Is the .32 long / .32 Magnum dead

[BSA1]

The 32 Magnum is proof of why I would go broke manufacturing guns. I thought adding another chamber in the J-Frame and the reduced recoil of the 32 Magnum made it superior to the 5 round 38 Spl. J-Frame snubby. I still think it does.

There is a lot of interest in the .32 Caliber for use in self-defense as witnesses by the latest new semi-auto pistol.

 

[TXBryan]

I think one could make a case that virtually any handgun cartridge is "dead" based on another doing all, and then some, for which the "dead" one is capable. Remember the .32 Long has a well-deserved reputation as an inherently accurate cartridge and that's contributed to it's longevity I'd imagine.

I think asking if a cartridge is dead or dying is an interesting exercise though. Like so many previous posts; as long as I'm involved in shooting sports it will be alive around these parts.

From pre-Model 30s, Regulation Police, a Model 30-1, and some assorted Colts, I truly enjoy shooting the .32 S&W Long. It's perfect to introduce more petite shooters to centerfire handguns, a pleasure to reload stretching powder a long way, and bullets are reasonably purchased on-line.

Having never served in law enforcement it is admittedly difficult to imagine hitting the mean streets with a Regulation Police in .32 S&W Long in your holster. I seem to prefer larger handguns that retain their weapon status even when they're empty. Apparently the .32 S&W Long was considered quite adequate for police work once-upon-a-time.

I do find the relative size of my .32 revolvers easy to carry as a ranch "walkin' around gun" and have used the cartridge, on occasion, to dispatch wounded feral hogs and a few whitetail deer. It's dandy on cottontail rabbits too.

A brace of .32 S&W Longs from the inventory.

 

[LostintheOzone]

I don't know about the 32 H&R but the prices for model 30 and 31's are increasing. I bought one for $500 a few years ago and they're selling for $650 and $700 now. I haven't seen anything new from any mfr's regarding the 32L in a long time but that doesn't mean it's dead. If you can still buy ammo for it, it isn't dead IMO.

I'm sure people in the 50's thought the 44-40 was dead but they would have been wrong.

 

[Skeet 028]

I like the 32s...Have 2 S&W 32-20s. 2 Ruger 32 H&RMags(Blackhawk and Single 6) a Ruger SP101 327 Federal and a S&W 16-4 4inch. They all shoot well and the 32 Revolvers I have also shoot the 32 auto. Not the 32-20s of course. I am going to thin the herd a bit though..one 32-20 and the single Six

 

[all5x]

Not sure how long ago a report I read that said the 32 caliber was the most used in killings in the US. I love my 32's and carry a S&W 431 daily. Never felt underpowered. Plus I can keep my pants up.

 

[RWPBR]

I regularly shoot and reload 32 Long, 32H&R and 327 fed. I have 2 S&W Revolvers in 32L, an H&R in 32 H&R, 2 Ruger revolvers in 327 fed and a Henry Big Boy Steel lever action that feeds all 3 cartridges. In my world the 32s are alive and well!

 

[IAM Rand]

Ah, the ole, "Is this cartridge dead" thread. Gotta luv it. Okay, I will bite. No cartridge is dead as long as 1 person still believes in it. Does that make it relevant, No. It makes it more like a case of herpes, pops up when you least expect it, never goes away but, most would like to forget it.

There are many cartridges out there for both rifles and pistols that stay around but, never make any real impact. Those that love them will swear by them and keep them from the trash heap of time but, they will very rarely be found on the shelf at Walmart.

Just sayin

 

[tlawler]

I just shot some .32 H&R mag over the weekend in my SP-101. Brought a handful of.32 Long so my daughter could try it out. I shoot .327fed mag on occasion, but the H&R mag is really nice and soft shooting.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

If they released it in a Carbine for garment control it would have been accepted better. A levergun .32 Federal Magnum would be great IMO but it's not available.

"garment control" Are you suggesting this for a security guard at a nudist camp?

CAUSED ME TO BUST OUT LAUGHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[CH4]

Waaay too many guns out there that need feeding. It'll be around when the the 30 SC (32 cal.) is likely long gone.

 

[gmarshall99]

What they said!

 

[RWJ]

There are 13 items in my inventory that would be very sad to hear that

 

[bigmoose]

Yup, the .32 SW long is dead. So is the .22 REM Jet, the .35 Remington, the .250-3000 Savage, the .303 Savage, the . 300 Savage, the .32 Winchester. I have guns chambered in all these and others. I love me some dead cartridges, they have put lots of meat on the table over the years.

 

[nutsforsmiths]

They re not dead at my house! I just started reloading 32 H&R Magnum. At some point will also reload 32 Long and 327 Federal Magnum.

Love 32 revolvers!

 

[rockquarry]

I've had two S&Ws from the '70s that were chambered for the .32 Long. After working up some suitable cast bullet loads, I quickly tired of these guns and sold them. If you already have a .38 Special, you're missing nothing by not having .32s.

As for the .32 Magnum, it has a much higher velocity than the .38 Special but lacks bullet weight. I see it as more of a novelty than something useful, but I won't criticize those who favor the cartridge. We all have different likes.

 

[max503]

If I didn't cast and reload there is no way I would buy a 32.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

Waaay too many guns out there that need feeding. It'll be around when the the 30 SC (32 cal.) is likely long gone.

We'll probably all be around when the 30SC dies....Bury it along side the 9mm rimmed Federal and the 45 GAP.

 

[Casual Smith Nut]

32 cal is not dead among reloaders. I cast for and shoot 32s about as much as any other caliber. It’s definitely more economical than the larger calibers on both lead and powder while still being a centerfire cartridge.

I was just shooting both 32 Long and 32 Mag today:
- 32 Long using I-frame, J-frame, and K-frame
- 32 Mag using a Ruger Single Seven. I currently don’t own a dedicated 32 Mag revolver.

Outside of those who roll their own ammo, 32 cal “is only mostly dead.”

 

[Countrycuz]

I've had this this caliber on my mind last few years. Haven't jumped in because of ammo availability. Looking for lower recoil options for my way with it too. Is the .32 long/ mag that much different recoil than STD. 38 sl.?

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

I've had this this caliber on my mind last few years. Haven't jumped in because of ammo availability. Looking for lower recoil options for my way with it too. Is the .32 long/ mag that much different recoil than STD. 38 sl.?

Recoil is less.