My 32cal. S&W Carry Weapon

[shawn mccarver]

Originally posted by mulehide9:

I have tried a dozen different carry guns, but none of them satisfied my needs.

Finally, I have developed a bullet load that will give me power, and penetration with out carrying a "BAZOOKA". What is it,you say???
Surprisingly it is the old .32 S&W long.

I know what you are saying now between "CHORTLES,and "GUFFAWS" but I am very serious about this choice. Please, stop laughing and let me explain!!!!!

The revolver is a 2 inch Model 30, or you can use the 31. They are "J" frames. The 30 has a round butt, and the 31 has a square butt. Thats the only difference between the two. They are small enough for a shoulder holster, and ankle holster, or tucked away in your pant or jacket pocket. They are readily available at decent prices, and they are a perfect size for the ladies.

What I have done is to work up a simple load for the little revolver to give it a "BIG" bite.

Reading LYMANS 48th Edition of THE RELOADING HANDBOOK, I chose a 75 grain, lead alloy bullet.
Next, I chose 3.5 grains of #231 in a Winchester brass case. This is the "MAXIMUM" load suggested for this caliber. It is safe to shoot in any well maintained modern S&W,and is still below any of those +P "HOWITZER",loads.

This nice load is good on recoil, and will push the lead bullet out at 1,043 f.p.s. Thats axactly the same as a 9mm luger, 125 Grain FMJ bullet.

A lead bullet in the .32 will mushroom well at that speed, while the 9mm will travel straight through your intended target.

You can begin a new hobby of reloading bullets for under $100.00. It's fun, and safe when you follow the directions. Wild Cat loads can produce very dangerous results, so it is important to stay with in the guidelines.

ANY INPUT IS WELCOME,PRO or CON!!!

It is all about confidence, and if this gun/load combo gives you that, then more power to you!

 

[vrichard]

Here is a mdl.30-1 ser.#H3 that I like.

 

[kennyb]

i recently picked up a model 16-4...wanted to complete my smith magnum calibers....it shoots great!

 

[Wyatt Earp]

Originally posted by mulehide9:
This nice load is good on recoil, and will push the lead bullet out at 1,043 f.p.s. Thats axactly the same as a 9mm luger, 125 Grain FMJ bullet.

A lead bullet in the .32 will mushroom well at that speed, while the 9mm will travel straight through your intended target.

Who uses a 9 mm FMJ bullet today, anyway?

If this is all you can handle recoil-wise, then good luck. You're going to need it.

 

[tom turner]

Originally posted by mulehide9:
Boatz........Get out of that dumb state. It's jinxed. On your way out, prctice with your .32 long on Ol ARNOLD!!!

Nawww,

I disagree! As the good book says . . . be fruitful and MULTIPLY! What Kommiefornia needs is a mass infusion of good people with common sense . . . who vote, like their foes, "early AND often . . . and work hard to make their state what it needs to be.

 

[HeyJoe]

We all need luck. Knowing what works for you and proceeding accordingly will serve you much better than carrying something you cannot control well and shoot accurately. I have nerve damage in my hands and have powered down recently to a 32 H&R Magnum and even sometimes a 25 ACP and i dont feel i need anymore luck than you do Wyatt.

 

[Gatorbaiter]

Double-O-Dave,
The Mdl. 632 was only made in 1991-92, and does not have the lock. They came in 3" bbl with Uncle Mikes Santoprene grips (only made in 1991)and 2" bbl with wood grips. The grips on mine are genuine Ivory. I don't know who did the engraving. My gun is SN 147 and left the factory in July 1991 without the engraving.

 

[Double-O-Dave]

Thank you, Gatorbaiter. I now have one more gun to add to my grail list.

Regards,

Dave

 

[David Lee Valdina]

I will try and get my 632 engraved. That is some nice. Maybe have it by the summer, will post photos if I can get a good camera and learn how to post photos.

 

[tanksoldier]

Originally posted by BADSBSNF811:
Just realize that you will be "demonized" by the other sides lawyer if you ever have to shoot someone for using a handload. "Regular ammunition wasn't good enough for Mr. X. He had to make his own, more lethal loads, etc.."

Irrelevant.

The lawyer could just as easily demonize HPs, FMJ or wadcutters.

"Hollowpoints! Even the military can't use them!" or "Full metal jacket! The same ammo our military uses!" or "HE had Gold Dot bullets! That's the same as our local police! Does he think he's a police officer?"

Carry what works for you. IF you ever have to use it, and IF you survive the experience, THEN worry about lawyers.

 

[David Lee Valdina]

Model numbers running around like crazy. The .32 H&R Mag S&W J-Frame aluminum with hammer visible is the #331 and in the hidden hammer version is the #332. Sorry, getting old. I am going to have my Model 332 engraved. By the way, if you put in just the word "engraved" on Gunbroker.com search, you get a long list of engraved guns to look at. Looking at the prices makes me think having one engraved may enhance the value beyond the cost of doing so. Hope so, but I want the pleasure of owning it.

 

[BlackSky]

Here's my .32 Cal S&W carry...

 

[Double-O-Dave]

Originally posted by David Lee Valdina:
Model numbers running around like crazy. The .32 H&R Mag S&W J-Frame aluminum with hammer visible is the #331 and in the hidden hammer version is the #332. Sorry, getting old. I am going to have my Model 332 engraved. By the way, if you put in just the word "engraved" on Gunbroker.com search, you get a long list of engraved guns to look at. Looking at the prices makes me think having one engraved may enhance the value beyond the cost of doing so. Hope so, but I want the pleasure of owning it.

Mr. Valdina,

My pistol looks exactly like the one in the photo provided my BlackSky, and it has 432PD stamped on the frame. It is an Airweight, black finished, Centennial style with an alloy frame.

Regards,

Dave

 

[David Lee Valdina]

Maybe 432PD is what they put on the black ones, but mine had 332 on it, shows that way in the Standard Catalog of Firearms and most importantly, it is now on it's way to be fully engraved. I give myself a present now and then as I get older. Will need to find those neat ivory or fake ivory grips. Now, do I wear this only on formal occasions ? Should have it back in the early summer. Will posts photos then.

 

[ColbyBruce]

DLV, you are correct about the finish per model. Gun on the right in this photo is my daughter's S&W #331 TI. Ivory J frame stocks, if you can find them, will cost you at least $300.00.

 

[BlackSky]

The gun in the photo I posted is the Model 432PD and chambered in .32 H&R Magnum. More information is in the thread linked in my sigline.