.32 long vs .22LR for my wife?

wnr700 · May 29, 2011

I know, I know... but I have learned to listen to her and not enforce my beliefs.

My wife doesn't mind so much .38 Special in the K and L frame, and can do a respectable job on the paper, though accuracy is something that still needs work.

However, my Model 649 is a huge NO for the pain factor, and looking at her target I agree.

She saw a .32 that a local shooter was nice enough to let her handle. Assume it was a Model 30 or 31... she (and I) really liked it. It was a family heirloom carried in WW2 by his father (I frame?)

Her quote... "It's dainty... I like it."

She likes .22 of course...

So I have narrowed down the future CCW selection to...

8 shot/ 3 inch ...Model 63 or 317?
6 shot/3 inch... Model 31 in .32 Long? (I'm pushing for a Model 632, but no luck thus far.)

Opinions?

Does a Sig 232 have a sharp recoil?

ColbyBruce · May 29, 2011

A Sig P230/232 pistol will recoil a bit as it is a blowback design. That is also a large handgun, there are several models available in 9mm & .40 that are comparable in size and weight.

I own a snubbie #317, a #30-1, two#31-1's and they are neat guns, though I have never thought the snubbie .22's were greatly accurate. My #63 is a 4" and does shoot well. I bought my daughter a #331TI which is light accurate for her. These are all very good guns, however, you will pay big for a snubbie #63 or any #631.

moxie · May 29, 2011

As you know, the .32 is pretty puny. Also pretty pricey. I'd go for the .22. Practice a bunch with bricks from Walmart. Keep it loaded for business with the good stuff like CCI Stinger, Quik-Shok or Velocitor, or one of the other hot loads from Rem., Win., or Federal. Experiment and find the one she and her gun likes the best. One or two well-placed .22 rounds beat the heck out of a very loud near miss. If you think a .22LR isn't tough enough, shoot a 2X4. The 317 holds 8 and is the way to go!

bummer · May 29, 2011

I have never had a miss fire with a centerfire but have had a lot with a 22. If my life depended on it for self defence I would go with the 32

m1gunner · May 29, 2011

The 32s are good shooting little revolvers. My wife prefers the 32 over a 22.

As mentioned, a center fire round is less likely than a rim fire to have a primer failure.

note: A local woman was attacked in her home by an intruder one morning several weeks ago. She got to her gun (a .22) and shot and killed the attacker.

The best gun for SD is the one you can shoot well, and is there when you need it.

Bud11 · May 29, 2011

Getting my girfriend the 3" 63. Good for learning and for hiking. Bud

paragon1 · May 30, 2011

As far as a light shooting, easy to rack slide, a Walther PK380 has much less recoil than the P230/232. Although it's not a pocket gun, the grip and handling are loved by ladies who are recoil sensitive.

stonehorses · May 30, 2011

34 or 63

I have both and only use the .22. Get her a nice 34 or 63.

A10 · May 30, 2011

Have you thought of a 632 in .327? It gives a lot of versatility, being able to shoot any rimmed .32 you want (except 32-20 of course!).

David LaPell · May 30, 2011

Between the two I would go with the .32. The bullet is a little bigger (not by much) and you have the fact that it is a centerfire. On the other hand, the .22 will be a much cheaper.

681ismyfavorite · May 30, 2011

.32 over .22

wnr700 · May 30, 2011

A10 said:
Have you thought of a 632 in .327? It gives a lot of versatility, being able to shoot any rimmed .32 you want (except 32-20 of course!).

This is the one I'm pushing for...

Definatly will have to breakdown and start reloading.

ColbyBruce · May 30, 2011

The incident m1gunner mentioned happened here in Gwinnett county. I called our local police and offered to give them a gun to give to the poor lady, as her .22 went to the crime lab. She made an impression on her attacker that lasted the rest of his life.

To the OP, if you are near Atlanta or NE Georgia I will be happy to let your wife shoot my handguns, can add a Walther PP .32 and a S&W .22 magnum to the list as well.

tenntucker · May 31, 2011

I recently bought a NAA Wasp, pocket revolver. It's kinda a BUG to a BUG. It's a 22/22 mag combo.

I bought the new Hornady 30 gr rounds to try out. Stated velocity is 2,000+ FPS.

I set up my chrono to see what they got out of the little 1-5/8 bbl. I was hoping for 1,000 FPS. They avg. 1375. I shot a steel 55 drum. The little bullet punched a entry and exit hole.

I'm thinking a 8 shot 351PD, at 10 oz. would be a awesome little package. Little to no recoil.

jimmyj · May 31, 2011

Cut to the chase:
Get her what She likes-the .32.
Also a more dependable round (Centerfire).

walnutred · May 31, 2011

I'd go with the 32 however since you've admitted you may handload for it don't overlook an I frame in 38 S&W.

OFT II · May 31, 2011

jimmyj said:
Cut to the chase:
Get her what She likes-the .32.
Also a more dependable round (Centerfire).

I agree. If you don't get what she wants you will regret it.

Frailer · May 31, 2011

OFT II said:
I agree. If you don't get what she wants you will regret it.

+ another 1.

That's good advice, right there.

Green Frog · May 31, 2011

Currently nestled in my right front pocket is a post-War I-frame 32 Hand Ejector with 2" snub nose barrel. It is my personal favorite at present for CCW and IMHO could only be improved upon by moving up to a .38 S&W Terrier. I'm a "petite" 5' 11" male who tips the scales at a feathery 230#, but I want something that is concealable with enough authority to speak for me if needed.

Would it be my choice in a shootout situation? No, I would rather have my 14 shot Para Ord .45, with a couple of spare mags, but that doesn't conceal worth a hoot!

My advice for the OP is to get her what she will be willing to carry, and what she is comfortable shooting... the .45 would be the most authoritative, but useless if it's at home (like mine usually is.) That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

Froggie

Cavaliere · May 31, 2011

There's a 3-inch Model 31-1 for sale on Guns America right now for $498.00. I couldn't really tell from the photos, but it looks like it has your wife's name on it.

.32 long vs .22LR for my wife?

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