Low-recoil S&W

[pwhphd]

Probably the wrong forum, but I am trying to interest my wife in practicing with a snub-nose. She owns a 642, but doesn't really like either the finish OR the recoil (although she can shoot it reasonably well). She's being doing her own research and asks the following questions that I cannot answer. 1) How does the .38 S&W compare to the .32 H&R magnum in power and recoil? 2) Can the .38 S&W be fired in a .38 S&W Special snub-nose for practice? Some help from an expert might get me out of the doghouse!

 

[Frailer]

I can't answer #1, but the answer to #2 is no.

Has she tried shooting wadcutters? If they are still too much, she can step up to an all-steel J-frame. Wadcutters in a Model 60, 640, 649 or their blued counterparts don't recoil much more than a .22.

 

[ScottJ]

If you reload look into IMR Trail Boss as a powder.

I recently experimented with some under a 240gr cast SWC in my 6.5 inch 629 Classic. It felt like my Bersa .380.

 

[Dale53]

I reload and regularly shoot .38 Wadcutters in my 642. They are MUCH more comfortable than full house .38 Special Plus P's!

Dale53

 

[adwjc]

PWHPHD,

I have several centennials, a 640, 42, 442 and a 432 in 32H&R Mag.

The 432 is as light as the 42 or 442, holds 6 rounds and the recoil is definitely less than the 38 Spc.

I would estimate the recoil as less than 38 Spc. Target wadcutters.

As far as effectiveness, not having been shot with either, I rely on the stats, which claim the 95 Gr 32 H&R Mag JHP to be about a match with the standard 38 Spc.

You can also shoot 32 SW Longs in it for cheaper practice.

Hope this helps,
Tony

 

[Bob Smalser]

We had similar issues in our household, with the conclusion being the more the revolver is a PIA to carry and shoot, the less likely it'll be with her when she needs it. And she doesn't throw rocks very well.

So I switched here out from a Model 36 to a smaller, lighter Model 30, which with the smaller 32 Shorts is so pleasant to practice with she thoroughly enjoys shooting it, with attendant improvement to bullet placement.

These and the .38SW Terriers were the smallest HE's Smith made...especially if you find one with the original I-frame. The Terriers are hard to find and expensive, but the pre-Model 30's and Model 30's were produced just as most users were switching to 38 Special. As a consequence, nice ones aren't difficult to find and can be had for well under 400 bucks. Avoid the post 1961 Model 30-1's, as they are J-frames with larger frame/cylinder and she might as well carry a Model 36 with light wadcutters.

I like them so much we now own three of them. Below is an Improved I-frame from 1956 on top and an older, short-butt I-frame from the late 1940's on the bottom:

 

[Bullseye Smith]

The 32 Mag is a great lady's gun, you could get her a new .327 and shoot .32 S&W, 32 Long, 32 Mag. and the 327. The 32 S&W is like a 22mag when you shoot it, LE's carried a 32 LONG for years as thier main gun and it will put a hurting on you with a Full Jacket so it will go deep.

 

[6pack]

My father has been after me to get a .327 for my wife.

He bought mom a Ruger .327 with the CT grips and they love it.

I really haven't researched the round at all.

 

[nutsforsmiths]

I own a 432 and a 632-1 and I reload for 38 S&W as well.

The 32 H&R is a wonderful round and pleasant to shoot. The 38 S&W has a bit more pop then the 32 H&R and is a bit quieter too. It too is nice. Both rounds are very accurate and don't have a lot of recoil. I am surprised how well I do with the 432 when shooting 32 H&R. 2" barrel and the short grip and airweight frame with a round butt make it a great carry gun too. You can shoot the other 32 rounds through it as well.

The 327 Magnum is a different story. It is very loud and the recoil is about that of a 38 Special +P. Of course, you can shoot all the other 32 rounds though it, including 32 ACP, so that is nice.

I would have no problem carrying the 432 and the 32 H&R round will certainly do some damage.

Just my 2 cents.