I can verify that a 3" J frame with BB's 100g H&R load is a nice combination - with some cushy grips to soak up the recoil. (The BB round slightly exceeds +P 158g 38 Special energies.) It won't shoot to the sights, though - at least it doesn't for me in my (reamed) Model 31.
S&W .32H&R
- Thread starter gunguy1960
- Start date
I can verify that a 3" J frame with BB's 100g H&R load is a nice combination - with some cushy grips to soak up the recoil. (The BB round slightly exceeds +P 158g 38 Special energies.) It won't shoot to the sights, though - at least it doesn't for me in my (reamed) Model 31.
Model 332
The Model 332 was made for only about 3 years. 6 rounds. My edc is a 342 in 38 Special. Daughter has the 332 I wish I had - for the extra round. BTW, both are J frames.
The Model 332 was made for only about 3 years. 6 rounds. My edc is a 342 in 38 Special. Daughter has the 332 I wish I had - for the extra round. BTW, both are J frames.
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Smith61
Member
Ruger sure seems to be doing fine with those SP101's as both 3" fixed sighted for EDC, and the 4.2" "kit gun" version with nice sights. Can't believe they haven't brought back a Model 16 in some variation. I shoot .32 ACP outta my old 31-1 all the time BTW. Love the .32!
If you're going to make a new 32, do it in 327 Federal for the option of near 357 Magnum power in case it's ever needed/wanted. They can still shoot all the shorter rounds.
geeollie
Member
I've been reading Brian Pierce "Pet Loads" on the 32 H&R.
Several are his +P rounds that would be very good in a .327.
The 327 may never be needed, but it really does add to versatility.
Several are his +P rounds that would be very good in a .327.
The 327 may never be needed, but it really does add to versatility.
The 327 Federal is "needed" only because 32 H&R Magnum was throttled back to stay within the strength of the H&R revolvers of the day. If it had been built for S&W or Ruger cylinders it could have been producing at or near what 327 Fed does now.
I accidentally made some 32 H&R loads that launched bullets at upper 327 Fed velocities from my (reamed) S&W 32 Long cylinders, without any signs of stress or sticky extraction. (I was trying Lil Gun powder at loads suggested for 32 H&R on one of the online reloading sites.) But I refuse to load a case beyond levels appropriate for its headstamp, so I dropped that particular line of exploration.
When I want maximum power out of 32 H&R I use the Buffalo Bore 100g +P loads. They're as much as I want to light off in the J frames that I shoot, and according to the company owner are safe for "unlimited use" in all my guns, including the reamed 32 Long cylinders.
You are more likely to see a steel J frame in .327 than a K in .32 Mag.
Pointblank2U
US Veteran
I have a pair of 432PDs. They are great, super light little centennials.
That would be Ok, too! J Frames are less about precision shooting than self defense. A steel J .327 would be fine, even .32 ACP ought to be usable out to 25 yards or so.
For me, the K Frame with a long barrel in .32 Mag is more about 100 yd accuracy for IHMSA and small game in states that allow centerfire weapons on such. .32 Mag will take 100 yd Rams without much recoil, noise, nor large amounts of powder expended. I put lots of rounds downrange, so all that is good. For that matter, .25-20 would be cool, but that'll never happen....
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The downside is that they tend to go for stupid prices, especially when you intend on shooting the snot out 'em.
Dutch87
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What are your favorite loads?
I'm thinking I'm going to double down and leap into the .32 pool with a second
Dutch87
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A steel 640 with real sights, only chambered in .327 with 6 shots? Wowie. A slim/flat light gun, J-frame grip options, with 120gr hardcast for outdoor use, 32 long for range use, and defensive options? That's a "do all" revolver in my mind.
It has been done, the steel .327 Centennial, that is. Pro Series, I think. The only one I ever saw new wouldn't carry up worth a dang, so I passed on it, never thinking there wouldn't be any more show up locally, where they could be inspected before purchase. Collector item priced, these days, and all "pig in a poke" internet sales.
Yup: 632-1 Pro, .327 FM. About a 3" fluted barrel, drift adjustable rear sight (night sights?), Centennial. There was a version with an exposed hammer, blue or black stainless with a Power Port, too, I think.
ETA: The exposed hammer version was indeed confusingly another 632 in 327 FM. Called the 632 Carry Comp. This one with blackened stainless finish, 3" barrel, adjustable sights and a tiny Power Port out front. Very much not what I would have either numbered it, nor purchased.
Yup: 632-1 Pro, .327 FM. About a 3" fluted barrel, drift adjustable rear sight (night sights?), Centennial. There was a version with an exposed hammer, blue or black stainless with a Power Port, too, I think.
ETA: The exposed hammer version was indeed confusingly another 632 in 327 FM. Called the 632 Carry Comp. This one with blackened stainless finish, 3" barrel, adjustable sights and a tiny Power Port out front. Very much not what I would have either numbered it, nor purchased.
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Dutch87
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Just took my 432UC home today!
Haven't got to shoot it yet.
Swapped out the grips for the CT405s (smaller/lighter + laser, great training aid)
With the grips on it's 14.67 oz empty
16.78 oz loaded (high desert wadcutters, .32 Mag)
Trigger is gritty, but my 638 sure was when new.
Lubricated it, and the dry-fire begins. MUCH better lubricated. I think this will feel incredible by this time next year
Sights are great
The factory grips are perfect in terms of hand fit, I just like the 405s a lot
Front sight isn't dead
No issues closing the cylinder
I don't see an excessive amount of nicks and dings everywhere
HOWEVER, under my sideplate, I found what appears to be some brown crud? After hitting it with some lube and wiping it, it appears there's an issue with the finish in one spot. After lube and wiping it (paper towel) it looks like it's just flaking off in a spot the size of a pencil eraser.
MAYBE I send it back to smith one day but. Seems like the gun is still shootable as is
Haven't got to shoot it yet.
Swapped out the grips for the CT405s (smaller/lighter + laser, great training aid)
With the grips on it's 14.67 oz empty
16.78 oz loaded (high desert wadcutters, .32 Mag)
Trigger is gritty, but my 638 sure was when new.
Lubricated it, and the dry-fire begins. MUCH better lubricated. I think this will feel incredible by this time next year
Sights are great
The factory grips are perfect in terms of hand fit, I just like the 405s a lot
Front sight isn't dead
No issues closing the cylinder
I don't see an excessive amount of nicks and dings everywhere
HOWEVER, under my sideplate, I found what appears to be some brown crud? After hitting it with some lube and wiping it, it appears there's an issue with the finish in one spot. After lube and wiping it (paper towel) it looks like it's just flaking off in a spot the size of a pencil eraser.
MAYBE I send it back to smith one day but. Seems like the gun is still shootable as is
No........
When I first thought about it, I didn't think I'd be interested. But the more I shoot my 432, I think a 4" K frame in 32 or even 327 would make a neat small game revolver. It would be just the ticket for coyotes and smaller varmints.
The 16-4 is a tack driver, but if the barrel lost the full lug, and made available in 2 1/2", 4", and 6", it might become very popular.
