Convert 32-20 to 32 H&R

[brick]

Is it possible to have a cylinder made to convert my existing 32-20 to shoot 32 H&R Mag? I have a 142XXX serial number 4" revolver. Is the 32 mag too much pressure? I assume a 32 Long cylinder would work but I was looking for something more powerful. If the 32 mag would work, would a 327 Federal work? I'm just wondering.

 

[Erich]

I'd call Hamilton Bowen and ask the opinion of the experts on .32 conversions.

 

[DWalt]

I do know for sure the .32 Magnum cartridge cannot be inserted completely into a .32-20 chamber, as I tried it once. One would probably not want to ream out the .32-20 chamber to allow full insertion of the .32 Mag (or .327) as the base diameter of those cartridges is somewhat less than that of the .32-20, and the case could possibly rupture upon firing. It would seem to me that a new cylinder chambered for the .32 Mag or .327 would be the answer, or else sleeving the existing cylinder's chambers to accept them. I wouldn't do anything on a revolver that was not heat-treated. From your SN, it may not be, but I don't know exactly what you have. Either way, I think it would be far more costly to do than it's worth. You can load the .32-20 to much higher performance levels than either, if you revolver will stand it. A Colt OP in .32-20 would handle an extremely hot .32-20 load, I don't know about any S&W revolvers that would. So maybe you might want to look for a .32-20 Colt OP instead?

I have a Ruger Blackhawk in .30 Carbine, and had always thought it would be neat to have a second cylinder chambered for .32 Mag. But I never expect to do it, as I can load the .30 Carbine case to any ballistic level matching the .32 Mag or .327 (and even far beyond), so it's pointless.

 

[KarmannGhia]

+1 on what Erich suggested.

I think you will find the cost and effort more than what most are willing to invest.

There are a few good 32 mags already out there waiting for a good home that may be more cost effective.

 

[brick]

How does one contact Hamilton Bowen (phone number)? Thanks.

 

[Erich]

Google is your friend, amigo.

http://www.bowenclassicarms.com/contact.html

 

[DWalt]

Good. The country needs more economic stimulus.

 

[rburg]

I think you'll find the heat treatment serial on 32-20s is down below 120,000. We've always just assumed if you find one above that, its good to go. All those are considered 1920s guns with none produced after the 1920s. That last may be wrong, but its probably only a handful. Ship dates may run differently, but look at the features like the ejector rod end for a clue as to when made.

 

[Alk8944]

Winchester Models in the SN range of yours have been reported as shipping 1929-1930. You are in the roughly 2000 last production of this model. My conclusions are close to RBurg's, that all Winchester Model production was ended in anywhere from 1929-1931 at SN 144684.

While the .32 H&R pressure level is only slightly higher than .38 Spl.+P this should be no problem, and since you should start with a later cylinder the original cylinder's strength is not an issue. Bowen should be able to fit a later Model 17 cylinder and re-chamber it for somewhere in the $250-400 range. With any luck you should end up with a convertible!

If all you want is a .32 H&R there are more practical ways to go about it, like a 16-4, Ruger Single-Six, Ruger SP-101, and a few others. My .32 H&R SP-101 shoots like a rifle, and I have gotten very near 1400 FPS with a 115 gr Lyman 3118. There is also the S&W 631 4" with adjustable sights. Some of these were originally sold as the .32 Kit Gun.

 

[Muley Gil]

I have a Uberti built Model P Jr, which is a 7/8 scale Single Action Army and is slightly bigger than a Ruger Single Six.

Mine has two cylinders-.32-20 and .32 H&R Magnum. I need to check with Mr Bowen to see if it would be safe to rechamber it to .327.

As it is, it is a neat little single action.

 

[DWalt]

"If all you want is a .32 H&R there are more practical ways to go about it, like a 16-4, Ruger Single-Six, Ruger SP-101, and a few others. My .32 H&R SP-101 shoots like a rifle, and I have gotten very near 1400 FPS with a 115 gr Lyman 3118. There is also the S&W 631 4" with adjustable sights. Some of these were originally sold as the .32 Kit Gun."

Taurus has several models in .327 also. I nearly bought a new one several months ago, about $300 as I remember. I decided at the last minute that I didn't much need it. But it was a really nice one.

 

[peyton]

I wondered about getting a 32-20 and sending it out for a new cylinder in 327 magnum. Keep us updated.
Muley Gil, I believe the Model P Jr 32 mag cylinder can be converted. See if the 32-20 cylinder is longer than a J Frame cylinder or Ruger Single Six cylinder. I believe it is, thats why you never find a 32-20 in a J frame S&W.

 

[tom32]

32-20 WCF cartridge along a Model 631. The 32-20 is the original 32 magnum cartridge. I have a Ruger Buckeye (Blackhawk frame) that has no problem getting 1500+ fps out of a 32-20 with 100 gr bullet safely.

 

[Green Frog]

32-20 WCF cartridge along a Model 631. The 32-20 is the original 32 magnum cartridge. I have a Ruger Buckeye (Blackhawk frame) that has no problem getting 1500+ fps out of a 32-20 with 100 gr bullet safely.

Am I missing something here? It looks like the revolver in the thumbnail is a S&W. Is is a 32 Mag as well, or is it there for some other reason? I wish I had never sold my Buckeye Special in 32/20 & 32 H&R Mag, but it didn't look like a S&W.

Froggie

Edit: Is that a 631? I've not seen one of those with that style grips... I was assuming it was a K-frame. I sure would like to find an adjustable sighted 631 in 327 FM or even 32 H&R Mag.

 

[tom32]

Am I missing something here? It looks like the revolver in the thumbnail is a S&W. Is is a 32 Mag as well, or is it there for some other reason? I wish I had never sold my Buckeye Special in 32/20 & 32 H&R Mag, but it didn't look like a S&W.

Froggie

Edit: Is that a 631? I've not seen one of those with that style grips... I was assuming it was a K-frame. I sure would like to find an adjustable sighted 631 in 327 FM or even 32 H&R Mag.

I have a two track mind this morning. I was trying to show that a J frame like the Mod 631 doesn't have the cylinder length for a 327 or 32-20, and at the same time got off on a tangent about magnum capabilities of the 32-20.

Yep, it is a 631 and only came in 32 H&R mag as far as I know.

 

[TSQUARED]

For a price, I imagine anything could be done. However the 32-20 has a base diameter which is much larger than that of a 32 H&R so it is not a simple rechamberimng of the cylinders. The 32-20 is a perfectly useful cartridge which is as least as powerfull as the 32 H&R.

 

[Dale53]

Froggie;
I know where there is a 631:

Unfortunately, it is NOT for sale. However, on your next trip up to God's Country, I can arrange for you to shoot it. That ought to "Wind your watch"...(evil laugh >))

The 631 is one of the best trail guns ever available. It's a dern shame that they are "out of print".

Dale53

 

[Green Frog]

Dale53,

You really know how to hurt a guy, don't you? A real friend would have let me know about them when they came out, not years later when they were no longer available. I'll get even though when I come up with my "Project 616" gun! (evil laugh bakatcha!!) I see a 32 showdown next time I hop through Hamilton. Winner picks the night's grill?

Froggie

 

[Muley Gil]

"However, on your next trip up to God's Country,"

Dale53,

You gonna meet with him in the Blue Ridge mountains of Southwest Virginia?????

 

[peyton]

That grip on the 631 pictured above is the same as what I got on mine. On the matter of the 32-20 versus 32 magnum I forgot about the case rim being larger, that would require a k frame cylinder.