Hi Velocity in 22/32

[AC4142]

Hello fellow Smith lovers. I found out from James that my 22/32 was probably made in 1930. Would this revolver be able to handle hi velocity ammo or only standard velocity .22LR? Thanks!

 

[DWalt]

Those intended for use with .22 HV ammunition will have their chamber mouths recessed for cartridge case rims.

 

[ol777gunnerz]

info

High velocity is not needed for target shooting handguns at normal range distances, standard velocity should be more accurate as well.

 

[AC4142]

That makes sense DWALT, but would it damage the revolver to shoot HV?ol777?

 

[DWalt]

That makes sense DWALT, but would it damage the revolver to shoot HV?ol777?

I doubt that it would, but I believe that using SV ammunition is preferable.

 

[AC4142]

Thanks DwALT. I have tons of HV and no SV. I'll buy some SV and compare them. Thanks!

 

[handejector]

I do not think HV ammo could possibly damage a 22/32. Look at the chamber and forcing cone thickness.

 

[AC4142]

will do HE. Thanks

 

[larryofcc]

It's an old target revolver and deserving of fine standard velocity ammo. That is what it was made for. BTW, they are very accurate. Big Larry

 

[Speedo2]

I do not think HV ammo could possibly damage a 22/32. Look at the chamber and forcing cone thickness.

Not so much concern with damage to the revolver, rather possible damage to the shooter from pierced rims if shooting HV from a non-recessed cylinder. I think that S&W began recessing 22/32 cylinders in the mid-20's, so probably not a problem but I still wouldn't do it. -S2

 

[DWalt]

Recessed chambers on the .22/32 happened around serial number 525600, in 12/31.

 

[AC4142]

Thanks fellas. I will buy some SV. probably won't shoot the foxy old girl too much anyway.

 

[JSR III]

Recessed chambers is reported to have begun at 525600 in April of 1935 however the first one to show up in my database is 529180 shipped 7/5/1935. I show a couple of guns higher than 525600 without recessed chambers so still a mystery.

It is possible that the engineering change came down when 525600 was being assembled so that number was noted however since S&W was not known for discarding anything, it may have taken a while before they used up cylinders that were not recessed.

I would need to see quite a few more examples from this time frame to make a better evaluation.