Questions on 332Ti and 632, H&R 32 mag

[donniet]

I have searched the forum and would like further confirmation on what I think I read in archives concerning 332Ti and 632.
1. Each will handle 32 short or 32 long colt.
2. Can they be safely converted to 327 Federal?
3. What is value of LNIB or each?
4. Pros or Cons on guns, no need to discuss caliber.
Thanks

 

[donniet]

I have searched the forum and would like further confirmation on what I think I read in archives concerning 332Ti and 632.
1. Each will handle 32 short or 32 long colt.
2. Can they be safely converted to 327 Federal?
3. What is value of LNIB or each?
4. Pros or Cons on guns, no need to discuss caliber.
Thanks

 

[CMcDermott]

1) NO, each will handle 32 S&W short or 32 S&W long, not the colt cartridges which are different. Colt called the 32 S&W long the 32 New Police. The 32 Colt and 32 Colt long are much older cartridges.
2) Don't know if the 332 or 632 cylinder is long enough for the 327 Federal. As the 332 has a titanium cylinder, you may need a specially coated reamer to machine the chambers smoothly.
3) 632 probably $750, 332 maybe $550. Not seeing nearly as many on the auction websites as there were just after it was discontinued.
4) 332 felt like a plastic toy in my hand, just didn't feel like a real gun. 632 will be very hard to locate.

 

[Double-O-Dave]

Donniet:

I recently bought a 432 PD (Centennial style). I wrote gunsmith Hamilton Bowen about conversion to .327 Magnum, and he said it was not possible. It takes a K frame sized revolver in .32 S&W or .32 H&R Magnum for the conversion. You can fire the .32 short or long (Colt or S&W) through the pistol without any problems or worries. I was told you could shoot .32 ACP in the 432 in a pinch, and I called S&W to verify. The response from the factory was that as long as you could safely extract the spent cartridge cases, it was okay to do so (.32ACP is a low pressured round). I have arthritis in both hands, so I was looking for a low recoiling round. The .32 H&R Magnum fit the bill nicely. I would love to have this pistol in .327 Magnum chambering, but it doesn't look like it is going to happen anytime soon. The 432 commands a slight premium as they are hard to find. Mine was very lightly used, no box, no papers, and I paid $400.00 for it. I thought I got a good deal, and after firing it, I have no regrets whatsoever.

Good luck,

Dave

 

[donniet]

Originally posted by CMcDermott:
1) NO, each will handle 32 S&W short or 32 S&W long, not the colt cartridges which are different. Colt called the 32 S&W long the 32 New Police. The 32 Colt and 32 Colt long are much older cartridges.

Not sure why I stated "Colt", I was thinking "S&W"

2) Don't know if the 332 or 632 cylinder is long enough for the 327 Federal. As the 332 has a titanium cylinder, you may need a specially coated reamer to machine the chambers smoothly.
3) 632 probably $750, 332 maybe $550. Not seeing nearly as many on the auction websites as there were just after it was discontinued.

OK! I bought both today for 1100.00 OTD. 332Ti with box and papers perfect condition, 632 no box but 99.5%.

4) 332 felt like a plastic toy in my hand, just didn't feel like a real gun. 632 will be very hard to locate.

I know everyone has their own preference. I carry a 342Ti every day and really like it. A little stout, but not punishing. Looking forward to a range trip with the 32s. Thanks for your comments. I would like to hear pros and cons from others.

 

[Rich W]

I checked my 631 and the 327 cartridge is definitely too long for it's cylinder. Per the Standard Catalog of S&W it appears that the 632 has the same length cylinder fitted.

Also the 6 shot J frame 32s cylinders are quite thin at the bolt slots so not sure if a cartridge with close to double the pressure of the 32 Magnum would be safe even if the gun could be rechambered for it.

Per Bowen no problem with rechambering a 16-4 to 327 Magnum.

 

[Double-O-Dave]

Sorry, but I forgot to mention that the .327 Magnum conversion was around $100.00 (not including shipping and handling). I communicated with Mr. Bowen by email and he responded promptly, professionally, and courteously.

Regards,

Dave

 

[scout]

3. By my recollection and estimation I would say: $675-800 for the 2" 632, with $700 about average; $550-1000 for the 332, with average maybe $600+ (332 assumed NO lock). I think I have only seen a couple of 2" 632s for sale ever, though. I think it is collector interest that drives up the 632 price, because I think the 332 is much more practical.

4. The 332 is only 12 oz. vs. 15+ oz or so for the 632. Lighter is easier to carry (especially in pocket), heavier is easier to shoot. But either one will be a pussycat for recoil compared to your 342. Some people have a problem with the slightly different care the titanium cylnder on the 332 requires, but I guess you would know all about that with your 342. Actually I guess you could say the 332 will be just like your 342 but significantly less recoil and a 6th round. I think the 632 is prettier. The 332 having the Magnum J-frame, will have a slightly longer cylinder than the 632, which is made with the regular J-frame.

Originally posted by donniet:
Looking forward to a range trip with the 32s.

So do you already have one of each of these?

 

[donniet]

Originally posted by scout:
3. By my recollection and estimation I would say: $675-800 for the 2" 632, with $700 about average; $550-1000 for the 332, with average maybe $600+ (332 assumed NO lock). I think I have only seen a couple of 2" 632s for sale ever, though. I think it is collector interest that drives up the 632 price, because I think the 332 is much more practical.

4. The 332 is only 12 oz. vs. 15+ oz or so for the 632. Lighter is easier to carry (especially in pocket), heavier is easier to shoot. But either one will be a pussycat for recoil compared to your 342. Some people have a problem with the slightly different care the titanium cylnder on the 332 requires, but I guess you would know all about that with your 342. Actually I guess you could say the 332 will be just like your 342 but significantly less recoil and a 6th round. I think the 632 is prettier. The 332 having the Magnum J-frame, will have a slightly longer cylinder than the 632, which is made with the regular J-frame.

Originally posted by donniet:
Looking forward to a range trip with the 32s.

So do you already have one of each of these?

Yes, I bought one of each yesterday at a show. 332Ti with box and papers mint. 632 no box or papers but 99.5%, very faint turn ring, no blast at strap. Gave 1100.00 OTD for the pair, all prelock. I agree, there is something about the 632 which is more attractive.

 

[peyton]

You did well getting the two for that price. I enjoy shooting the 631 and 332 I have.

 

[animalmother]

The 632 is a rare bird. For one in LNIB, expect to pay around $700. A true NIB one could easily hit $800. The original J-frame 32s from the early 90s (631 and 632) are much sought after. If you want one, you will have to pay.