has ballistics close to 380.
I'm a revolver guy and love J frames so I'm leaning toward the 431. Really don't need it as I have a nice S&W Model 36 snubbie, but.....it just seemed like a nice little gun. No longer being made. This one is $495. The Sig was $605 IMMC.

I have a Ruger Single Six in 32 H&R so I do have ammo, although my dealer also has it in stock. Anyone out there have a 431 and can tell me about what you like or don't like? Thanks!

I don't have a 431 but I do have a couple of 631's and a 632 Airweight. For me, shooting .32 magnums is much more manageable than .357's out of a 640 or .38+P out of a 642. You also have the option of .32 longs for practice, plus you have the obvious advantage of 6 shots instead of 5.

Having said all that, I'm certainly not a ballistics expert, and many feel that the .32 is an inferior cartridge for self defense. I'm sure you will get many different opinions.

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PMRet, those are really nice grips on that Lady Smith. What brand are they if I may ask please?

I had the 432pd and I wish I never got rid of it. Its a great gun w/ no recoil... It liked the Black Hills ammo. Youll love it if you decide to pick it up.

Buffalo Bore has some new .32 H&R Magnum loads which are more powerful that the original loads. Would be something to look into with that gun....

I have a 432PD and it is a lot of fun to shoot. Little recoil, and very accurate with the 2" barrel. It is a great carry gun too.

I have shot Federal and Black Hills ammo through it and both are very nice out of that model.

I'd pick it up. You don't see them very often.

Not really sure of the maker, I purchased them used from a forum member awhile back. Hogue makes a Coco Bolo grip that is very similar.

Thanks for all the replys. I decided to pick up the little 431, actually will get it Saturday, just in time for a Father's day gift to myself.

Since this is a .32 H&R mag thread , Peyton will no doubt drop in soon and can tell you anything you want to know.

I had both a 631 and a 632 but fired neither. I flirted with the caliber but discovered finding the components I wanted for reloading were too infrequently available and they didn't make any in N frames anyway . . . . so they went on the market for a more worthy cause.

I bought my daughter a #331 TI a few years ago. Great little gun.

I bought one for the wife about 7-8 years ago. Liked it so much I bought one for myself also. Both guns have no trouble keeping all 6 on an IPSC target at 50 yds, standing, double action. That's with both mag. loads or S&W longs. You need to hold over quite a bit with the longs though.

BR

I am looking hard to find either a
331 or a 431
If anyone knows of any for sale please post...
Must be in great condition

Good decision. Am confident you'll love it.

I have the M332. Love it!



But then I'm a big proponent of the .32 H&R Mag.

I would love to run into a good deal on a M432 or M431.

I don't look down my nose at t he .32 calibers for self defense, especially the 32 H&R Mag. Check out the group, and it is a 100 gr XTP at over 1200 fps. Now that is from a 6" barrel. But I also load the 32 Long around nearly 900 fps with a 100 gr cast bullet.

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H Richard
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