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Smith & Wesson Competitive Shooting All aspects of competitive shooting using Smith and Wesson Firearms. Including: IPSC, IDPA, Silhouette, Bullseye.


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Old 07-10-2017, 09:24 AM
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Does anyone have a suggestion for a 32. cal target pistol ? I'm somewhat confused about the whole .32 cal thing. The different cartridges and their capabilities . I'm looking for a stable platform for bullseye shooting. Could be a revolver or SA , but would like a gun that chambered a round that wasn't rare or overly expensive that I could hand load.
Suggestions ?
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Old 07-10-2017, 09:41 AM
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I had a Smith M16 that was very accurate and a pleasure to shoot. Those are chambered in .32 H&R Magnum. It says Magnum, but the power levels are less than a .38 Special. Very mild recoil.
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Old 07-10-2017, 09:48 AM
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If you have a couple of extra dollars try a Pardini.

SP/HP/FP - Cal.22/.32, Pardini Guns USA Store
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Old 07-10-2017, 10:06 AM
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If you have a couple of extra dollars try a Pardini.

SP/HP/FP - Cal.22/.32, Pardini Guns USA Store
A little pricey !
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Old 07-10-2017, 10:07 AM
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Originally Posted by Toolguy View Post
I had a Smith M16 that was very accurate and a pleasure to shoot. Those are chambered in .32 H&R Magnum. It says Magnum, but the power levels are less than a .38 Special. Very mild recoil.
Yeah, this is kind of where I'm going I think. Not a ton of these around, but they are out there.
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Old 07-10-2017, 10:13 AM
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The .32 Long was used by some bullseye target shooters in the past, with the rules specifying three stages with .22, centerfire and .45. Some would use the .32 for the centerfire stage but most figured out a .38 (or .45) gave them a larger margin of error for cutting a scoring ring.

The classic S & W .32 target gun is the K-32 Masterpiece; brand C also made revolvers in .32 Long. Walther also made a target semi-auto among others. As noted above, your most findable candidate would be a later model 16-4, in 4, 6 and 8 3/8".
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Old 07-10-2017, 10:25 AM
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The 16-4 may be the most affordable (but still in the $800 - $1000 range). It is chambered for the 32 H&R magnum, which can be handloaded to over 1200 FPS with a 100 gr XTP, which could take a considerable amount of small game and no slouch for self defense. It also fires the .32 S&W Long when loaded with Wad cutter bullets and an appropriate load can be outstandingly accurate.

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Old 07-10-2017, 11:20 AM
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I use a smith model 52 38 wad cutter for the center fire stage.
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Old 07-10-2017, 01:30 PM
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Ruger has made SA and DA revolvers in .32 H & R and .327 Federal Magnum; don't know about current production or how they would stack up against a Smith for target shooting.
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Old 07-10-2017, 02:32 PM
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I had this K Frame built in .327 Federal and accuracy is fantastic.
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Old 07-11-2017, 12:46 AM
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Unless you are good at double action revolver shooting, a semi auto will be a better choice, since there are time, 5 shots /20 sec. and rapid, 5 shots/10 sec. stages in NRA bullseye match.

Walther; FAS/Domino; Pardini and several European gun makers has .32 S&W long target pistol in their line up, they are mainly for ISSF ( International Sport Shooting Federation ) center fire match.

I would look for a used Walther GSP .32 in good condition, price would be somewhere around $1000 or so.
Another option would be using a .38 such as S&W model 52 or Colt 1911 in .38 special for the centre fire match, also .45 ACP 1911 can be use in center fire match as well, only 2 pistols are needed, a .22 and the 1911 for the whole 2700 match if you go that way.

Last edited by Tony C.; 07-11-2017 at 01:03 AM.
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Old 07-19-2017, 04:26 PM
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I understand that the OP was probably asking about a factory model, but I'll mention that before his passing Austin Behlert was showing off a converted Model 41 at an NRA Meeting... he was about ready to start selling a Bullseye gun in 32 S&W L (probably for flush seated WC only IIRC.). Did anything ever come of that project? Does anyone here shoot one?

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Old 07-19-2017, 05:35 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tony C. View Post
Unless you are good at double action revolver shooting, a semi auto will be a better choice, since there are time, 5 shots /20 sec. and rapid, 5 shots/10 sec. stages in NRA bullseye match.
Tony, not to hijack the OP's thread, back when I shot NRA 2700, I shot a K38 Masterpiece single action in all 3 stages. Honestly, I never saw any other revolver shooters shoot their revolvers double action. Shooting a revolver single action at 25 yards or at 50 ft, is not that difficult with aimed fire in either timed fire or rapid fire stages. With practice, you will actually have time to spare when you develop a muscle memory cadence.

The difficulty of shooting a revolver in a timed or rapid fire stage is not getting the shots off in a timely manner, but to minimize the revolver movement "in the shooting hand" while thumbing the hammer. With a semi-auto, there is minimal gun shift between shots in the shooting hand, compared to a revolver. By shooting one-handed single action, you have less sight "wobble" than you have shooting double action.
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Old 07-19-2017, 05:55 PM
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I shot NRA Bullseye for decades , I could never find an edge shooting with the 32 , scores with the 38 special and 148 gr target WC were just as good or better.
The big boost to my scores came with a proper target trigger job by Clark Custom Guns. I had no idea how much better I could shoot with a proper , not a DIY spring swap job, target trigger done by a professional gunsmith.
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Old 07-19-2017, 06:21 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lrrifleman View Post
Tony, not to hijack the OP's thread, back when I shot NRA 2700, I shot a K38 Masterpiece single action in all 3 stages. Honestly, I never saw any other revolver shooters shoot their revolvers double action. Shooting a revolver single action at 25 yards or at 50 ft, is not that difficult with aimed fire in either timed fire or rapid fire stages. With practice, you will actually have time to spare when you develop a muscle memory cadence.

The difficulty of shooting a revolver in a timed or rapid fire stage is not getting the shots off in a timely manner, but to minimize the revolver movement "in the shooting hand" while thumbing the hammer. With a semi-auto, there is minimal gun shift between shots in the shooting hand, compared to a revolver. By shooting one-handed single action, you have less sight "wobble" than you have shooting double action.
That's how most of the revolver guys that I know shoot bullseye.
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Old 07-19-2017, 07:37 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by H Richard View Post
The 16-4 may be the most affordable (but still in the $800 - $1000 range). It is chambered for the 32 H&R magnum, which can be handloaded to over 1200 FPS with a 100 gr XTP, which could take a considerable amount of small game and no slouch for self defense. It also fires the .32 S&W Long when loaded with Wad cutter bullets and an appropriate load can be outstandingly accurate.

[]
I would say those numbers are at least $1000 under actual prices. I have looked for 3-4 years for a shooter Model 16 under $1000.
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Old 07-19-2017, 08:01 PM
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Yeah, I'd say the 16-4 is probably going to cost at least $1200-1500 around here. They just don't seem to get sold that often and there seem to be a lot of folks looking for them.

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Old 07-19-2017, 10:01 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by series guy View Post
I had this K Frame built in .327 Federal and accuracy is fantastic.


I want.



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Old 07-19-2017, 10:57 PM
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I want.



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This is do-able... see this thread;

Project 616

Been there, done that, got the T-shirt!

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Old 07-20-2017, 12:23 PM
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Just bought a 16-4 for 1200 off gun Broker and drove 95 miles to save shipping to get it. There were a couple better deals but I wanted a 4". Most are higher.

Like Charlie above, I had Andy Horvath build two for me. Both in .32 long. Found a .32 PPC bbl a while back and last fall he built the .32 PPC. No rib on the PPC, use factory adjustable sights. Both have 5" barrels and Weigand front interchangeable sight bases. The first .32 he converted a K-22 to a center fire in .32. Both have a faster rate of twist then stock S&W's.

Pics of the .32 PPC are in the thread below this one titled PPC revolver pics. Both were finished off with Keith Brown grips. It was cheaper to build a gun in .32 long then to buy a model 16. I have a 4" 16-4 barrel and a .22 cyl to build another one.

Good luck deciding what to do. The .38's can be just as accurate. Larry


Charlie, is was nice talking to you the other day.

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Old 07-22-2017, 04:51 PM
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Shooting a revolver single action in a bullseye rapid fire stage is a whole 'nother discipline that you may or may not want to learn....
Shooting DA has too many moving parts to make for accurate groups.
When I was shooting Bullseye I used a Pardini 32L for the center fire stage and it was very similar to shooting my Benelli .22. (i.e. no recoil). (Larry's Guns still have a few Benelli MP-95's in 32 Long at around $1000 to $1050. That's about as cheap as you will find a competition quality 32L.)
I tried the 38 WC and found the Colt to be totally unreliable function wise. The Smith 52 is a whole lot better, but is getting quite expensive if you can find one. (And has more recoil than the 32.)
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Old 07-22-2017, 05:31 PM
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Quote:
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Shooting a revolver single action in a bullseye rapid fire stage is a whole 'nother discipline that you may or may not want to learn....
Shooting DA has too many moving parts to make for accurate groups.
When I was shooting Bullseye I used a Pardini 32L for the center fire stage and it was very similar to shooting my Benelli .22. (i.e. no recoil). (Larry's Guns still have a few Benelli MP-95's in 32 Long at around $1000 to $1050. That's about as cheap as you will find a competition quality 32L.)
I tried the 38 WC and found the Colt to be totally unreliable function wise. The Smith 52 is a whole lot better, but is getting quite expensive if you can find one. (And has more recoil than the 32.)
Detractors of the Model 52 complained that you could make your sight picture, pull the trigger and put the gun back in your range box before the bullet got out of the barrel and down to the target... implying it was tough to get sufficient follow through. Of course my old dad was shooting his while in his 80s, so he moved so slow it seemed to work well for him!

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Old 07-22-2017, 08:27 PM
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Another advantage (?) to the Euro 32 Long competition guns (never mind the price..) is that they are blow-back instead of locked breech. (Less moving parts to get out of sync or get sloppy with wear, etc.)

Just remember that those last few points in your score come at a price...
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Old 07-28-2017, 07:08 PM
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I was lucky enough to have everyone else miss a M-16-4 barrel and then later the cylinder on Gunbroker. I put them on a M-15 had the cylinder reamed to .327 no $1,500 cost for me. With it's 8 3/8 barrel super accurate. Also there is a Czech revolver being made called the Alfa Pro ( looks just like a python) great deal for the money.
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Old 07-28-2017, 07:21 PM
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If you shoot bullseye, want a 32, and want to climb the classification ranks & win matches, the the Pardini is the way to go.
They make the 32 ACP version for 50 yds outdoor, and still offer the 32 S&W wadcutter for 25 meter international.
A great option is to buy a used Pardini old model 32 wadcutter and get a fast twist barrel from Dave Wilson. You can do the whole thing for about $1100-1500 if you shop around.
The best forum to investigate this is
TargetTalk • Index page
They have several HUGE threads discussing all the details.
You can see test targets, loads, cast bullet info.... on & on.
TargetTalk • View topic - Pardini HP 32, ammo talk

Dig in and enjoy!

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Old 07-28-2017, 10:42 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tony C. View Post
Unless you are good at double action revolver shooting, a semi auto will be a better choice, since there are time, 5 shots /20 sec. and rapid, 5 shots/10 sec. stages in NRA bullseye match.

Walther; FAS/Domino; Pardini and several European gun makers has .32 S&W long target pistol in their line up, they are mainly for ISSF ( International Sport Shooting Federation ) center fire match.

I would look for a used Walther GSP .32 in good condition, price would be somewhere around $1000 or so.
Another option would be using a .38 such as S&W model 52 or Colt 1911 in .38 special for the centre fire match, also .45 ACP 1911 can be use in center fire match as well, only 2 pistols are needed, a .22 and the 1911 for the whole 2700 match if you go that way.
This is, on the whole, excellent advice. Although it would appear lately that most folks are learning towards the two-gun (.22 + .45) approach rather than a dedicated centerfire gun. Anything you gain via reduced recoil for the centerfire match, you give up by having to split your practice time with another pistol.

I also agree that that the GSP is likely the best place to start looking if this is what you're determined to get. The Model 52 is quite lovely, but is also a bit expensive. By the time you're done buying the gun and having it tuned up, you might as well have simply bought the Walther.

Of course, none of us is so great that min/maxing every choice is a necessity. At the end of the day, this is a hobby, and by God, we should enjoy it. The fancy-pants 1911-22 I built that wound up costing as much as a Model 41 can certainly attest to that!
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Old 07-28-2017, 11:49 PM
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Quote:
The fancy-pants 1911-22 I built that wound up costing as much as a Model 41 can certainly attest to that!
You can do the same thing with a Ruger without much effort...
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Old 07-29-2017, 02:42 AM
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There is a real trend in 2700 these days back towards shooting it as a three gun event, with a dedicated CF pistol. I was going to mention the Walther GSP. These won't cut the mustard at 50 yds. Been there, done that. But, an aftermarket fast twist barrel will get you there. Again, Dave Wilson can do that for the GSP for just a couple to three hundred bucks. Again, check out targettalk.org, or the bullseye-L forum.
Bullseye-L Forum

If you want to go the revolver route, you'll be hard pressed to come near matching the Manurhin.
Check out this Swedish test:
Ammunitionstest av .32 S&W Long i VapenTidningen nr 4 2007.


The whole 32 CF pistol thing has been covered already in so much more detail on both the targettalk and bullseye forums already.

Best regards,
Jim
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Old 07-29-2017, 05:55 AM
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As we wander about on the fringes of this topic, I'll mention that an old gunsmith friend of mine, now deceased, spent time off and on over about 5 years working on a 32 conversion for a 1911 (going with a straight blowback using a lightened 38 Super slide IIRC) I'm sure he didn't invent this in a complete vacuum, so I'm wondering whether anyone else has any experience with this??

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Old 07-30-2017, 02:35 AM
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You can do the same thing with a Ruger without much effort...
I believe that the majority of the big-dollar Rugers I've seen were more-properly called "Volquartsens".

That said, there are some really interesting options out there for aftermarket uppers that aren't labelled VQ.
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Old 07-30-2017, 06:31 AM
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I believe that the majority of the big-dollar Rugers I've seen were more-properly called "Volquartsens".

That said, there are some really interesting options out there for aftermarket uppers that aren't labelled VQ.
If you're talking about upgrading Ruger Standard Model pistols as fine target guns, the historical name in this is the guy who developed the process ,the late Jim Clark from Louisiana. AFAIK though, he never offered a 32 conversion. Does Vollquartsen?

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Old 07-30-2017, 07:29 AM
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Regarding the Ruger, there was a gunsmith in Arizona that built 32 wadcutter target pistols using MKI 22s! His name was Bill Atkinson. He cut his own barrels and handmade the magazines!
They were straight blowback, and used a large weight at the end of the bolt that overhung the shooter's wrist.
If you'd like to see a picture, there's one in George Nonte's book, Pistolsmithing.

Jim
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Old 07-31-2017, 12:15 AM
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If you're talking about upgrading Ruger Standard Model pistols as fine target guns, the historical name in this is the guy who developed the process ,the late Jim Clark from Louisiana. AFAIK though, he never offered a 32 conversion. Does Vollquartsen?

Froggie
I know of Clarks, but haven't actually handled any originals. I've seen a bunch of VQ's, but to tell you the truth, I was never super-impressed. They're way too flashy for my taste, and they just don't do enough over the standard. It's like if you bought a decent-name 1911, and then just dumped a bunch of parts into it without doing any of the actual work. I do believe they offer a .17-magnum conversion, but that's it.
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Old 07-31-2017, 12:21 AM
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I am a big fan of the Benelli Model MP95E .32 S&W WC pistol......I also own the same model in the .22 LR version, both are tack drivers and very reliable. A pleasure to shoot for bullseye or just for fun!

Of course my S&W K-32 Target Masterpiece is no slouch either!!!
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Old 07-31-2017, 06:30 AM
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Myself, I shot bullseye for several decades 1970's thru mid 1990's and still toy with it today. I have used my pre 16 ribbed barrel, a 16-3 full target and the 16-4 and found no advantage over a K-38 or a model 52. The whole time shooting, I never really saw anyone seriously competing with the 32 cartridge here in America. It just never caught on and I always thought it was a hold over with the Canadian and European's as they favored the 32 calibers even as Police and Military guns. Many K-32's were exported.
But like you say, it's a hobby and one has to enjoy it so no harm in playing with the 32 S&W Long. It is an inherently accurate cartridge.
If you ever run into a Colt Heavy barrel Officer's Match in 32 S&W Long, there's another candidate, although they are as expensive. Not as much as a K-32 for some reason, but every bit as accurate.
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Old 07-31-2017, 10:41 AM
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I guess the question that hasn't been asked is "If everybody just uses their .45 for the centerfire stage, why even have a CF leg?" Just copy the .45 leg score or, better yet, do away with CF all together.
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Old 07-31-2017, 11:44 AM
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I guess the question that hasn't been asked is "If everybody just uses their .45 for the centerfire stage, why even have a CF leg?" Just copy the .45 leg score or, better yet, do away with CF all together.
As I understand it, the original 45 leg was for military ball ammo at full power (the so-called "hardball match") with a GI 1911 with only a short list of approved mods including mostly adding adjustable sights of closely prescribed dimensions. The 45 "Wad Gun" on the other hand could be radically modified and rather than full power ball ammo used special lower recoil "target wadcutter" ammo - semiwadcutter actually. I haven't shot an official 2700 match for many years, so I don't know what the rules are at this point. Maybe someone can chime in with current rules, but that doesn't change the fact that the 32 WC is a fun cartridge to shoot, formal match rules notwithstanding.

Froggie

PS Oddly enough, hardcore revolver shooters were allowed to shoot 45 ACP revolvers (originally upgraded versions of 1917 Smiths and Colts) in the Hardball Leg, then shot K-22s and either K-32s or K-38s in the rimfire and center fire legs.
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Old 07-31-2017, 02:59 PM
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Those little 32s were really optimized for ISSF 25-Meter Rapid Fire.
When I shot 2700 many years ago in in the Army, we were issued Super Target 185 grain FMJ.
Shot it in a special wadcutter gun Exceedingly accurate, IIRC.
Bigger bullets cut rings that minor calibers miss.
I have won and lost matches by 1 point.
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Old 07-31-2017, 04:08 PM
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Quote:
Bigger bullets cut rings that minor calibers miss
I agree with this, However:>>>>
Everything else being equal, (recoil not being a factor) shouldn't one's .22 RF scores be lower than their .45 scores?? (Those little bullets not cutting rings that a .45 would.)

Seeing as how this doesn't seem to be true, then we have to admit that recoil IS a factor. How much of a factor, I don't know, but even high level shooters seem to post better .22 scores than they do .45 scores......So it appears that larger diameter can't overcome recoil.
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Old 08-02-2017, 02:02 PM
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I divided my guns into work guns and fun guns. Work guns were all semi auto, fun were revolvers. At one point n late 80'sI was sent(military) to try out for Pan Am games. My International CF scores were competitive. I used a Model 52 (S&W reworked trigger to make it legal). Although I finished in midpack, not nearly good enough, the AMU guys shot either European 32 cal semi autos, maybe someone shot a 52, but most were 32 cal guns. If you really want to compete use a semi auto either a S&W 52 or a Euro gun.
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Old 08-02-2017, 03:22 PM
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I think the main reason most shooters don't have a dedicated CF gun is economic. Revolvers really can't compete at high level with a semi-auto,
but the cost of a true target 32 semi is prohibitive.
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Old 08-02-2017, 09:02 PM
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I was getting crazy to have a .32 semi auto to shoot for fun. Have a few .32 revolvers, and the .32 Hammerli 280 was looking good. There is a following for some sort of .32 auto at the gun club. Had the 280 in .22 for bullseye and liked it a lot. A model 52 came up at a great price so I bought it. Now I don't have to change the powder measure for light.32 loads. Shoots like the other one I owned yrs ago. Actually happy with another S&W. Larry
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Old 08-03-2017, 01:56 AM
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Here is my current .32 S&W long target semi auto, it's a FAS model 603, made in Italy, brought from a shooter from the left coast several years ago sight unseen. Its a top loader, mag insert from top, mounting a red dot sight like the Ultra dot will be a problem, therefore a Burris Fastfire 3 is being use for the time being.

Like many other Italian pistol this one has excellent roll trigger and take down is a breeze, undo one lever, and the pistol break down in seconds, weight in at 47 oz. empty, much heavier than the .22 model 602.

As other has mentioned .32 are fun to shoot and quite accurate as well, and if you cast your own bullet and reload, it cost not much more then shooting .22, my go to load for the .32 S&W long is either 1.8 gr of Titegroup or 1.7 gr. W231 for 98 gr. wadcutter bullet, a pound of powder can last a long time.

I also has been on the look out for a K 32, but the few I've seen are priced at collector item range, while all I need is a shooter grade gun, and speaking of revolver, if one decided to use one in bullseye match, a model 14 can work out just fine, myself prefer a semi auto, don't think thumb cocking at the rapid fire stage will work out too good for me.

I've suggest the OP look for a Walther GSP, reason being they are fairly common in the bullseye circle, parts are still obtainable and don't forget the frame of a GSP can accept either a .22LR or .32 S&W long top unit, flip one lever, take out the barrel unit, replace with the other calibre, insert the proper mag and you're ready. $1200-$1300 would a bargain for a frame with both .22 and .32 top unit and 2 mag for each calibre. $1500 and up should get a pistol with factory accessories like sight adjustment tool; case...etc. look for them in the bullseye shooting site buy and sale section.

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Old 08-05-2017, 01:13 AM
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I am a Pardini fan......I loved my Model 41s, but every one of them was a bit fussy and I had alibis in too many matches.....The Pardini has a distinct preference, but in terms of accuracy ONLY. ....meaning never a jam or stovepipe...and accuracy above bar....I have shot numerous perfect 100 stages with the Pardini...I admit, a lot of credit goes to the Morini stocks and PERFECT fit to my hand.
IF you want to see the guns, Photobucket has denied me access unless I pay them $500 and I will not be held hostage...so Email me directly: [email protected]....
Loving the .22 so much, I bought an IDENTICAL 32 S&W Long Wadcutter gun, and my scores soared. My NRA matches were stellar....high 280s and low 290s (not now, I am 20 years older), Yes, I have had these guns nearly 20 years. Here is a great point. If you buy the .32, you can purchase a .22 upper which changes in about 4 min. with the turn of one allen screw, lifting off the upper, and screwing on the other one....viola, a .22....but not in reverse....you must start with the .32 (crazy).
The ONLY downside...price...These guns are $2300 new and then the other upper (later). You will only need to do it once.
the .32 wadcutter loads shoot fantastically in my Model 16s and Regulation Police Targets...
Currently shooting the Lapua 98 Gr. HB PB wadcutter over 1.4gr VV N310 with Federal sm. pistol primers. The German H&N 100 GR. bullet is better, but unavailable from any source. The Lapua is available from Graf & Sons (If you have a C&R or are an NRA Instructor, you get a discount) or from Midway. The bullets are .13 each. If you do not hand-load, Fiocchi makes a great .32 S&WL wadcutter round.
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Old 08-05-2017, 07:45 AM
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tjpopkin, thanks for all of this good info. Looks like I'll be using my revolvers for 32 target loads and sticking to the Model 52 in 38 SPL for my semi-auto target shooting.

I wanted to ask about your loads for the 32 WC... is the Lapua bullet you mention a swaged lead or cast alloy HBWC? What kind of nose (flat or button) does it have? I see you think the German one is even better, but how much so at casual levels of marksmanship vs Master Class? Will I notice a difference in my revolvers between these two or even if I just go to a Hornady swaged HBWC?

Finally, can you recommend vendors for the Fiocchi ammo, the Lapua bullets and the Vitavhouri powder? These are all pretty thin on the ground here in Central VA.

Regards and thanks,
Your friend, the Frog
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Old 08-05-2017, 09:02 AM
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From what I was told years back at Camp Perry, the 32's would come out when the wind died down and the 50 yard scores could get high. I could never bench rest my Pardini and get over 97 on a 50 yard target. The model 52 would shoot a 100, but needed the complete 10 ring. The Giles 45 grouped tight inside the 10 ring, and was the best.
Understand my one home range is notoriously windy, and one day I had my Pardini 32 and benched it at 50 yards. It shot a 100 on a calm day, but then I realized the 32 WC round gets blown around on a windy day. When I was winding down my International shooting, a competitor was using a Hammerli 280 converted to 32acp. He said it was a big advantage over the wad cutter.
I think the faster you can push a 32 wad cutter, might make a better 50 yard group.The Lapau factory ammo was a lot hotter than most people reloaded. Maybe Lapau was trying to buck the wind!
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Old 10-08-2022, 01:10 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by murphydog View Post
Ruger has made SA and DA revolvers in .32 H & R and .327 Federal Magnum; don't know about current production or how they would stack up against a Smith for target shooting.
,
First posting on this forum!
I inherited a hammerlei sp20 32 , albeit very pricey, which shoots way beyond my ability. My best handloads are with Meister 0.312 DEWC as compared to hollow base, never could figure that out. Pistol is aluminum and will not handle hot loads, so I use 1.4 gr vihtavuori 210 with lapua brass. I have since acquired a Ruger SP101 327 Fed Mag with 4-1/4 inch barrel topped with a Vortex Venom 3moa red dot. The small frame grips do not work well for my large hands, so a full size GP100 grip has been added. Best loads with 32 H&R magnum brass are 2.4 gr of Win 231 and the above DEWC bullets. I cannot get this pistol to shoot nearly as well as my full frame Ruger and S&W 38/357 pistols. I am sure a full frame 6" S&W will shoot better....
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Old 10-08-2022, 01:52 PM
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If you wish to become a proficent 2700 shooter focus on the 2 guns you HAVE to shoot ie 22 & 45 . Shooting the 45 in CF gives more trigger time on THE gun you have to master . Once one can shoot consistent Master level scores , then you can go off on tangents & down the rabbit hole . I & many other 2700 shooters can tell you that mouse caliber guns in CF will hurt you're scores far more than help . I'm also a fan of 22 conversions . Setup your conversion lower just like your wadgun , 3 1/2lb trigger & all . Your 22 scores will suffer initially , but your 45 scores will improve . It's easier to learn one trigger than three .
IMHO if one has to go there , a 1911 in 38 Super makes a much better choice . Like a 45 , $ 600 worth of parts & a stock gun can be made competitive enough to take one to Master .
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Old 10-08-2022, 10:07 PM
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Quote:
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The .32 Long was used by some bullseye target shooters in the past, with the rules specifying three stages with .22, centerfire and .45. Some would use the .32 for the centerfire stage but most figured out a .38 (or .45) gave them a larger margin of error for cutting a scoring ring.

The classic S & W .32 target gun is the K-32 Masterpiece; brand C also made revolvers in .32 Long. Walther also made a target semi-auto among others. As noted above, your most findable candidate would be a later model 16-4, in 4, 6 and 8 3/8".
my bullseye coach uses .45 acp for both centerfire.
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Old 12-17-2022, 04:47 PM
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When I was working the NRA National Matches at Camp Atterbury this past summer, I was pulled on the high power down days to RO the pistol matches. For the blocks that I covered, I didn't see anyone using other than 1911s in 45. I took note, because I tend to use either my K38 or a 1911, depending on which bullets I have enough of cast and ready for loading.

Please excuse the tangent, but this thread sounds like an F class discussion among shooters that never shot across the course with either a match rifle or a service rifle! Sometimes, it is worth it to take your time and smell the roses while learning some skills than buy your way into the highest classifications!
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