Bought me another one of those 32/20s

[moosedog]

I've had several 32/20 HE over the years and have always wanted a 32/20 Target but refuse to pay the high prices. I reload the cartridge, so ammo is no problem.
I picked up this old gal for a very reasonable price the other day and found a "Wonder Sight" that I had stashed away. Going to have a "Poor Man's Target 32/20"
Grips match and for some reason one of the prior owners felt that 2-23-24 was an important date. The gun shipped in April of 1923.

10-20-22
Tried it out back with my standard 32/20 handload of a 95gr cast SWC .312 diameter over 5 grs of Unique. Two hand hold while sitting at 22 yards. This is with the standard factory sights. My fault it grouped to the left as it was late in the day and I tend to get a shadow on the sight.
The single shot on the right was a quick one thru my Chrono just to see where it's at. 941 fps with no pressure signs. I like it.

 

[JoeDice]

It appears to be in very good condition .Is brass readily available?
Respectfully
JoeDice

 

[Trooperdan]

Yes, brass is no problem

 

[Casual Smith Nut]

Yes, brass is no problem

I remember recently looking at the usual sites for brass: Starline, MidwayUSA, and Brownells to name a few and couldn’t find any in stock. I think the pickings are thin out there for 32/20 brass. Unfortunately none is available locally either.

 

[Inland7-45]

Beautiful revolver. I have a 5” that was made in 1913. Wish mine was in that nice of shape. I really like this caliber. I shot off a few boxes of WW factory stuff and after not shooting it for awhile I picked up a set of RCBS Cowboy dies. Later on bought some Starline nickeled cases. I have been using a cast 115 gr SWC. Loading data is from 4th edition Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook.

I am not sure if Starline has resumed production of 32-20 yet. I would like to pick up more. While factory ammunition may be expensive and hard to find the 32-20 can be as easy and economical to shoot as a .38 Spl once you offset the start up cost.

The Wondersight should add a nice touch. Just put one on a 1917 S&W but have’nt tried it yet.

 

[raljr1]

I like it...i love 32s, but have stayed away from the 32-20...too many handgun cartidges on my shelf.

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[austintexas]

32-20 Target

I've wanted one for years, 30 years ago they were about $600 if you could find one, lately the last one I saw they were asking $2200. So I picked up a 6 incher that was finish challenged but was tight and had a good bore ($200). Local gunsmith is installing a post war adjustable sight and a patridge front. He quoted "a couple of hundred". I guess I'll find out when he is finished.
SWCA 892

 

[Muley Gil]

That .32-20 is very, very nice.

I need to load some ammo and shoot a few of my .32 WCF chambered firearms.

 

[BSA1]

As the song goes “Don’t go breaking my heart”. You are making it hard to ignore my chores and not to grab my revolvers and carbine and a bunch of 32-20 ammo and go to the range.

 

[weatherby]

I like it...i love 32s, but have stayed away from the 32-20...too many handgun cartidges on my shelf.

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No excuse not to join the club
Just call it a rifle cartridge

 

[dwh]

I like it...i love 32s, but have stayed away from the 32-20...too many handgun cartidges on my shelf.

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32-20’ are like tattoos and potato chips you just can’t have one. I 6 revolvers,4 rifle and counting. At least it’s economical to load for.

 

[Muley Gil]

32-20’ are like tattoos and potato chips you just can’t have one. I 6 revolvers,4 rifle and counting. At least it’s economical to load for.

What, no picture of my, I mean your, rolling block???

 

[GypsmJim]

I have a Russian Nagant revolver that shoots "gas seal" 7.62 cartridges. Since a 32/20 chambers perfectly, though without the sealing properties, I bought a bunch of 32/20 brass. They load and shoot very well.

 

[DGNY]

To the OP, my, that is an extremely handsome configuration. Thank you for sharing. The thought of a wonder site, particularly if it can be made not too high relative to the front sight, is a superb notion. Never had the urge for a 32–20, but your photo is inspirational.

I’m sure others besides myself would enjoy a short range report when and if available. Thanks!

 

[moosedog]

Range report added to the original post. Like all the 32/20s I've had, it is a good shooter.

 

[Inland7-45]

In 1987 bought a 5” that was made in 1913. Right after getting the gun I bought 2 boxes of WW ammo. Shot it off right away , stored the brass and didn’t fire the gun again until about 15 years ago. At that time I pickedip a set of RCBS Cowboy dies and started reloading for this caliber with Unique and cast bullets. A few years ago I picked up some Starline nickeled cases and 115gr cast bullets. The Unique is all gone so I have switched to AA#5 for now.

My 32-20 is no where near as nice condition. About 70% original finish remaining with some patina and exposed metal on the rest. The action is nice and tight with a nice slick DA pull. I am having 1920 vintage 92 Winchester with a shot out barrel brought back to shootable condition with a new barrel.

I am always on the lookout for another 32-20 revolver and just missed a nice Colt Police Positive Special in this caliber.

Good luck with yours