32-20 Conversion

[Kinman]

I was reading one of the threads in the for sale area and read about the possibility of converting a shooter grade K-38 or newer pistol to 32-20. Would I be correct in assuming that provided a 32-20 cylinder and barrel this would be a rather straight-forward conversion. I do understand they are both built on the K-frame and it seems to make sense, particularly if all that was desired in the end outcome was to build a nice shooting target sighted 32-20.

 

[Oldiron]

The pistols would need to be of similar models to keep the extractors and attaching hardware the same. Also you are going to have to do a lot of work on the front sight of most 32-20s to make it a target sight.
I would keep the pistols you are proposing to scavange and hunt for an old target 32-20.

 

[Hondo44]

What a great project.

The more difficult issue is the barrel:
All 32-20s were discontinued by 1940. Therefore there are no 32-20 barrels with a rib like post war Model 14s and 15s. If you don't mind an original tapered ribless barrel you can replace the half penny shaped front sight with the target base and blade from the model 14/15 host gun pinning it to the original 32-20 front sight base after thinning it and removing the 1/2 penny blade. Or soldering it to the barrel after completely removing the old base and blade.

If you want a nice ribbed barrel with target sight already in place you can get a K22 barrel and have it rebored to .32 (about $130 and I can give you the name of who every uses).

The cylinder:
If you find an original 32-20 cylinder with the ejector (which is right thread with a large knob on the front end) you can use your host gun small knob ejector rod if it is a pre 1960 vintage (when the thread changed to left hand). Or notch the bottom of the barrel for the pre war ejector rod/knob. Or you can find a pre 1960 ejector rod with small knob in right hand thread. I have those. Just fit the cyl to the Mod 14/15 frame.
Or start with a K22 cylinder of any vintage and rechamber to .32-20.

Early ejector rod, mushroom head:

Pre war ejector knob beginning c.1929 ‘barrel’ style and barrel notch shown:

Post war straight ejector rod:

 

[Green Frog]

This very project is one that has swirled around in my amphibian brain for a couple of decades; and although it hasn't gotten built yet, it still bubbles up occasionally. At this time, for reasons I have discussed elsewhere, I am leaning more toward the same project in .327 Fed Mag, but there is no denying that the .32-20 is a classic, and would be a great fun gun and addition to your shooting stable. Keep us informed (preferably with pictures!)

Froggie

 

[glenncal1]

buy a 16-4 and get a .22lr cylinder bored out to .32-20 by Hamilton Bowen.

 

[mikepriwer]

If you can relax the requirement for target sights, there are 32-20's
available, that shoot just as well as one with target sights. Assuming
one can put the holes in the same spot on the target, that is the real
goal of shooting. Its just tight grouping that is important. So, any
good 32-20 M&P, in competent hands, can do that. The adjustable
sights simply move the group to the bulls eye, which is really not
all that necessary.

The comments posted above are all relevant. Another possibility
is two guns: a inexpensive 32-20 M&P, and a good .38 target, of the
same vintage. Swap the cylinders, and then either sleeve the .38
barrel to .32, or rework the front sight on the 32-20 barrel. The
half moon is removed, and a slot cut in the base for a target front sight
blade. Then, mount that barrel on the .38, and you essentially have
a factory-target 32-20.

Mike Priwer

 

[rburg]

I guess you might save a few bucks doing it yourself. Target 32-20s are a little pricey. I bought one a couple of years ago for $1250. Its not perfect, but very nice. And I bought it from David Carroll. He's always got a few around, and some are almost new guns. If you look at gun shows, and don't go too fast, you'll see them from time to time.

We almost bought one at the last OGCA show for $390. Too much complicated paperwork. It wasn't a target, but It wouldn't be that hard to make an M&P into a target model. You're already considering significant machine work. You can just mill the groove in the top of the frame and then drill sight screw holes. Then as Mike suggested, mill off the half moon and then a slot, putting in a front sight blade.

To my way of thinking (perverted maybe), its easier to make a fixed sight 32-20 into a target model than it is to make another caliber into a 32-20.

My gun show partner Joe found a like new gun for $700 last September. The guy just had it on his table and others walked past it. There's a show this weekend, and I'll be out hunting for something. The guns aren't hard to find. The problem with the caliber seems to be there just weren't that many made as target guns. Those that exist in nice condition bring a premium. A tip to anyone looking is to be sure to look at the barrel. With recent guns we almost forgot that in the past, barrel condition was of utmost importance. Now that we've had smokeless powder for 100 years we often don't dwell on it.

Back in the 32-20s early years they were black powder and corrosive primed. The double whammy tended to produce guns in pristine condition with terrible bores. If you're going to spend much time and energy, make sure going in its worth the effort. I've always assumed the better guns were those above 120,000 serial numbers. You get the better heat treating that way.

 

[Buford57]

Or go really cheap and buy a 6" 32-20 and add a Wonder Sight using the top sideplate screw hole. Fully adjustable rear with the original front and can be returned to original in 5 minutes. No permanent change, no loss of value, same fun.

 

[Kinman]

Thanks guys for the wonder of information...I think my best bet is to go ahead and look for a nice 1905 model, I have to agree that target sights are a luxury and most of the pistols I shot the most when I was younger did not have adjustable sights. I have seen them on GB, continue to check out the shows, etc.
My gunsmith talents don't extend very far, I've done a rebuild on a 1911 and it turned out real nice, stoning actions, etc. Often times I feel its best left to the experts, by the time I hunt down all the parts and spend the money getting work done I could probably have snagged a real nice gun for less.
Thanks again, Dick

 

[Jebus35745]

I gave a 17-3 to Andy Horvath to convert to .32 long. I'll have abt 1300.00 in it when its done for an idea on price. For that price he's also cutting the bbl to 5" for a neat look and it'll match my 5" K-38. I'm using a Weigand interchangeable front sight base. The Keith Browns grips with a Roper style checkering will finish it off and will be an extra cost. Can't wait, he's had it for abt 3 weeks. Always wanted a custom gun and this will be it. Larry

 

[Muley Gil]

I have long wanted a 5" Model 19 chambered in .32-20. I was going to start with a 6" .22 Jet barrel and have it rebored to .311. Then add a rechambered M17 cylinder.

Never have put away enough cash for the project though.

 

[ColbyBruce]

I had a couple of .32/20's a few months ago and figured out they could not do anything better than a .38 special could, so I traded them for a CZ rifle in .222 Remington. I did enjoy popping a gallon paint can at 100 yards with that long barreled S&W.