M-631 .32 Mag.

smitholdtimer · #1 02-19-2012, 01:24 PM

This seems like a great idea and even offers an additional round as compared to the M-60 S&W. Do any of you own one of these and if so, do you recommend one and what about price, I have not been privileged to see one but have heard of them, are they scarce? Is the ammunition affordable, any information you can furnish will be appreciated, thanks.

tom32 · #2 02-19-2012, 01:51 PM

I don't have one but I am always on the lookout. They are fairly uncommon and relatively expensive. I would like to match it up with my 16-4. Factory 32 H&R ammo is a bit costly but if you reload, it is a fun and easy caliber to work with.

ronnie gore · #3 02-19-2012, 02:20 PM

i have a 631 4 inch model. they are great, i love the cartridge but factory loads are weak, you will have to reload to make it shine, i load a 95 grain cast bullet at 1300 fps. i also have some ruger single actions in this caliber.

PMRet · #4 02-19-2012, 03:19 PM

The J frame .32 magnums are great little guns. I have 3 of them, a model 631, a 631 Lady Smith, and a 632 Airweight Centennial. As previously mentioned, they offer 6 shots instead of 5, plus they will chamber .32 S&W long in addition to .32 H&R magnum ammo. The 631 was also produced in a 4" barrel target version, and the 632 Airweight was also produced in a 3" barrel version.

smitholdtimer · #5 02-19-2012, 04:13 PM

You guys have me convinced that if I am able to reload I'll have something very special. You seem to have agreed on the possibilities of this as a defense load but you have failed to advise how much I should be prepared to pay for one! Were they equipped with wood combat stocks from the factory? Thanks, keep it coming!

PMRet · #6 02-19-2012, 07:32 PM

The 631 shipped with finger groove combat stocks, the 631 Lady Smith with smooth rosewood grips, and the 632 with Uncle Mike's 3 finger rubber combat grips.

These were produced for only a couple of years in the early 90's, so they are fairly scarce. Most of the ones I've seen lately have been priced sky high, a 2" 631 LNIB recently sold on GB for $1050, and there is a 4" 631 LNIB listed right now for $1200 BIN. Of course, there are always exceptions, as I have less than $500 each in mine, and another forum member recently posted about finding a 632 for less than $300.

Recoil is very manageable using factory .32 magnum ammo, and you also have the option of firing .32 long ammo for practice purposes. I believe one of these guns, loaded with .32 long wadcutters, is the perfect way to learn how to shoot a J frame revolver.

MP1983 · #7 02-20-2012, 01:06 AM

here's mine...paid $200 for it in the mid-90's in a pawn shop...I've got some correct grips for it now...great gun!! I used to carry it a lot until I found out only about a couple hundred were ever made...

Allen-frame · #8 02-20-2012, 02:28 AM

Don't know exactly why, but as all other J frames are sacrificed to the N frame gods,
this one has stayed with me a long time now.

I'm wondering if Hamilton Bowen can make a 327 Federal cylinder for this
so I can just set aside the original cyl. and have this 631 to shoot
327 out of.
Just a thought.

Allen Frame

MP1983 · #9 02-20-2012, 12:06 PM

Allen Frame...thanks for adding some decent pics to show these little beauties off in a way that they can truly be appreciated (PMRet's was fine but had all 3, and mine of just the 631 are lacking!!)...

I like the idea of a .327 Federal cylinder...

bobcat · #10 02-20-2012, 01:41 PM

I have a 631 4" inch, great gun, however it was my most expensive revolver. I inherited from my dad after he passed away.

Still has everything, and box, docs and combat grips, and it a great shooter. Take care...

smitholdtimer · #11 02-20-2012, 01:50 PM

The .327 cylinder really sounds inviting, anyone know what the fare is for such an addition and if these are still available for purchase, what versatility in one handgun! I'm looking for one really hard now. Your posts have been very enlightening and I really appreciate all the input!

peyton · #12 02-20-2012, 05:24 PM

I can tell you that the cylinder is to short to fit the cartridge,plus the cylinder window (think that is what it's called) would need to be lengthened to fit a longer cylinder. Right now the 631's are crazy expensive due to scarity, look for a 632 in .327, S&W made the changes to accomodate the cartridge. I own 15 .32 magnums and they are a hoot!!!! Most of mine have been passed to my kids and grandkids. Here is the last 631 I bought, from a forum member with one post and owned only ONE S&W!!

I also recently picked up a model 331. This is my daughters gun now, momma bear has to protect my two grandsons.

Lastly Ruger put out a fine Single Action also.

mag318 · #13 02-20-2012, 07:18 PM

To bad the 327 Magnum wasn't around when S&W was making the 631. That said S&W did well with the 632 models in this truly versatile chambering. I'd love to see a K frame chambered for the 327 Magnum.

smitholdtimer · #14 02-20-2012, 08:09 PM

I'm sure you are not trying to sell anything but the revolver you have pictured has Cancer, notice just above the cylinder release, the hole starting to develop. The cost of hospitalization is beyond my ability to pay. You see the point I'm making, am unable to bring myself to accept these as reliable revolvers! Thank you for the photos.

mag318 · #15 02-20-2012, 08:19 PM

I'm not a fan of the LOCK either and would prefer it didn't have it like the 2" 632. Both my last 2 S&Ws have the unfortunate LOCK but I truly like my Governor and the 632 irregardless.

smitholdtimer · #16 02-20-2012, 08:41 PM

I'm an Old man and very opinionated, was privileged to grow up with the quality S&W products and am unable to bring myself to accept anything less. Nothing personal! I'm very sorry the youngsters were not as so privileged, they(the elderly revolvers) are the Cat's Meow! Compared to.......................

civil1977 · #17 02-20-2012, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Allen-frame

That's an impressive collection of "old" ammo. Can't find that stuff on the LGS shelves anymore.

mag318 · #18 02-21-2012, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smitholdtimer

I'm an Old man and very opinionated, was privileged to grow up with the quality S&W products and am unable to bring myself to accept anything less. Nothing personal! I'm very sorry the youngsters were not as so privileged, they(the elderly revolvers) are the Cat's Meow! Compared to.......................

I too am an oldtimer soon to be 66, and I totally agree that they don't make em like they use to. I took a Model 60 with me to Viet Nam and really appreciate Smith & Wesson quality. That said I still like to see innovative new designs that S&W keeps coming out with and believe they still make good revolvers albeit the cost cutting measures like MIM parts. The days of hand fitted Colts and S&Ws we enjoyed from the 50/60s are sadly gone, although Colt has seemed to maintained their level of quality better. But on the bright side all our older Smiths and Colts are worth a lot more money now and will always appreciate in value. I do give S&W credit for staying competative in the dwindling revolver market.

pineappleshooter · #19 02-21-2012, 10:39 PM

Saw a 632 at the LGS tonight. Nice gun - no lock - $685. How much better is the 327 compared to 38+p?

mag318 · #20 02-22-2012, 12:45 PM

Comparing the 327 Magnum to a 38 +P Special the 327 has much higher velocity and is a true Magnum. You have to actually shoot one to appreciate it, definately more horsepower than a 38 Special. One obvious advantage is 6 shots compared to 5 in the same size J frame. This is a really good cartridge and I expect to see more revolvers chambered for it as shooters discover it. Here's what a 115 grn Speer Gold Dot looks like after being recovered from a waterjug.

TexinMaine · #21 02-22-2012, 04:31 PM

Looks like I was very lucky to have found my 631 2" at a local gun store for $325. Went to a couple gunstores today and struck out finding any type of .32 ammo, be it mag, long or short. But no worries I placed and order for some Lee .32 H&R dies. Now to find some data and supplies.