.32 H&R Magnum

[cockerpoodle2]

I am a senior (read decrepit) citizen. I have carried a S&W 442 for years; it's an old dog that is not +P rated. Now I'm developing some arthritis in my fingers and wrists. At the range it's taking longer to recover from recoil and get off accurate subsequent shots. I know that a heavier (steel) gun would be less "snappy" but harder to carry. Now the question:
Who has experience with the .32 H&R Magnum round? I'm thinking of finding a 332 (alloy frame, titanium cylinder) or a 432 (all alloy). Is the recoil (using Mags) more managable than my .38sp?
I know that finding ammo can be a problem. Right now HP's seem to be available but this may be the moment to start handloading. My local range requires "lead-free" indoors and TMJ bullets are available. I think I would practice with .32 S&W longs.
Thanks, in advance, for your suggestions,
Buzz (Cockerpoodle)

 

[hatt]

Have you thought about using lighter recoiling .38s? I don't have any experience with the 32 but I don't see it having much less recoil than the .38. Also, I might consider the .22 mag.

 

[W.E.G.]

I like my .32 H&R Magnum, but I don't think this is what you have in mind.

 

[BrianE]

I had a 432pd and with black hills 85gr rounds recoil was nothing like a 38. I think you'd be very happy with one.

 

[Double-O-Dave]

Buzz:

I also have arthritis in my hands and wrists. I have a Model 432 that I carry when the pain is too bad to carry either my Model 642 or Model 60 in .38 Special. You are correct that you can shoot .32 Long our of the 432. You can also shoot .32 Short, or even .32ACP out of the 432 as well. Have you thought about shooting 148 gr. wadcutters out of your 442? Very mild recoil and wadcutters are excellent anti-personnel rounds at close range.

Best of luck,

Dave

 

[sheriffoconee]

mmm, I wonder if I could rechanber one for 32-20????

 

[feralmerril]

Like the guy said, you might not be interested in a single action ruger, still, I have this one and they are neat in .32 H&R mag. No recoil, flat shooting, accurate AND noisey. They have a sharp crack. I also own a colt SAA in 32-20 that is close.

 

[walnutred]

I've liked the ctg since it was introduced and I'm in the precess of converting a 31-1. Kept hoping Marlin would bring out a modern version of the 1892 in 32 Mag.

 

[cockerpoodle2]

Thanks for your kind suggestions.
Walnutred, tell me more about your conversion project (Model 31-1 to .32 mag). Will the cylinder accept the longer round?
I'm still looking. It seems that the 432PD is available.
Buzz (Cockerpoodle)

 

[Jellybean]

I have a Taurus model 76 in .32 magnum, (similar to a K-32), and it is very accurate and fun to shoot.

Personally, and that means that the only person who can decide what's best for you is you, I'd stick with the .38. You can always shoot lighter loads out of your .38, especially if you handload, but you won't be able to load the .32 mag up to that level if you should ever decide, or need, to do so.

 

[walnutred]

There is only .07" in length between 32 Long and 32 H&R and on mine at least it looks like there will be no problem with length. I have a 4" 31-1 with no original finish that I plan to rechamber to 32 mag. I have the reamer just have not had the time.

 

[photoman]

From what I hear, the .32 has much less recoil than even the lightest .38's.

 

[Springfeildkid585]

I've got a little .32 H&R mag hammerless. It's dao, which I hate, but the recoil isn't bad at all. It fit's nicely into my cigar box

 

[Joe Kent]

Walnutred, Marlin made an 1894 in 32H&R magnum. I have one and am in the process of having it rechambered to 327 Federal.

 

[walnutred]

I have a Marlin 94 in 32 WCF. The 92 was the smaller frame which was available in either 22lr, 32 Long RF or 32 Long Colt.

 

[DAVEB47]

I've been looking into a .32 as a lower recoil version to .38's and have come to the conclusion that the .327 magnum is a good choice for me. I can shoot the lower power/recoil .32 s&w long or .32 H&R magnum, or I can shoot the easier to find in my area .327 magnum.

 

[Kevin G]

Buzz, My only experience w/.32 H&R mag round is through this 16-4. Recoil is nothing like .38spcl, it's a fun cartridge to shoot. I realize a 6" K frame is a bit more mass than what you're discussing.
Not tuned in to what's available in factory ammo, load my own. Rainier makes a plated 100gr RNFP which meets the encapsulated lead requirement at a range I shoot at. Berrys makes a plated wadcutter also.
I look forward to hearing how you make out.
Kevin

 

[walnutred]

I had a pair of the Ruger Single Sixes in 32 mag back when they were unpopular and relatively cheap. A major gun shop in my area closed their inventory of them out around 1988 because they were not moving. I think I paid $275 or so for the pair, OTD. Those were on the 22 frame and my impression was that they had the recoil of a 22 mag with less noise and the impact of a light 38 Special.

When the CAS shooters discovered the 32 Mag prices jumped tremendously and I sold them. That handling is what I hope to duplicate with the 4” 31-1 conversion. A camping gun that carries and fires like a 22 and hits like a light 38.

 

[Deltaboy]

It is a great choice if you can't handle the 38 anymore.

 

[Double-O-Dave]

Buzz: PM sent

Buzz,

I just sent you a PM.

Regards,

Dave