32 help?

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susieqz

susieqz

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hiya, guys. i realize that this isn't the best place to ask for a comparison between S&W n something else.
but you are my friends so i hope you can put aside brand loyalty for a bit.
i have been interested in 32s for a long time. plus 38spc is work to shoot due to recoil.
so, i've been looking. the only full size 32 in production is the single 7, but there are lots of problems posted,i don't wanna buy trouble so that's out.
anyway, i like older guns.
'here's what i know.
my model 15 is much nicer than any ruger. fine machine.
on the other hand, i have around 10,000 rounds thru my single 10, so rugers are rugged.
my choices are a model 31, with better workmanship, or
an older single 6 in 32 cal.
both cost about the same.
i won't get a chance to try either, or even handle one. it has to be an online purchase.
so, does anyone have experience with these guns?
i'd love a compare n contrast.
may i please have your opinions?
 
I have 3 "Pre" 30's both 2" & 3 1/4" as well as the newer 431PD and 432PD which are 32 H&R Mag. Keeping in mind theses are I Frame and J Frames, the 32 Long is a mild shooting round even in the smaller frames. The Mod 31 is the same as the 30 but with Sq butt vs RB. The newer 431/432PD's are alloy frames but still have very little recoil when using the 32 Long round. The 32 Long is a very accurate round.

This is a 2" Pre 30, Improved I Frame


These are the 431PD & 432PD in 32 H&R
 
I have become a fan of 32 Hand Ejector and Regulation Police so I bring a trainload of prejudice with my answer. I have three postwar 32 HEs (2", 3¼", and 4¼") a Model 30 2" and a Model 31 2" (both Improved I-frames), and a postwar RP 3¼". I can't offer the compare/contrast you're looking for 'cause I've never handled the Ruger.

One thing to consider is ammo cost. I think I read on another thread that you don't reload. I generally see the .32 long prices about half-again as much as .38 Special for RNL.

Shooting-wise I prefer the RP for the square butt, but you can't beat the looks of the round butt guns.

Here are my 32 HE 3¼" and Model 31.

Best of luck with your decision.

Bob
 

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thanks, guys. i really apprieciate the info.
the prices of 32 long are about the same as 38spc wad cutter.
i'm getting used to paying 40 cents.
i just want something comfy to shoot that is accurate.
38spc is hard for me.
 
...I'd like to find a 32 Regulation Police...nice looking revolvers...

side_r.jpg
 
susie:

I love the .32s. I think you will too. I don't have as many as Robert, but I have about a half dozen. As has been pointed out, the model 30 (.32 hand ejector) and the model 31 (Regulation Police) have fixed sights for the most part, only a few "target" models were produced with sights.

Here's a relatively new model 31-1, the newer version of the "Regulation Police". 3" barrel. These were made in one form or another from 1917 through 1991, this one probably dates from the 1970s, and was bought in really nice condition with the box, papers and most of the tools for less than $400 about a year and a half ago:



Here's a .32 Handejector from 1923! A little beat up, but I got it for a really good price, and the workmanship back then was incredible. The insides are finished like a "Swiss watch", and it is a very slick shooter, very accurate, and with a 3 1/4" barrel:



The model 30/31 are on either I or J frames, and are more petite than your model 15, which is a K frame. If you want a .32 on a K frame, there is the K32, but those are generally harder to find, and bring higher premiums. When model numbers were assigned, the K 32 became the model 16... But as I said, good luck finding one!!

Best Regards, Les
 
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boy, you guys always come up with the most beautiful guns.
i don't know how you do it.
i can deal with fixed sights.
i can barely hit anything with any open sights.
that's why i'm working on point shooting.
 
I'd suggest you pass over the small frame guns and run down a 16-4. I've shot a lot of .32 wadcutter through mine and have zero complaints about accuracy. It's perfect for short range target shooting, particularly if you shoot indoors. If you think you can't handle the forward weight of a 6-inch model, find a 4-inch version.

This model is not cheap but you can find them from time to time. Given your objection to .38 recoil, I think you would be very happy with one. With wadcutter loads you barely know the gun has gone off. :)
 
What are you planning on using it for? For concealment the S&W makes sense. For hunting the Super Single Six ( probably in 32 H&R mag), is a better choice. I have both and the Ruger shoots circles a round the Smith, bigger sights that are adjustable and a longer sight radius. The 32 H&R will also digest 32 longs and shorts as well.
 
i didn't understand that model 16 s are 32s.
i'm happy with k frames so i'm now looking for a 16, tho i may buy whatever i find first.
i didn't know s&w built 32s that recently.
i sure wish they could make them now, so ammo prices could drop.
 
i open carry so size is not an issue.
my clothes won't hide a gun n open carry is comfy.
i mostly shoot evil bunnies but i do lots of target work.
practice is fun.
 
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One thing I have found with the I-Frames is the sights are so thin my old eyes do not see them well. I can keep the shots all on a target at 50 feet but the group is not "precise." Mine are short barrel guns and I am not sure how much of the inaccuracy is me, the sights, the age of the guns or the barrel length. Mine were all pocket-short range-self defense guns built back in the 1920's. I'm kind of a 1920's fan - I play the uke and carry my 1902's I-frames around and wear bow ties. But if you want accuracy I would recommend a longer barrel and better sights. If you just want to shoot plastic milk jugs at 50 feet the I frame short barrels are fun to shot and have zero recoil. I am not recommending the 32 S&W long as a self defense round, but people do use it.
 
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i'm terrible with any open sights. when i want precision i use a red dot.

for the last 15 months i've been working on point shooting.
it appears what people believe just isn't true. i think i'll get to the point that i can consistently hit a 4'' target at 15 yards using no sights at all.
i carry 2 guns . one with a dot for long range n one for close fast shots shooting from the hip..
 
susieqz said:
hiya, guys. i realize that this isn't the best place to ask for a comparison between S&W n something else.
but you are my friends so i hope you can put aside brand loyalty for a bit.
i have been interested in 32s for a long time. plus 38spc is work to shoot due to recoil.
so, i've been looking. the only full size 32 in production is the single 7, but there are lots of problems posted,i don't wanna buy trouble so that's out.
anyway, i like older guns.
'here's what i know.
my model 15 is much nicer than any ruger. fine machine.
on the other hand, i have around 10,000 rounds thru my single 10, so rugers are rugged.
my choices are a model 31, with better workmanship, or
an older single 6 in 32 cal.
both cost about the same.
i won't get a chance to try either, or even handle one. it has to be an online purchase.
so, does anyone have experience with these guns?
i'd love a compare n contrast.
may i please have your opinions?
Click to expand...
Susie,
The absolute best gun for you would be a Model 16-4, .32 H&R Mag. The really great thing about this gun is that you can have it rechambered in .327 Federal by Bowens Custom. Have a 6" and a 4", and the guns are fabulous. If you shoot .32 long wadcutters, there is no need to rechamber, but having the option of shooting a great (but hot) cartridge is always neat. Here is one of mine....



Just one last thing, I have a Single Seven Ruger, and there is no comparison in accuracy....the S&W is really superior....but the Ruger is tough.

 
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New Single Sixes in .32 H&R Mag can still be easily found. Gunbroker lists many of them, in several flavors. I have three of them, two of which were purchased new, direct from the distributor, in 2016. Great guns. I also have a S&W 431PD but they are a little snappy due to light weight, so you may not like that one.
 
i just love reading all the different opinions here.
you guys always teach me something.

when i find my 32 i'll try to post a pic, but it won't be pretty like yours.
 
Any S&W 32 is likely to be expensive, if you can find one. But you can get 3 different Ruger models new (from Bud's, probably from others) in 327 Federal. They will take all the lower powered 32 cartridges, while giving you the option of the 327 loads, some of which run up into the lower range of 357 Magnum power levels - should you ever want that.

The Ruger LCR is their concealed hammer, double action 6-shot snub nose. It's not as nicely built as a J frame, but they are very strong, and have a terrific trigger right out of the box. Mine has been VERY accurate with many of the rounds I've loaded. (Like my other 32s, this one seems to shoot smaller groups the hotter the load.) It is absolutely no fun to shoot the heavier 327 Federal rounds out of, but all of the 32 H&R loads I've tried are at least tolerable, and the lower power loads that are down in 32 Long energy levels are positively pleasant.

The Single 7 is like the Single Six you're thinking about except with an extra shot, and capable of handling the 327 Federal Magnums too. It's a 2 pound gun, and I find that even the heaviest 327 loads are tolerable to shoot, while H&R power levels and lower are just delightful. It is probably the toughest revolver design on the market, if you're thinking about something your great grandchildren can still be shooting.

The SP-101 is their larger-than-LCR but smaller-than-a-K-Frame-S&W double action model. The current 327 offering only comes with a 4" barrel and adjustable sights. I've never handled one, but I think they have a fine reputation.

One consideration with S&W 32s is that the factory doesn't make 'em any more. I bought a 432PD about a year ago (I think it was new old stock) which had some issues out of the box. S&W promptly paid to ship it back to them for inspection, but decided it was unrepairable and they had no 32 caliber anything to offer as a replacement. Ruger 32s, OTOH, are current production items - should anything go wrong that couldn't be repaired, there's at least a chance they would have another 32 something to offer in its place.
 
One of the great mysteries to me is why the corporate decision makers at S&W refuse to recognize and respond to the interest in the various 32 caliber revolvers. They had to be virtually blackmailed into making the 16-4 in a fairly limited run, and were eager to discontinue them when a pre-set cutoff number were produced (and pretty quickly sold out.) Each of the J-frame models in 32 has been given almost a stealth release which comes and goes before most of us even know about the limited number that become "available." If the powers-that-be ever try to think up another "Classic" revolver for that series, I would suggest that a Model 16-5 ought to be a good one... I might even swallow my revulsion and purchase one, MIM, IL, and all. Of course the old 631 with target sights and 3 or 4" barrel would also be a winner IMHO, as would the theoretical Model 616 that I had built for myself. Now that is the logical platform for handling all of the 32 handgun cartridges in one gun. JMHO, but I don't buy thousands of a single model of gun (or total number of guns for that matter so what do I know?)

Froggie
 
susieqz said:
yow! i just found a 16-4.
$1500 !!!
Click to expand...

Out here in California, I just found a 632 for sale for that same price ( $1500).

A 632 would be a nice gun to have, but at that price I'd never want to carry it and it's not a great range gun.

I'm just not into buying guns strictly for investment.

For carry, I recently acquired a LCR 327 Federal for less that 1/3 the price of the 632.
 
I just found, and bought, a 632 on Gunbroker for a bit under half that price. More than I've paid for any other handgun (that I can recall - but I'm getting old, so no guarantees) but I wanted a 2" concealed hammer 32 after I found I couldn't stand shooting a Ruger LCR with a Crimson Trace grip on it. I have CT grips on several other J frames and they do not cause the same pain as the Ruger/CT setup, the 632 showed up on Gunbroker, and any 32 is rare enough that I just bit the bullet.

It's an Airweight, so it's not much fun to shoot with magnum ammo, and it does not shoot to its sights with any of the ammo that works well in my other 2" J frames (30-1 and 432PD). But I can adjust the CT laser to match POI, so I'll probably end up carrying it.

But I would (relatively) happily have paid even more for a new 32 J frame from the factory, especially if it were in steel, like a 640, or even better, like a 649 humpback - preferably in 327 Federal, for the full range of ammo options. I would certainly have grabbed another 432PD if they'd been available. My first one came from Bud's, where I just happened to see it during the week or so it was in stock.

Like Green Frog, the factory's obvious disinterest in 32 caliber anything is truly a mystery to me. They do apparently make short runs of 32s from time to time - as my 432PDs attest - so it can't be that they've run out of tooling. And besides, with computer controlled machines, it can't be that hard to switch to making the few parts that are different between the 6-shot 32s and the 5-shot 38/357s which, we read, are the most popular guns S&W currently makes. I'm inclined to think that their company policy requires projected sales of X gajillion units before they make a run of something, and their internal fortune tellers just never say there's that much demand for 32 caliber anythings.
 
yow! i just found a 16-4.
$1500 !!!
Click to expand...

Yep, I haven't seen a 4 or 6" 16-4 for under a grand in quite a few years now. Great guns, but not many were made. As such, prices are steadily climbing. I have a 16-4 6" and it ain't going nowhere.
OTOH, the earlier Model 16s are considered by most of us here to be grail guns. One of these rare birds in any condition will sell for $2000 and up. :eek:

I currently own 4 S&W revolvers in .32 caliber. The aforementioned 16-4, a 2" Model 30 and 3 and 4" Models 31.
The 2" Model 30 was my late wife's personal gun and she loved it! Easy to shoot, very accurate and the recoil didn't bother the arthritis in her hands.
I used to have a Regulation Police in .32 Long, but sold it. The I-frame grips are just too small for my hands. I much prefer the J-frame .32s. Both my Model 31s have J target grips on them and shoot like a dream.

For your needs, I think a 3 or 4" Model 31 would be ideal. The J-frame .32s can still be found at very reasonable prices and are wonderful shooters. ;)
 
it is sad that 32s have become collector items.
i only have working guns. they get fired a lot at least until i can hit a bunny at 50 yards. this takes thousands of rounds, for me.
plus even a new gun will show holster wear within a few weeks of getting my hands on one.
i wear my guns doing chores so there will be dings.
no room here for $1500 guns.
i should probably go stainless to minimize wear but i'm drawn to blued guns.
 
Cal44 said:
There is a relatively new CT grip for LCRs that looks like it might be more comfortable than the older models:

Green Laser Sight for Ruger LCR/X | LG-415 | Official Crimson Trace

I have a similar Green laser grip on my 60-15 and it has a lot of padding for shooting 357 magnum.
Click to expand...

I have 5 or 6 CT laser grips, including the larger size (3 finger) green one that's on the 432PD that I expect my wife to carry - eventually. The red ones include both boot grip and 3-finger sizes, and I have both the padded and hard plastic boot grip models. All are tolerable to shoot, with comfort levels depending only on the recoil level of the cartridge fired. (Buffalo Bore 32 H&R +P rounds are NOT a lot of fun to shoot in any of my J frames, alloy or steel frame, but it's not the fault of the laser grip.)

The problem I had with the CT grip for the LCR was not the cushioning, but that the bump which houses the laser is in just enough of a different place compared to the others that it hits the outside of the first knuckle of my index finger with every shot. Even with light loads it was painful, and the knuckle was tender for weeks after the single range session where I used it.

On the CT grips for the J frames, the laser housing is just a bit farther forward and just enough lower that if it hits that knuckle at all, it's on the lower (palm) side where there's plenty of padding. In any event, the S&W lasers do NOT cause knuckle pain with every shot, but the LCR model did. I expect I'll put it up on ebay or Gunbroker before long.
 
Many of us here know and appreciate the little .32s for the gems they are. But most of the general shooting public either thinks of them as under powered toys or just ignore them all together.
As such, many dealers and private sellers often underestimate their real value. Keep your eyes open and be patient. Sooner or later you will run across exactly waht you want at a very good price. ;)
 
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