S&W 432 UC-Best J Frame I’ve ever had

[pvq]

I was the last class, or next to last class, of U.S. Customs Service Special Agents to leave the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center with a Smith & Wesson CS-1 (an adaptation of the 686) revolver in 1989. I was among the last of the agents to transition to a semi-automatic, skipping over S&W 6906 but eventually relenting when I purchased my own Glock 19. Fast forward 30 plus years and I think I finally found the perfect EDC in the new S&W 432UC.

I’ve always preferred revolvers, but like many I was inured to semi automatic pistols through all the familiar arguments. My most recent carry piece before the 432 was a Ruger LCP Max…but to be honest, though it was as reliable as any other semi-auto I have owned..I never really trusted it. I guess to be honest I never really trusted any semiautomatic as much as a tried and true J frame.

I am not particularly recoil sensitive, but like many I’ve always felt somewhat incomplete, like I was making a compromise, without a full six rounds… and frankly never considered a 32 H&R Magnum because they were not authorized, even for off duty use by my agency. Now that I am retired, that is no longer an issue.

There are numerous reviews of the 432/632 UC models online recounting all of the improvements so there’s no point in recounting all that here. I will say, this is the most pleasant J frame that I have ever fired, highly accurate, low recoil, flat shooting, quick follow-up shots, and for the first time I feel whole with six rounds.

In my humble opinion, if you’re still carrying an old style, J frame, you should seriously consider an upgrade. You won’t be disappointed.

 

[robertrwalsh]

You know there is a manufacturer you may have heard of, Colt, that makes six-shot small-frame revolvers. Just a thought. That being said, if you are happy I am happy for you.

 

[pvq]

Thank you. I am aware. I owned a Colt Detective special back in the day. Nice gun, but got to the point where no one could repair them and they really were not built for plus p ammunition. The current Colt Cobra is 9 ounces heavier than the 432… which is not a compromise I want to make. Plus I’ve heard the quality control is pretty spotty. I realize there are some people that would say the same thing about Smith & Wesson quality-control but I’m hoping that since Lipsey is involved in this process, they will have a closer eye on it. I also considered the Kimber K-6 XS…. But after an exhaustive amount of research, I’ve come to appreciate that the 32 H&R Magnum may just be the perfect snub nose revolver load. it certainly seems to be for me.

 

[pacecars]

Depending on my attire or mood I am either carrying an Sig P320 XTen 10mm with a Holosun or a S&W 632 UC or both. The S&W is a joy to carry and to shoot. I feel it is entirely adequate to stop any threat and the sights are excellent. I don’t know why they don’t offer these sights on more guns.

 

[1sailor]

Has Smith started producing guns in 32 H&R again. I don't see anything on their site. When doing a quick search on GB I see a few for sale and they're all NIB. No used guns at all. I just did a better search and yes, apparently they are making them again. I did a quick price comparison though and while I have nothing against them, they are the same price as a M640 PRO. For someone who prefers a 32 though they're probably a nice gun.

 

[pvq]

Wholesale Firearms / Shooting Sports Distributor - Exclusive Firearms - Handguns, Shotguns, Rifles, Silencers, Shooting Sports Accessories - Lipseys.com

Wholesale Firearms / Shooting Sports Distributor - Exclusive Firearms - Handguns, Shotguns, Rifles, Silencers, Shooting Sports Accessories - Lipseys.com

 

[pvq]

Depending on my attire or mood I am either carrying an Sig P320 XTen 10mm with a Holosun or a S&W 632 UC or both. The S&W is a joy to carry and to shoot. I feel it is entirely adequate to stop any threat and the sights are excellent. I don’t know why they don’t offer these sights on more guns.

I’m retired and living the revolver lifestyle as explained here!

https://youtu.be/zBNliNS9L_A?si=3_T0Ghs53deVRdCR

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

Revolver when you need to shoot and do not train constantly is a must.

 

[JMD999]

You know there is a manufacturer you may have heard of, Colt, that makes six-shot small-frame revolvers. Just a thought. That being said, if you are happy I am happy for you.

Please tell me what models colt offers in pocket revolvers this size
(i own a Detective Special 38 but that doesn't carry like a 14 oz 442/642)

 

[JMD999]

I’m retired and living the revolver lifestyle as explained here!

https://youtu.be/zBNliNS9L_A?si=3_T0Ghs53deVRdCR

I'm living the "snub lifestyle" for years now ... well explained, Good Video!
Sometimes i add another snub or Hi cap semi -but i dont often frequent places where thats necessary.

 

[BEEBEE]

I have the LCR 327. I missed out on the earlier version of the 432. I think it was the 332 or 321 32 magnum. I was going to jump on the 432 UC unit I realized it had a carbon cylinder. Riding around the farm on the sxs or tractor doing chores on a warm day and the 432 lost its appeal. The LCR has a very good trigger and reloading 327 federal down a little and all rust resistant metal is just hard to beat. Then comes the 6 shot 38 special plus p Kimber K6XS at the same weight and basic size of the 432uc and very nice trigger, and oh less cost. The 432 lost its appeal. It really needs a SS cylinder. Now I found the 351c 7 shot 22 magnum at 12.4 ozs loaded. Trigger is heavy but smooth. That is the ultimate pocket j frame for my needs???

 

[pvq]

I have the LCR 327. I missed out on the earlier version of the 432. I think it was the 332 or 321 32 magnum. I was going to jump on the 432 UC unit I realized it had a carbon cylinder. Riding around the farm on the sxs or tractor doing chores on a warm day and the 432 lost its appeal. The LCR has a very good trigger and reloading 327 federal down a little and all rust resistant metal is just hard to beat. Then comes the 6 shot 38 special plus p Kimber K6XS at the same weight and basic size of the 432uc and very nice trigger, and oh less cost. The 432 lost its appeal. It really needs a SS cylinder. Now I found the 351c 7 shot 22 magnum at 12.4 ozs loaded. Trigger is heavy but smooth. That is the ultimate pocket j frame for my needs???

I have a Ruger LCR in both 38 Special +P and 22 LR. They are both fine weapons, but the weak trigger reset lens itself to short stroking which I find annoying. On my very early 38+ P version, the trigger just jams up, which reminds me to release it fully and then fire, but on my 22 long rifle version it’s possible for me to just spin the cylinder repeatedly without the hammer actually hitting the primer. That can get you killed. I guess it’s not a problem if it’s the only gun you ever carry, but for people that become used to “shooting it to reset” it can be problematic… plus it’s an ounce heavier in .327. One of my objectives was to achieve lower recoil for faster follow up shots so I don’t envision ever loading with 327. I also have a 351 PD. I really like it, but the 22 magnum rounds are so dirty that after a few cylinders the gun becomes difficult to operate. I realize that shouldn’t be much of an issue with a carry revolver… but it always annoyed me. I just trust a center fire more. But I’m not gonna argue with you, before I got the 432, my 351 PD would’ve been the last snubbie I would have sold. I was actually contemplating trying to sell it now, but I removed the internal lock and the finishes is kind of beat up and I’m not sure anyone would want it.

 

[PMRet]

Old School 6 shot .32 H&R Magnum J Frame, Model 632 Airweight Centennial.

 

[Model 15-4ever]

In my humble opinion, if you’re still carrying an old style, J frame, you should seriously consider an upgrade. You won’t be disappointed.

Mark P. Smith, is that you?

Every fifth J frame, S&W lets a good one out the door, just to keep customers thinking they might get a good one.

There have been so many reports of disappointed purchasers of this model, that the hilariously named "Ultimate Carry" should be considered a "downgrade". My friend ordered one, and after receiving it, had to send end it back for a badly fitted yoke. S&W ended up replacing the entire gun.

Anyone that has any species of J frame that works, should stick with that. Purchasing a new production S&W revolver sight unseen - especially a J frame - has become a sad joke for poor workmanship. And I am sad about it.

 

[pvq]

Mark P. Smith, is that you?

Every fifth J frame, S&W lets a good one out the door, just to keep customers thinking they might get a good one.

Fortunately, I did not have to buy this one sight unseen so I was able to inspect it before I plunked down my cash... But I hear ya. It's not just Smith and Wesson. I have a 2011 vintage Ruger SR 22 that I had to send back twice, and a fairly recent Ruger LCP 380 that also had to go back. My Smith and Wesson 351 PD which I purchased in 2009 also had to go back because the firing pin was out of spec, Failed to fire at least one or two rounds every Cylinder. There's no question that in many respects they don't make them like they used to... But in my very humble opinion, If you're lucky enough to get a good one, the enhancements make this J frame the one to buy..and if it's a good one don't let it go!

 

[CQB60]

I just acquired a 432UC myself. Was unsure as to the need prior to as I already own and mostly edc a Ruger LCR in 327 federal magnum. Shooting 32 H&R magnums through both guns have proven to be both more accurate and faster. It’s a capable cartridge and that sixth round provides a bit more confidence. I’m at that point in life where a gun of this size just makes more sense as I don’t find myself in places and times where a high capacity pistol might make more sense. In any event, this gun and cartridge are a winner. Its multi 32 caliber offerings mean I can practice on the cheap yet carry an effective protective load with confidence. No convenience stores or gas stations after 9pm for me folks