S&W 1 1/2 caliber

[glowe]

Being curious that was that Navy Arms 32 RF smokeless ammo made to be used in these old blackpowder guns? Or was there some gun chambered for 32 RF in the post blackpowder era?

Doubt that there were more than a handful of rifles made in this caliber after the turn of the Twentieth Century. Yes they were loaded with smokeless designed to be shot in Smith & Wesson, Marlin, Colt, H&R, Allen, F&W, and many other handguns. They were also used in several single shot rifles made by Remington, Marlin, Ballard, Maynard, Winchester, Stevens, etc. There were also several other 32 Rimfire cartridges made. The Chicago Palm Pistol used a 32 Extra Short, while the 32 Long Rifle and 32 Extra Longs were used in various Nineteenth Century Rifles.

As far as I can recall, Navy Arms made no mention of what brand or models, plus identified no era the ammo was designed for. The box states: These powerful cartridges are precision built for maximum effectiveness and dependability. The box also states These cartridges are specifically adapted for all arms chambered for 32 cartridges. Lastly, the warning states Use only arms in good condition designed for this cartridge.

 

[rta72]

Doubt that there were more than a handful of rifles made in this caliber after the turn of the Twentieth Century. Yes they were loaded with smokeless designed to be shot in Smith & Wesson, Marlin, Colt, H&R, Allen, F&W, and many other handguns. They were also used in several single shot rifles made by Remington, Marlin, Ballard, Maynard, Winchester, Stevens, etc. There were also several other 32 Rimfire cartridges made. The Chicago Palm Pistol used a 32 Extra Short, while the 32 Long Rifle and 32 Extra Longs were used in various Nineteenth Century Rifles.

As far as I can recall, Navy Arms made no mention of what brand or models, plus identified no era the ammo was designed for. The box states: These powerful cartridges are precision built for maximum effectiveness and dependability. The box also states These cartridges are specifically adapted for all arms chambered for 32 cartridges. Lastly, the warning states Use only arms in good condition designed for this cartridge.

As you mentioned before, Wikipedia is often incorrect. Still it is often the most frequent place to first look for info as it comes usually on top of Google search list.

It says that semi-smokeless powder was used at some point in .32 RF history. What is semi-smokeless?

.32 rimfire - Wikipedia

"During its lifetime, the .32 rimfire was loaded with black powder, followed by semi-smokeless and smokeless powder loadings."

Edit: What is the best way to open the side plate? Don't want to damage the gun by prying it open, if there is a better way to open it.

 

[glowe]

Semi-smokeless powders were blackpowder with guncotton. Examples of this powder were marketed in the USA as Kings Semi-Smokeless and Duponts Lesmok. Guncotton is nitrated wood cellulose fiber. The percentages of each are given as anywhere from 5% to 90% black powder, but I have never found a reliable source to pin down the exact components.

You need to remove the stocks and the sideplate screw. Holding the frame in one hand, use a rubber hammer and keep tapping the upper section of the butt-frame and the sideplate will pop off.

 

[rta72]

Thank you again. Went ahead before reading your message and cocked the hammer and used a wooden "cleaning" rod to the inside of the plate which is visible when cocking the hammer and hit the rpd with rubber hammer. Popped easily right of the frame. I will try your method next.

I've been reading relatively lot of firearms history but don't remember about semi-smokeless powder. Good to get more knowledge about the subject!

Do you know if anyone makes vintage reproduction ammo boxes for .32 RF? Similar like these .44 cab and ball boxes.

 

[rta72]

I apologize in advance because this will be a stooopid question. [emoji16]

If I got some brownish substance on the gun and I haven't been to the can with it, is it always rust? [emoji16][emoji16]

The surface looks good when looked in warm light, but when I point a strong white light flashlight on it there is rust looking coating on it at some places. The reason I ask is is that I've tryed to wipe it off with Hoppe's no. 9, gun oil, robla solo (ammonia based mil spec stuff) and even tryed 0000 steel wool on it and it doesn't go away. The surface doesn't look to be too badly pitted for the naked eye, so I suppose those measures should have been enough to remove it?

I don't mind as long I can contain it and I think that is part of the patina that makes old guns look good.

 

[KRL]

About reloading .32 rimfire

Hi, I have .32 rimfire RRB that I started down the reoad reloading for. This link, reloadable .32 rimfire brass is a long thread but very useful. Most of these guys are modifying .32 Colt cases. I have tried the cases sold by Dixie. they make the old gun shoot but aren't super convenient. Those cases recommend .32 balls, the original manufacturer of the cases, in Belgium, will sell heel based bullets. However, there are sources in the US for heel based bullets or molds.

I would caution that the tip-up is not real strong. If the revolver has much play I would recommend not shooting it. A lot of cheap guns were made for the rimfire cartridge so if in doubt, don't shoot it.

I love the collection of S&W's that Glowe showed off!

Good luck.
Keith

 

[H Richard]

I did acquire a box of Navy 32 RF a few years ago, but have not yet used any in any of my anitque's. The top 3 are 32 RF, an #1 1/2 1st Issue in 4" and in 3". and a #1 1/2 2nd Issue. The two lower ones are #1 1/2 CF and I have shot both of them.