Difference between 32 and 327

[Ogandydancer]

I have seen a lot of discussion lately concerning 32 and 327 is there a difference and if so what. Also would you carry either for SD?

 

[Mickey D]

295

 

[desi2358]

The 327 is the latest attempt to magnumize the 32 caliber bore size. Essentially you can go from the old 32S&W (sometimes called 32 short) to the 32 S&W Long, the 32 H&R magnum and finally the 327. The 327 has good energy figures and is fairly controllable.

I have at times carried a 32 Long, accurate and light weight and I wouldn't have a problem with the 327 either except that it hasn't really caught on saleswise and ammo can be very hard to find. I have owned a Ruger Single Six in H&R Mag and honestly fired far more 32 Longs in it than the more expensive and harder to find magnum loads.

 

[Mike7.62]

I have seen a lot of discussion lately concerning 32 and 327 is there a difference and if so what. Also would you carry either for SD?

The .327 is a longer version of the .32 H&R Magnum, and yes, I would/do carry the .32 H&R for self defense as a BUG in the form of a S&W M332. Six shots in an 11 oz package is pretty good, considering that the 85 gr JHP's are running more than 800 f/s out of a 2" barrel. The .327 only increases that velocity, so is all that much better. The difference between the .32 S&W and the .32 H&R and the .327 Magnum are between 400 and 700 f/s depending upon barrel length and bullet weight. A pretty significant difference IMO. I sure wouldn't want to be shot with one, nor do I feel undergunned when carrying it.