Model 30 .32 S&W long revolver, ammo question

[Michael Ray]

32 long Model 30

My father gave me his model 30, 32 long Smith & Wesson. Still in the box, holster, all looks like new. Questions: what is this gun worth and is it a good concealed carry handgun? Heard ammo is hard to find?

 

[Cal44]

It might have been better to start a new thread as this one is four years old.

I bought a nearly new 31-1 (same as yours only square butt) about year ago for $500.

At that time, that was a bit high, but I live in California so prices are higher because we can't buy mail order.

I would think $500 is about right now days for a nearly NIB Model 30.

Buffalo bore has a couple loads (wad cutter, and flat point) that are pretty good for SD.

I carry mine some times.

Also Georgia Arms has some nice 85 gr hollow points in 32 S&W long.

I've never seen any ammo in a store, so you will likely have to mail order ammo for it.

 

[Captain O]

To the OP:

I am a fan of the .32 S&W Long (undoubtedly a 'deadly accurate' cartridge). Yours can take the higher pressure loads without ill effects. I wouldn't use any hollow point loads if I couldn't exceed 1000 fps. (Just my personal "rule of thumb"). In handguns, the friend of the .32 caliber is penetration. Do not put "speed brakes" on a bullet that isn't 'breaking any speed records' from the beginning!

The .32 S&W Long, loaded to maximum levels is perfectly adequate for self defense providing that the bullet is well placed! The beauty of the .32 Long is in it's superb accuracy and relatively low recoil. The .32 H&R Magnum allowed the .32 caliber to perform well at higher velocities while providing better penetration. With the shorter barrel of your handgun, you will be best served by loading the .32 S&W Long cartridge with 98 SWC ammunition to the highest velocities you can attain, wihtout loss of accuracy. This will provide adequate penetration and effective "killing power" (through penetration) available from your revolver.

Don't let anyone tell you that the .32 Long isn't an effective self-defense cartridge. While it may not have the power of the larger bores, it's ability to place bullets accurately under "stress fire" conditions shouldn't be underestimated. .32 revolvers can, and still will, kill with consummate efficiency.

Never forget that.

 

[Hondo44]

Welcome to the forum.

Is it actually stamped Mod 30 in the yoke? That would make it an I frame, not a J frame like the M 30-1 and 31-1.

 

[Michael Ray]

Thanks for the information. I really like the little gun.

 

[Drm50]

I have shot 32acp in 32 Long revolvers, went off fine but there
was no accuracy at all. So basically you can"detonate" 32acp in
a 32 long revolver, bullet comes out the barrel, and that's it.

 

[tacotime]

Possibly try a full hard-cast wadcutter.

Some guys appear to run the .32 well over 900fps. Search for Glen Fryxell.