My J-frame six shooter 32 S&W Long

[at_liberty]

Now the proud owner of a S&W 30-1, 32 S&W Long, pinned barrel, serial # 777---. The bluing is 90+%, I figure, and no real wear on the grips, pretty much a collectible.

Sobering prices being asked for these, but any nice Smith is at least a $700 proposition.

I have one more die coming on Monday, and I will be ready to load for this little fella. It has a 3" barrel.

My FFL, a pawn shop, also had a 50 round box of 97 gr Fiocchi FMJ, so I grabbed it for 30 bucks. Our Cabela's does have it in Remington but in lead. These aren't likely going to run fast enough to do much with a hollow point, so these brass jacketed, FMJ, golden beauties will be my SD supply for now.

I had a nice grip set I could use...the oversized combat rosewood checkered Altamonts that blocked ejection for 38 Special and 357 Magnum look like they will work okay, the shorter the cartridge the better to clear the fat grip.

 

[DocB]

The best loads I've found for the 32 S&W are the Buffalo Bore 115 grain in a hard cast bullet. These things will generate near 185 foot pounds of muzzle energy putting it close to the old round nose lead 38 special. The object of the load is penetration which a 32 is famous for not getting much of. I just love the little old 32. I can shoot it in my back yard with standard loads and nobody even notices. You're right about the prices and availability of older S&W guns. I have only found and bought one this year. . .a 1976 Model 31 in nickel and 32 long. I did get it cheap for $370 at a pawn shop here. . .just lucked up. A lot of the buyers in this area won't buy a 32 but I sure will, every one I see.

 

[Xfuzz]

Neat Smith's.
I stumbled up on one a few weeks ago.
1960 vintage super clean in nickel with old rig.

 

[Cal44]

I have an M31-1 as below. The M31's are square butt versions of the M30's.

Carry it sometimes with Buffalo Bore wad cutters. And I carry the 115 gr BB loads you mentioned as a reload.

(It's hard to load the wad cutters quickly, although I keep them in a speed loader when the gun is unloaded in the safe).

Carry loads and gun shown below:

 

[at_liberty]

Neat Smith's.
I stumbled up on one a few weeks ago.
1960 vintage super clean in nickel with old rig.

Mine doesn't have the flat cylinder release.

 

[629shooter]

Congratulations on a great find.

We do need some pics though.....