Model 632 (Updated)

[mag318]

My LGS received a 3" 632 in 327 Magnum for a friend of mine. Upon handling it I decided to buy one for myself. My friend is picking it up Thursday and hopefully (weather permitting) we'll take it to the range Friday. So photos and a range report to follow. Looking at one of these in photos and having one in your hands I can report if feels as good as it looks. The timing was perfect with a smooth double action and crisp single action. The revolver has great potential.

 

[mag318]

We made it to the range on Veterans Day and here's the range report on the 632. First off I was impressed with the fit and finish of the gun, and with an MSRP of $850 they took care building these. The timing was perfect with a very smooth trigger right out of the box.
1. 100 rounds Speer 115 grn Gold Dot
2. 50 rounds Federal AE 85 grn Soft Point
3. 50 rounds Federal 32 Long LRN
4. 50 rounds 32 S&W old stuff
5. 50 rounds 32 H&R Magnum 85 grn Federal HydroShok
I started of with the 32 Magnum Hydro Shoks which were very accurate and with very mild recoil. next moving up to the Gold Dot 327 you can really tell you're now shooting a Magnum round. The recoil was much substantial, sort of like shooting a hot 38 Special +P round. With both these loads I was shooting very tight groups, this is one accurate revolver. The 32 Longs were fun and also surprisingly accurate. These would be a great load for training beginning shooters. The 32 S&W loads were like shooting 22s with zero recoil.
To have some fun I shot some waterjugs with the 327 Gold Dots (see pics) and the bullet completely penetrated three jugs coming to rest in the 4'th, mushrooming beautifully. This is exactly the same ammount of penetration we got shooting a 357 Sig Gold Dot into waterjugs this range session. So this load is no pipsqueak, it is I feel a giant leap for 32 calibre loads and a true Magnum. Smith has come out with I believe three models in 327 Magnum and I predict more as this round catches on with shooters.
I along with two other friends later that afternoon bought the dealers remaining three 632s we were that impressed. I highly recommend this revolver, S&W is still an innovative company and this revolver shows it. One unusual feature it that the barrel has a large port in ahead of the front sight and appears to have some sort of expansion chamber. Looks neat but makes for a very loud report with the Magnum loads. As an aside the 85 grn AE Soft Points had less recoil than the 115 grn GD but still more than the 32 H&R Magnum. I'm going to experiment with as many loads as I can find and as of now settled on the 115 grn GD as my carry load. This is going to be a popular revolver and a practical one. Hopefully this 327 Magnum cartridge will catch the attention of shooters and not be relagated to the same fate as the 41 Magnum.

 

[mag318]

Here are some additional photos of this little gem of a revolver. Check out that expansion chamber I mentioned, still trying to figure out the purpose of it.

 

[RHINOWSO]

Nice revolver, too bad about the lock...

 

[Dale53]

MAG318;
That is sure a good looking piece. There is little argument that with the right load, this little revolver is a "force to reckon with"...

I have an S&W 631 (SS 4" barrel kit gun chambered in .32 H&R Magnum). I mostly shoot target loads with S&W Long cases (either bulk packed Hornady HBWC's or 100 gr Keith bullets).

It shoots very well. These little guns have great utility value as "walk around" companions on woods walks. I have taken a number of rabbits and grouse with mine.

You'll enjoy that piece for many years.

Dale53

 

[TACC1]

Great range report! That was pretty thorough, and I appreciated
your comparisons to .38 loads, as well as the older rounds. Maybe it's
time to start checking prices....
TACC1

 

[Stainz]

mag318,

Your 632 is the Sports South Exclusive SS version, SKU 178045, of the regular production black 632, SKU 170329. They both have a 3" total length comp/expansion chamber barrel, regular hammer, and an adjustable rear sight. My 632 Pro, SKU 178046, finally available in early September - after 18+ months of promises, has a concealed hammer, 2 1/8" non-comped fluted barrel, no IL, and drift adjustable for windage front & rear tritium Night Sights. Bud's, etc, has it for less than the other two. Mine has a decent DA trigger right out of the box - and hits coincident POI/POA with a 'combat' target picture at 7-10yd with Speer 115gr GDJHP. The 85gr Fed .327 ammo hits lower - and has less recoil than the Gold Dots. My wimpy 94-96gr LRNFP .32 S&WL hit even lower - and are real powderpuff loads.

I envy your adjustable rear sight! Mine sports a '60 Pro' grip and the HKS #32-J speedloader.

Stainz

PS That mushroomed Gold Dot is impressive!

 

[mag318]

Stainz, Are your grips off a Pro Seried Model 60? They look great and I would like to put a set on my 632. I'll check with my dealer to see if they're available from the factory. I think they really dress up your 632.

 

[fiddlers]

Bought the 632-2 and could not be happier!

Here is a thread:

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1980-present/176857-model-632-pro-2-a-10.html

 

[Stainz]

mag318,

You can order the 60 Pro grips only from S&W Accessories, 1-800-331-0852 SKU #411740000 $42.97 +s/h, as they are not on their website. I ordered two more last month - they are still on back-order - but worth the wait - should be here by the end of this month.

Stainz

 

[fiddlers]

mag318,

You can order the 60 Pro grips only from S&W Accessories, 1-800-331-0852 SKU #411740000 $42.97 +s/h, as they are not on their website. I ordered two more last month - they are still on back-order - but worth the wait - should be here by the end of this month.

Stainz

Stainz, they look terrific! How do they feel and handle compared to the stock three fingered rubber grips?

 

[mag318]

Stainz, thanks for the SKU and ordering info. I'm going to order a set today.

 

[Stainz]

Stainz, they look terrific! How do they feel and handle compared to the stock three fingered rubber grips?

They feel more better and handle much gooder, too.

Seriously, they feel as good as they look!

I have them on my 3" 60 Pro, 3" 63, and the 632 Pro. The two pair on order are for my several years old 5" 63 and my new-to-me 4" 651. They felt great on them, too.

Stainz

 

[fiddlers]

They do look good

I placed an order. Thanks!

Which of your (3) 632's do you favor.

 

[mag318]

In the mean time I started experimenting with a pair of Uncle Mikes Boot Grips I had on another J frame. For concealed carry I think these are better than the factory grips as they are shorter. These along with Hogue Batams are very comfortable even though I have large hands. I'm going to leave the Uncles Mikes on my 632 until I get the factory wood Model 60 Pro grips I ordered this afternoon. Nothing wrong with the original factory rubber grips I just don't like the banana shape, but they do soak up recoil. It's a good thing there are so many options for the J frame when it comes to grips.

 

[mag318]

Went to the range again to shoot my 632 with the boot grips. The felt recoil is slightly more with 115 grn Gold Dot 327 loads but still not bad. I did shoot some Federal 32 S&W Longs this afternoon and can see why the 32 was such a popular target revolver 60/70 years ago. These 3" 632s are surprisingly accurate little guns and with 32 loads the recoil is very light. The 327 Magnum loads though really make this revolver impressive. What a great cartridge, and turning the 32 into a true Magnum is a feather in Federals' hat. To anyone on the fence about this calibre I highly recommend you try one.