GaryR
Member
I have a chance to purchase a pretty nice M&P 4" in 32 wcf. I believe in the 126k serial # range. Has some wrong 1950's magnas on it. What is this cartridge like to shoot? Sure as F is expensive! Opinions appreciated.
Anyone like to shoot 32-20?
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That one is probably from about 1924 or 1925, based on other confirmed ship dates.
The .32-20 is a fun cartridge to shoot in a S&W revolver. The cost comes down somewhat if you load your own.
The .32-20 is a fun cartridge to shoot in a S&W revolver. The cost comes down somewhat if you load your own.
I shoot the .32-20 but in a rifle. I have about a half dozen reloading manuals and it is hard to find a load that is as hot as the old .32-20 used to be; I have not found one yet. The loads I've shot in the rifle seem to have no recoil at all nor are they all that loud, either.
The .32-20 is a fun caliber - I'm fond of the K-Frames with 4" barrels.
If you like k frames you won't regret it. Very little recoil yet has quite a pop/blast. As JP@AK mentioned it's affordable if you load your own. It's lots of fun shooting an old M&P in 32 wcf in a world dominated by 9mm and plastic.
crotchetyoldman
Member
It's a pleasure to shoot in a revolver, giving you noticeably less recoil than a 38 Special while still giving a decent amount of power. But its going to be expensive unless you reload. And you'll want to watch that what you shoot, factory or reloads, isn't too hot for the gun.
I've had at least one .32-20 firearm in my collection since 1975. Single action revolvers, double action revolvers, single shot rifles, lever action rifles, they are ALL fun to shoot.
Reloading is the way to go.
Reloading is the way to go.
I own half a dozen .32 Winchester (AKA .32 W.C.F., AKA .32-20) S&W revolvers. Of those, my two favorites are a 5" target model shipped on March 15, 1904, and a 4" fixed sight unit with original factory pearl stocks that shipped on June 4, 1917. The latter is also in its original hinged box.
Major 2
Member
I have 4 of them 32/20 that is, I load BP for the 1892 Winchester 73.
My HE Smith, Colt SAA and Marlin, get TiteGroup.
My HE Smith, Colt SAA and Marlin, get TiteGroup.
I enjoy shooting all my 32-20s: a S&W Model 1899, a S&W Model 1905 M&P, a Colt Police Positive Special, and a Savage Model 23 rifle. Handloads are an economic must.
There's a half dozen 32-20 revolvers around here, equally split between Colt and S&W, plus two pump action rifles, a Remington Model 25 and a Marlin 27-S. Just a fun cartridge, but you gotta reload unless you've got enough money to burn a wet mule.
In the April 2023 issue of Handloader Magazine, Brian Pearce wrote an article on .32-20 Pet Loads including +P data. He had this to say about what guns were suitable for +P loads:
"I do not want to delve into great detail about the strength of different sixguns, but guns that fall into the "strong" or "+P" category (30,000psi) include all Colt Single Action Army revolvers produced after the year 1900 (or above serial number 192000), the Freedom Arms Model 97, USFA and Uberti SAA-pattern guns, the Colt Army Special and Official Police, the Freedom Arms Model 97 and Ruger New Model Blackhawk. Revolvers that I generally limit to "standard pressure" loads (16,000 CUP), or slightly above, include pre-1900 era black-powder production Colt Single Action Army, Model 1878 Double Action, Models 1892 and 1895 New Army and New Navy, Police Positive Special and the Smith & Wesson K-frame Hand Ejector. Certainly, many of the guns listed for standard pressure loads will indeed handle much greater pressure assuming that they are in good mechanical condition; however, space will not allow a proper discussion of each model and their exact pressure limitations."
....
"As indicated, SAAMI currently lists maximum average pressures at 16,000 CUP, which is suitable for all revolvers in good working condition, including black-powder-era guns. To be clear, there is no industry specified +P pressures for the .32-20; however, when handloading for one of the above mentioned "strong" sixguns, loads with pressures up to 30,000 psi can be safely employed."
Presumably a rifle in good condition would be suitable for +P loads as well. You can read the full article online if you are subscriber to Handloader: https://www.handloadermagazine.com/32-20-winchester-pet-loads
Alk8944
US Veteran
I own over a dozen .32-20 firearms, and have for more than 60 years. These include a Marlin 1894, numerous S&W revolvers, several Colt revolvers, and even a Spanish S&W knock-off made in the 1920s. I also own a model 16 S&W K-32 re-chambered for .32-20! That was already a $1,500 plus gun when the work was done. I bought it NIB in 1966 for the then retail of $65. One of my very first revolvers, and my oldest .32-20, is a 1902 S&W "Winchester Model" first change made in 1905, that I bought for $15 in 1963.
The very first pick-up cartridge cases I ever found were two .32-20 cases when I was about 4 years old. I have been shooting, casting bullets for and re-loading for the cartridge since 1963. I still own every .32-20 .I ever bought. I guess you could say I like the cartridge and guns chambered for it.
Buy the gun and start loading for it, you should really enjoy the cartridge!
The very first pick-up cartridge cases I ever found were two .32-20 cases when I was about 4 years old. I have been shooting, casting bullets for and re-loading for the cartridge since 1963. I still own every .32-20 .I ever bought. I guess you could say I like the cartridge and guns chambered for it.
Buy the gun and start loading for it, you should really enjoy the cartridge!
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Take it! A chance like that is not always available. If you trust your instincts and evaluations I suggest buy buy buy for several reasons. One is you won't lose money. (instincts/condition)
Language is "sure as F" Strictly Enforced here on the Forum but I was wondering if you have priced any S&W 500 Magnum Cartridges lately? I may have uttered the same words that day!! The experience of the Outing is the value of shooting to me.
No matter the, bore diameter.
My favorite @grips) on a K frame are RUBBER just like the John Ross 500, kind of? At my age I occasionally drop things so the wood and pearls stay home and rubbers go on.
Opinions?
Financially, hobbies are not profitable endeavors. But the experience of every shot is a memory that lives on.
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