32 long regulation

[gsjackso]

I have a 32 long regulation S&W.
The s/n is 337136 with a 4 1/4 inch barrel. The trade mark is stamped on the left hand sided under the cylinder release and not on the grips. Can any one help with a value and the ammunition that can be used? Thank you.

 

[gsjackso]

Here are a couple of pictures.

 

[DCWilson]

Welcome to the forum. The full name of that model is actually the .32 Regulation Police. The model was introduced in 1917 around serial number 258000.

That one probably shipped around 1920-21. These prewar .32s (both the round butt and square butt varieties) have been in increasing demand for the last year or two, so I would guess a value in the vicinity of $250-300 -- maybe a little less in some parts of the country, a little more in others.

I shoot modern .32 Long wadcutter match ammo in my .32s; it's a nice low-pressure round that lets you exercise the gun without putting a lot of stress on it.

 

[gsjackso]

Thank you for this information. It is really helpful.

 

[gsjackso]

Could .32 ACP rounds be used in this pistol also or do you not recommend using it?

 

[El Biblioitecario]

Could .32 ACP rounds be used in this pistol also or do you not recommend using it?

On page 258 of US HANDGUNS OF WORLD WAR II, Charles Pate reports that Norwegian radio operators in the resistance were furnished .32 revolvers, and quotes a European source as saying "The standard 7.65 Browning cartridge with jacketed bullet, which was widely available in Europe, could also be used with these revolvers."

So if the Gestapo is coming up the stairway and you are out of .32Long cartridges, substituting .32ACP rounds is probably a viable choice. But otherwise, why not use the proper cartridge?

 

[gsjackso]

Thank you for clarifying that for me. I had heard that you could use the .32 ACP rounds in this pistol. I just wanted a professional opinion on the matter. Again thank you.

 

[DWalt]

Yes you can fire .32 ACP OK, and I have fired many rounds. However, the .32 ACP bullet is a bit smaller in diameter than the .32 S&W/S&W Long bullet, so accuracy may not be that good. I would not recommend that practice with an old revolver though.

Another expedient is that I have fired some brands of .38 Super ammunition in my .357. Some brands will chamber, and some will not, at least in my revolver. Same idea, as both the .32 ACP and the .38 Super cases have a slight rim.

 

[Tony M.]

The pressure of the 32 auto is much higher than that of the 32 long, and if used extensively, can cause the gun to shoot loose.