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  #1  
Old 06-24-2011, 12:53 PM
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Smith and Wesson Model 430 32 Smith and Wesson Long Airweight Smith and Wesson Model 430 32 Smith and Wesson Long Airweight Smith and Wesson Model 430 32 Smith and Wesson Long Airweight Smith and Wesson Model 430 32 Smith and Wesson Long Airweight Smith and Wesson Model 430 32 Smith and Wesson Long Airweight  
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Default Smith and Wesson Model 430 32 Smith and Wesson Long Airweight

I just picked up by new Model 430 32 Smith and Wesson Long Airweight yesterday. Im very happy with it. Cant wait to give it a spin.
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Old 06-24-2011, 06:02 PM
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Smith and Wesson Model 430 32 Smith and Wesson Long Airweight Smith and Wesson Model 430 32 Smith and Wesson Long Airweight Smith and Wesson Model 430 32 Smith and Wesson Long Airweight Smith and Wesson Model 430 32 Smith and Wesson Long Airweight Smith and Wesson Model 430 32 Smith and Wesson Long Airweight  
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That is a Very nice little gun. I just picked up its cousin, a NIB S&W 431 in 32 Magnum. Looks very much like yours. Looking forward to trying it out soon. Good luck with yours.

Noah
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Old 06-24-2011, 06:33 PM
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that is a nice gun. 430s and 431s are kinda scarce around here.
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Old 07-14-2011, 03:59 AM
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Smith and Wesson Model 430 32 Smith and Wesson Long Airweight Smith and Wesson Model 430 32 Smith and Wesson Long Airweight Smith and Wesson Model 430 32 Smith and Wesson Long Airweight Smith and Wesson Model 430 32 Smith and Wesson Long Airweight Smith and Wesson Model 430 32 Smith and Wesson Long Airweight  
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Man am I late to the game. I did not realize a model 430 in 32 S&W long existed!! How long have they been making these??
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Old 07-14-2011, 09:46 AM
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I would imagine the 430 is rather scarce, as the 431 is basically the same gun but the chamber cut deeper for the 32 mag. I wonder, could the 327 fit?
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Old 07-14-2011, 04:24 PM
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Smith and Wesson Model 430 32 Smith and Wesson Long Airweight Smith and Wesson Model 430 32 Smith and Wesson Long Airweight Smith and Wesson Model 430 32 Smith and Wesson Long Airweight Smith and Wesson Model 430 32 Smith and Wesson Long Airweight Smith and Wesson Model 430 32 Smith and Wesson Long Airweight  
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afaik this particular gun was made in 2008. it is a new gun inasmuch as besides the factory no one else has fired it. i called smith and wesson before i bought it and talked to a few people there who didnt know they had ever even made a model 430. Its one of very few if not a one of.
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Old 08-01-2011, 02:46 PM
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Smith and Wesson Model 430 32 Smith and Wesson Long Airweight Smith and Wesson Model 430 32 Smith and Wesson Long Airweight Smith and Wesson Model 430 32 Smith and Wesson Long Airweight Smith and Wesson Model 430 32 Smith and Wesson Long Airweight Smith and Wesson Model 430 32 Smith and Wesson Long Airweight  
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Update for those interested. It turns out that 284 special order model 430's were made and shipped to Portugal because Portugal does not allow 32 h&r magnum. 15 were made for sale in the united states. still a pretty rare gun.

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Old 08-01-2011, 03:12 PM
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Great find, HeyJoe.

Didn't realize they were that rare.

Good luck.


George
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Old 01-31-2013, 10:18 PM
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There is a "new" S&W Model 430 for sale on Gunbroker.com. It is selling for $700.00 + shipping. If one is loaded with the hottest .32 Long hand loads, you can "nip at the heels" of the .32 H&R Magnum, while obtaining excellent accuracy.

I would heartily recommend either hard cast or FMJ hand loads. When it comes to subsonic .32 caliber ammunition, penetration is your friend!

Scott
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Old 01-31-2013, 11:36 PM
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When I read, "430.." in the title, I just figured OP had a typo. I didn't realize a 430 existed either.
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Old 01-31-2013, 11:56 PM
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I called S&W and asked about it's "lineage" and, as HeyJoe had stated, the boys in Customer Service told me the Portugal story.

The one on Gunbroker is in a Thief River Falls, MN gun shop. Some very insightful individual is going to purchase a neat (and rare) revolver. I really think the this isn't just an "oddball." It will make for a light-recoiling, superbly accurate, yet surprisingly effective little six-shot "waltzing distance" revolver.

I want to remind everyone of how effective the .32 Long was in the hands of Police Detectives and Police Matrons well into the 1960's. These revolvers worked then, when properly loaded and the bullets are well placed are quite effective.

It is known as "marksmanship."

Scott

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Old 02-01-2013, 12:09 AM
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Here's the information from Gunbroker.com I don't have a "dog in the fight" nor do I have any personal interest in the handgun. (I just enjoy the fun and efficiency of the .32 Long cartridge.)


Hunter's Outlet
206 Knight Ave N
Thief River Falls, MN 56701
Phone: (218)-681-3030
Fax: (218)-681-3133
Hours: Mon-Fri 10:00 a.m To 7:00 p.m
Saturday 10:00 a.m To 6:00 p.m
Central Daylight Time
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Old 02-02-2013, 12:59 AM
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.32 S&W Long is woefully underpowered, horribly obsolete, and generally useless.
So, all you .32 owners, send those useless guns to me.
I recently bought a '69 31-1 and put some Sile grips on it.
I can't wait to take it out to shoot.
I picked up an old box of Western .32 S&W Long, Lubaloy ammo.
$18.99 for 50 rounds. Wonder how old it is?
The Lubaloy looks suspiciously like the copper plating Speer uses.

BTW, that 430 is sweet.
I've considered having my 31-1 reamed out for .32 H&R, but the .32 Long can be loaded to over 1,000 fps with a 115 grain lead bullet.

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Old 02-02-2013, 03:02 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jaymo View Post
.32 S&W Long is woefully underpowered, horribly obsolete, and generally useless.
So, all you .32 owners, send those useless guns to me.
I recently bought a '69 31-1 and put some Sile grips on it.
I can't wait to take it out to shoot.
I picked up an old box of Western .32 S&W Long, Lubaloy ammo.
$18.99 for 50 rounds. Wonder how old it is?
The Lubaloy looks suspiciously like the copper plating Speer uses.

BTW, that 430 is sweet.
I've considered having my 31-1 reamed out for .32 H&R, but the .32 Long can be loaded to over 1,000 fps with a 115 grain lead bullet.
I'd love to see a 115-grain hard cast SWC lead bullet driven at the same velocities. When it comes to antipersonnel applications, PENETRATION IS YOUR GREATEST ALLY!

I would like to send my 632 out and have a 4" stainless steel barrel "crunch fitted" in place of the current 2" barrel. This would make the same 115-grain bullet run out of the tube at at least 1100 fps, ensuring penetration.

Scott
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Old 02-02-2013, 08:51 AM
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Quote:
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When I read, "430.." in the title, I just figured OP had a typo. I didn't realize a 430 existed either.

............but I've decided that I reall, really "need" one!
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Old 02-03-2013, 10:56 AM
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Not exactly the same but I really love my 432!!!! (Closest J frame cousin to my 16-4!)
Life is good!
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Old 02-03-2013, 02:30 PM
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Having (finally) corralled a 16-4 I finally starting hand-loading for it and the 2 32 HE Post War that I have, a 2" and a 3 1/4". I don't plan to reload for the 32 S&W for my 3 safety hammerless or my Mod 1 1/2 CF's. (That case is just too little for my old arthritic fingers). I have found now over 500 rounds of 85 gr and 100 gr. JHP's and JSP's. After I finish up with another 100 of the HBWC's (bought a box of 1000 from Midway before the current panic buying stripped the shelves of most ammo). 2.3 gr 231 make the HBWC and accurate load, but a real powder puff. I plan to see just what I can develop for the JHP's. There are a couple > 1000 fps with cast bullets so I am betting the jacketed will be able to get up into that range also.

Lots of fun.
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Old 02-03-2013, 04:18 PM
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Quote:
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Having (finally) corralled a 16-4 I finally starting hand-loading for it and the 2 32 HE Post War that I have, a 2" and a 3 1/4". I don't plan to reload for the 32 S&W for my 3 safety hammerless or my Mod 1 1/2 CF's. (That case is just too little for my old arthritic fingers). I have found now over 500 rounds of 85 gr and 100 gr. JHP's and JSP's. After I finish up with another 100 of the HBWC's (bought a box of 1000 from Midway before the current panic buying stripped the shelves of most ammo). 2.3 gr 231 make the HBWC and accurate load, but a real powder puff. I plan to see just what I can develop for the JHP's. There are a couple > 1000 fps with cast bullets so I am betting the jacketed will be able to get up into that range also.

Lots of fun.
Look up some of the "Buffalo Bore" fodder (.32 H&R Magnum "heavy" loads.) If you want it to serve "nightstand duty" the BB .32 H&R Magnum will work VERY well!

Scott
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Old 02-06-2013, 05:16 PM
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I wonder if the cylinder from a 431 or 432 can be swapped to convert it to 32 h&r mag? If not Bowen can ream it for $125
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Old 02-07-2013, 10:05 PM
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I picked mine up today, WOW what a nice revolver. I used to carry a model 30 on my ankle back in my law enforcement days, but I gave it back to my dad when I left the profession, he carries it still today. I have always loved the .32 S&W Long round and I am really happy to own another one. I thought about reaming it out, but I think I am going to hold off for now and invest the money in a reloader and load some hotter 32 rounds for self-defense. I presently reload shotshells for my trap and skeet shooting tobby, and some of my friends at the range are going to help me with cartridge reloading. I am taking the 430 to the range tomorrow, I will keep you posted.
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Old 02-08-2013, 12:44 PM
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The gun was really dry and i was able to put a few drops of oil before shooting, but I think I need to spend more time breaking it in. With Reminton LRN, the gun shot really well, the gun is very accurate and feels great in my hand. I then switched to Magtech wadcutters that were super smokey and I had several not go off in double action, but went off in single action on a second try. I then switched to Fiocchi 820 FPS LRN and these all fired well, except for 2 out of the 50. I have had problems in the past with Magtech and Fiocchi not igniting in my Ruger SP101. I will keep everyone posted, I really love this new 430, Joe

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Old 02-09-2013, 03:02 PM
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eezox does a great job of cleaning and lubricating. clean and lubricate it , use some other ammo and see if you still have the same issue.
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Old 02-18-2013, 05:57 PM
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Congrats on a very cool gun. .32 long is easy to handload.

The S&B .32 Long 100 grn FP NP (New Police) load is quite a bit warmer than most factory LRN ammo. Sever people have chrono'd it in the upper 700s FPS, so it substantially increases the thump over standard LRN loads.


I have had problems with it jumping crimp and binding things up in short i-frame cylinders, but no trouble in j-frames so far.
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Old 02-23-2013, 05:33 PM
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I cleaned it up real good and then I fired some Federal loads, and I averaged 1 misfire out 12 rounds. I spoke to Smith and Wesson, and they sent me a prepaid label to send it back, hopefully it will come back soon.
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Old 03-08-2013, 08:35 PM
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My wife purchased a Model 430 this week, and had the numbers and story referenced above confirmed by S&W. We are looking towards a long and happy relationship.

Myself, I have two other firearms in 327 Federal. Can't be more excited about loading and plinking going forward.
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Old 03-09-2013, 12:06 AM
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I got the pistol back on monday, which was a little over a week and a half, that is excellent customer service from Smith and Wesson. They replaced the firing pin and after 200 rounds of several different brands of ammo, I have not had 1 misfire. Right now I keep it loaded with Federal wadcutters, it slips nicely in my front pocket. I love this pistol, Joe
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Old 03-09-2013, 09:46 PM
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glad it worked out for you Joe and that it was done quickly.

Inchr48 im happy my story checked out...ha
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Old 03-10-2013, 09:11 PM
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Quote:
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I got the pistol back on monday, which was a little over a week and a half, that is excellent customer service from Smith and Wesson. They replaced the firing pin and after 200 rounds of several different brands of ammo, I have not had 1 misfire. Right now I keep it loaded with Federal wadcutters, it slips nicely in my front pocket. I love this pistol, Joe
I hope that you enjoy your .32 Long. I can't begin to tell you how well they shoot. Most of the women and men that carried the Model 30 and 31 revolvers as well as the Colt Police Positive, Pocket Positive and Detective Specials in .32 S&W Long/Colt New Police are no longer with us. The legacy of the revolvers and their legendary accuracy live on. the best part of their history lives on through the .32 H&R Magnum (introduced in 1984) and the .327 Federal Magnum (introduced in 2007.)

Since revolvers chambered for the H&R and Fed Mag accept the older .32 S&W and .32 S&W Long, there has been a revival of the lesser rounds. There is nothing wrong with the .32 S&W Long./Colt New Police. they just don't have the "hot-rock" reputation of either the .38 S&W Special, or the .357 S&W Magnum. Couple low recoil with excellent accuracy and these can be a deadly combination.

This does NOT, however, negate their efficacity. When properly loaded, the .32 S&W Long/Colt New Police cartridge can kill with consummate efficiency!

Scott

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Old 03-16-2013, 08:56 AM
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glad it worked out for you Joe and that it was done quickly.
Thanks for all the advice!!
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Old 08-17-2014, 10:59 AM
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Sounds like the "32 long" if load right is better then I thought
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Old 08-17-2014, 11:19 AM
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Thread necromancing alert!!

But since it has already been pulled up I'll keep it going a little while.

OP, very nice .32 and thank you I learned something new today!

Sometimes I wonder if it would be better to have a J-frame stoked with six rounds of hot (think BB) .32 H&R Mag, but still low recoil than five rounds of .38 special +p with a bit more recoil. Ok, I probably stirred the pot enough and highjacked the thread as well.

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Old 08-17-2014, 07:52 PM
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Well, I'm a fan of most handgun rounds.
I'm pretty comfortable carrying my 36 every day,
However, even with +P (unless you carry BB 158 SWCHP +P), I don'g expect much expansion from a 1-7/8" barrel.
I don't see where an unexpanded .38 bullet at about 800 fps is better than a hardcast .32 wadcutter at almost 900 fps.
Plus, the .32 gives you an extra round.

BTW, I ended up taking the Sile stocks off mine and putting some factory targets on it. Very easy shooting.

I bought some Magtech hollowpoint ammo for it.
I've read a lot about primers not popping, so I'm thinking about pulling the bullets and replacing the primers with Federal primers.

Ya know, those Magtech hollowpoints would be pretty impressive if loaded to 1,100-1,200 fps.

Maybe I should have a swaging die made to allow me to make a .32 caliber SWCHP.
Powder coat them and load them to .32 H&R velocities.
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Old 08-17-2014, 11:09 PM
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I have wondered if a Centennial (is that the 432?) in .32 with a decent WC/SWC load would be better for my wife than a .38 or .22/.22mag version.
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Old 08-17-2014, 11:23 PM
Cal44 Cal44 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Doug M. View Post
I have wondered if a Centennial (is that the 432?) in .32 with a decent WC/SWC load would be better for my wife than a .38 or .22/.22mag version.
Well you get 6 rounds instead of 5. That's a 20% increase.

A 32 is a bit easier to shoot so more likely to get a hit or two or three.

With a BB wad cutter, you would punch a .31" hole clear thru a bad guy if you believe the BB web site.

With a 38 you would make a .36" hole with wc ammo.

Which is better? More choices of ammo for the 38 is another factor.

Last edited by Cal44; 08-18-2014 at 07:43 PM.
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Old 08-18-2014, 02:48 AM
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Next to .38 Special , .32 Long is my other favorite round

I've been shooting .32 Long since the early 2000's in all types of revolvers.

I wish the .32 Long or H&R Airweight was more common. I'd love to get one for my Mom.
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Old 08-23-2014, 11:19 AM
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A .32 Airweight Centennial woul be sweet.
The.32 is a LOT easier to shoot than the .38, especially in an Airweight.

I tend to believe Buffalo Bore's claims.
Their rounds are chronied through real guns, and there have been several ballistic gelatin tests of their ammo that seem to bear out their claims.

Either .32 or .38 will make a clean, free-bleeding hole with the hard-cast wadcutter ammo,
Either one is worlds better than an unexpanded HP or a round nosed projectile.
Given my druthers, I'druther have a .44 Special or .45 Colt wadcutter load for SD.
However, those are generally bigger, heavier guns that aren't as easy to conceal in hot weather.
Even the Charter Bulldog .44 is bigger than a J frame.
No heavier than a steel frame J, but still bigger, especially with grips that make it comfortable to shoot.

The Taurus Judge and Smith Governator are bigger/heavier still.
The most practical use for either is as a snake gun (IMO), with .410 birdshot, which is the reason I got the Judge. As a gun for large pit vipers, it and the Governator have no peer.
As SD guns, they'll work fine, but I don't see a real advantage.

So, a lightweight, laser-accurate gun that is easy to shoot and creates a clean, free-bleeding hole through a bad guy definitely has merit.
Maybe not as good as a .44 or .45, but worlds better than any unexpanded HP.
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Old 10-21-2014, 07:59 PM
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Default Love my 430

After several hundred rounds, I love my 430 revolver. It has been easy to carry and fun to shoot. I have been doing a lot of double tap drills at about 15 feet into a Silhouette. In this 100 degree plus weather the past few months, I have been in shorts and a t shirt, and I don't open carry, I slip it into my front pocket. I keep it loaded with Buffalo Bore hard cast wadcutters.
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Old 10-21-2014, 11:33 PM
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Quote:
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A .32 Airweight Centennial would be sweet.
Yes, VERY sweet...
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Old 08-26-2015, 10:09 PM
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I have a Centennial Airweight in .32 H&R Magnum. Talk about a great "get off me" revolver and "bad breath" distance handgun, all in one!

Take my word for it, the revolver certainly beats either Clorets or Certs when the feces strikes the rotating air motivator.

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Old 08-26-2015, 10:14 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by M&P Kid View Post
Sounds like the "32 long" if load right is better then I thought
In the immortal words of Gomer Pyle, "SURPRISE, SURPRISE, SURPRISE"!

(Somehow, I knew the Board Members would finally 'get it').

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Old 01-27-2017, 08:35 PM
Lobster Picnic Lobster Picnic is offline
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I do think the family of .32 cal revolver rounds could supplant the .38 Special in lightweight J-frames. Lower recoil, better accuracy and the extra round make it an excellent alternative to the somewhat snappy .38 Special.
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Old 01-27-2017, 08:59 PM
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since I made my original posts and acquired a 16-4, 32 H&R Mag i have found both a 431PD and a 432PD in 32 H&R Mag. even with a 1 7/8" barrel they will take my 100 gr. Hornady XTP load at over 1000 fps. With 6 rounds of that load I don't feel under gunned. The 432PD has become my routine carry revolver.
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Old 01-28-2017, 01:21 AM
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The Buffalo Bore 100g +P load, with what looks a lot like an XTP bullet, averages 1100fps out of my 432PD. That was my daiiy carry outfit until my wife got a concealed carry permit and decided she liked the 432 (with its green Crimson Trace laser grip.)

At the moment I'm carrying a 30-1 that has been reamed to take H&R rounds, with the Buffalo Bore 100g +Ps. For reasons I can't figure out it's the most accurate of my small 32 caliber guns, and the one I enjoy shooting most - I admit to liking to take long range (40-50 yard) single action shots with little guns, for the fun of it.

But I just prefer a hammerless design for concealed carry. (I'm coming from a 640 as my daily carry piece - sure like practicing with 32s more than with 38s, and they're cheaper to reload, too.) So I'm in the process of getting laser sights regulated on a 632 I acquired on Gunbroker recently - once that's done I suspect it will be the one in the holster most of the time, with the BB+Ps.
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Old 01-28-2017, 09:52 AM
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Wrangler5, I'd venture a guess that your re-reamed 30-1 may be extra accurate BECAUSE it was re-reamed and has a better matched and fitted set of chambers. There was nothing inherently wrong with the Model 30 design, and with a little tweaking it becomes great! I've toyed with performing the same mod on my niece's 30-1, but it does so well and she lies it so much just the way it is, I figure "why bother?"

Froggie
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Old 01-28-2017, 10:37 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Green Frog View Post
Wrangler5, I'd venture a guess that your re-reamed 30-1 may be extra accurate BECAUSE it was re-reamed and has a better matched and fitted set of chambers. There was nothing inherently wrong with the Model 30 design, and with a little tweaking it becomes great! I've toyed with performing the same mod on my niece's 30-1, but it does so well and she lies it so much just the way it is, I figure "why bother?"

Froggie
You may be right, although my understanding is that the reaming ONLY extended the shoulder of the chamber enough to accommodate the longer case. The only bright marks on the otherwise blued cylinder after the reaming were on the shoulder and the extractor star, where the reamer bottomed out. Throats and chamber walls were unaffected.

I had the chambers reamed on the 30 (and on a 31-1 as well) because I wanted the option to use the higher power H&R loads if I wanted to - especially the Buffalo Bore +Ps that let me replace my daily-carry 5-shot 38s with 6-shot 32s and actually up the muzzle energy a bit over the FBI loads I carried in the 38s. The S&W cylinders are plenty strong for the modest pressure increase between 32 Long and the H&R loads. (Including the very potent BB +Ps, which BB has advised are safe for unlimited use in the reamed cylinders - luckily they're unpleasant enough to shoot and expensive enough at >$1 each that I wouldn't have worried about that in any event.)

Having all my 32 revolvers accept 32 H&R cases simplifies my reloading. I may give up some edge in accuracy at the low velocity wadcutter end of things, but with 2" barrels on lightweight guns I'm not too concerned. And being able to load the BB +Ps in all of 'em, just in case, is an additional benefit.
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