S&W 431 32 H&R

[noah228]

Was in the shop looking at light pocket sized guns and was interested in a Sig P238 but then spotted a NIB S&W 431PD in 32 Magnum. Light weight, 6 rounds and the 32 Mag has ballistics close to 380.
I'm a revolver guy and love J frames so I'm leaning toward the 431. Really don't need it as I have a nice S&W Model 36 snubbie, but.....it just seemed like a nice little gun. No longer being made. This one is $495. The Sig was $605 IMMC.

I have a Ruger Single Six in 32 H&R so I do have ammo, although my dealer also has it in stock. Anyone out there have a 431 and can tell me about what you like or don't like? Thanks!

 

[PMRet]

I don't have a 431 but I do have a couple of 631's and a 632 Airweight. For me, shooting .32 magnums is much more manageable than .357's out of a 640 or .38+P out of a 642. You also have the option of .32 longs for practice, plus you have the obvious advantage of 6 shots instead of 5.

Having said all that, I'm certainly not a ballistics expert, and many feel that the .32 is an inferior cartridge for self defense. I'm sure you will get many different opinions.

 

[noah228]

PMRet, those are really nice grips on that Lady Smith. What brand are they if I may ask please?

 

[BrianE]

I had the 432pd and I wish I never got rid of it. Its a great gun w/ no recoil... It liked the Black Hills ammo. Youll love it if you decide to pick it up.

 

[civil1977]

Buffalo Bore has some new .32 H&R Magnum loads which are more powerful that the original loads. Would be something to look into with that gun....

 

[nutsforsmiths]

I have a 432PD and it is a lot of fun to shoot. Little recoil, and very accurate with the 2" barrel. It is a great carry gun too.

I have shot Federal and Black Hills ammo through it and both are very nice out of that model.

I'd pick it up. You don't see them very often.

 

[PMRet]

PMRet, those are really nice grips on that Lady Smith. What brand are they if I may ask please?

Not really sure of the maker, I purchased them used from a forum member awhile back. Hogue makes a Coco Bolo grip that is very similar.

 

[noah228]

Thanks for all the replys. I decided to pick up the little 431, actually will get it Saturday, just in time for a Father's day gift to myself.

 

[NFrameFred]

Since this is a .32 H&R mag thread , Peyton will no doubt drop in soon and can tell you anything you want to know.

I had both a 631 and a 632 but fired neither. I flirted with the caliber but discovered finding the components I wanted for reloading were too infrequently available and they didn't make any in N frames anyway . . . . so they went on the market for a more worthy cause.

 

[ColbyBruce]

I bought my daughter a #331 TI a few years ago. Great little gun.

 

[Farmboy]

431

I bought one for the wife about 7-8 years ago. Liked it so much I bought one for myself also. Both guns have no trouble keeping all 6 on an IPSC target at 50 yds, standing, double action. That's with both mag. loads or S&W longs. You need to hold over quite a bit with the longs though.

BR

 

[smith9315]

I am looking hard to find either a
331 or a 431
If anyone knows of any for sale please post...
Must be in great condition

 

[625 Shooter]

Thanks for all the replys. I decided to pick up the little 431, actually will get it Saturday, just in time for a Father's day gift to myself.

Good decision. Am confident you'll love it.

I have the M332. Love it!

But then I'm a big proponent of the .32 H&R Mag.

I would love to run into a good deal on a M432 or M431.

 

[H Richard]

I don't look down my nose at t he .32 calibers for self defense, especially the 32 H&R Mag. Check out the group, and it is a 100 gr XTP at over 1200 fps. Now that is from a 6" barrel. But I also load the 32 Long around nearly 900 fps with a 100 gr cast bullet.