.32 Revolvers, useful for squirrels or viable defense guns?

[GatorFarmer]

I've got two revolvers so chambered now. A 3" flat latch 31-1 that's older than I am (.32 SW Long) and a 432 from circa '04 (.32 H&R mag).

I've got... eh... a drawer full of .38s, a big bore derringer and a .380 auto. Still, since I have these... I'm thinking wadcutters in .32 SW Long? (Magtech makes JHP ammo, but I have doubts as to whether they'd expand.) In .32 HR Mag... Do I want a SWC or do I want a JHP? I'm wondering if the JHPs lack penetration?

I'm thinking that the 432 might make a nice ankle gun, though otherwise I'm not sure what I'll use it for.

 

[GatorFarmer]

I've got two revolvers so chambered now. A 3" flat latch 31-1 that's older than I am (.32 SW Long) and a 432 from circa '04 (.32 H&R mag).

I've got... eh... a drawer full of .38s, a big bore derringer and a .380 auto. Still, since I have these... I'm thinking wadcutters in .32 SW Long? (Magtech makes JHP ammo, but I have doubts as to whether they'd expand.) In .32 HR Mag... Do I want a SWC or do I want a JHP? I'm wondering if the JHPs lack penetration?

I'm thinking that the 432 might make a nice ankle gun, though otherwise I'm not sure what I'll use it for.

 

[robertrwalsh]

The .32 S&W long was considered a reasonable police round for the early part of the 20th century. It's very mediocre by modern standards. Pushed as fast as safe with a modern hollow-point it might approach something reasonable, but only might. Remember, shot placement is #1 but adequate penetration is an important #2 and expecting expansion in a handgun bullet is not always realistic so it should not be counted on to help do the job. I personally would go with a JHP rather than a SWC. A full wad cutter in a factory load would just piss somebody off unless you got an eye shot or though their open mouth while they were yelling at you. Maybe if you shot them in the knees and then ran like hell it might do it.

 

[flop-shank]

A full wadcutter should actually be pretty effective in that caliber.

Gator, you're as dorky as I am and have at least as much money.

Buy a block of Perma-gel and answer your questions with your own tests. I would like to se the results anyway. I'm thinking that JHPs are the way to go in .32 H&R magnum.

 

[GatorFarmer]

Originally posted by flop-shank:
A full wadcutter should actually be pretty effective in that caliber.

Gator, you're as dorky as I am and have at least as much money.

Buy a block of Perma-gel and answer your questions with your own tests. I would like to se the results anyway. I'm thinking that JHPs are the way to go in .32 H&R magnum.

Fiochi makes a reasonably priced wadcutter that's sold mainly for the .32 SW Long target pistols (some of which are scary accurate and also scary expensive). I'm thinking of giving it a try, though currently I only have some of the Green/Yellow box Remington LRN ammo. Good old 1920s bullet tech. I don't see any reason why it wouldn't work as well as .32 ACP non expanding ammo though and a great many people still pocket little .32 Keltecs. (I carried one myself for a time loaded with Magtech FMJs in the optional ten round mag.)

Our old friends the Russians had comparable ballistics out of the old Nagant revolvers. Not really a glowing endorsement, but...

Anyway, I'm limited in what weird stuff I can buy owing to being married. Guns and ammo are useful and thus not a problem, esoteric things like Perma Gel... Eh, I have enough problems planting onions.

 

[NiklasP]

Have done some shooting long ago with 32-20 BP rounds having 115 grain flatpoint, soft lead bullets. They are no slouches from a revolver or a rifle -- look at all those Colt Model Ps in 32-20 and use of 32-20 rifles for deer. Dropped many foxes at up to about 100 meters from 32-20 rifle using that bullet with head, neck, spine and lung shots.

More recently I have been shooting a Husqvarna 1887 Officer's Model Nagant in 7,5 Nagant using same 115 grain 32-20 bullets over enough Hodgdon 777 to get 32-20 ballistics. While I have not shot these bullets in penetration tests in ballistic gel, etc., they sure do take down steel knockdowns set for 38 Special 158 grain factory loads. Given how well I point shoot this very smooth old BP revolver DA at cans, I could do worse with more powerful revolvers.

Those old 8mm revolvers were partly "badges" of rank for officers but, also for "muzzle to head" execution of deserters, prisoners, spies, etc. The 1895 Nagants in 7,62X38R were popular as assasin's guns. Well suited for those tasks. Also very effective on charging squirrels, rabbits, feral cats, dogs and turkeys.

Niklas

 

[walnutred]

I have several 32's as I like them better for field guns than 22's. As a kid running trap lines the first time I tried to reload my 22 revolver with cold, damp fingers and gloves on was the last time I carried a 22. As I reloaded 32 Long anyway that was my next choice.

While ammo is getting pricey they are cheap and easy to reload for.

 

[Ron H.]

Sir, I'd think a .32 would make a dandy kit gun. For self-defense, I'm a little dubious. Given the same size guns, I think I'd rather have five rounds of .38 special than six rounds of .32.

JMHO, FWIW.

Hope this helps, and Semper Fi.

Ron H.

 

[animalmother]

Good kit gun and fun to shoot. I had a very late production Model 31. I would never use it for defense. You can use a 22 for defense, but you take your chances.

 

[NiklasP]

Sir, I'd think a .32 would make a dandy kit gun. For self-defense, I'm a little dubious. Given the same size guns, I think I'd rather have five rounds of .38 special than six rounds of .32.

That is decision I made recently. Bought a S&W M60 to replace my Husqvarna 7,5 Nagant. While 32-20 level ballistics with 115 grain bullet are nothing to sneeze at, 38 Special 158 grain LSWC HP +P definitely provides more impact energy and proven effect -- and there is always 357 for special needs. In part, I did not want to subject that nice old (1890) revolver to such steady use. A modern stainless steel gun I will not worry much about.

Niklas