S&W Mdl 432 .32 H&R Magnum

[S&W Rover]

Any thoughts on the Mdl 432? A search of the Forum turned up no threads on it... apparently last produced in 2013, never a big seller, but an interesting variant of the J Frame.

The .32 H&R Magnum is not a super-good self-defense round, but there are some effective loadings from companies like Buffalo Bore that take it up into the 9mm capability range -- and the 432 sports six rounds in the cylinder, not the usual five.

Any idea where to get one? The two I see on a popular auction site are very overpriced -- almost double the retail price of a Centennial in .38 Special.

 

[625 Shooter]

Actually, I recall a recent thread or two about the M432 and the .32 H&R Mag.

Lots of folks here, including myself, really like it.

Mine is the M332. Love it. And wish I also had a M432.

 

[22hipower]

If you search Model 432 in the Google Custom Search box (top one of the search options) you'll find multiple pages of posts about the Model 432 and other 32 caliber handguns. As 625 Shooter says, many of us like the 32s in all their varieties. Enjoy.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[HarrishMasher]

I bought one on Gunbroker yesterday New In The Box. Here is my thread about it. Surprised you didn't see it since it is a current thread up top here.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1980-present/402405-bought-432pd-32-mag.html


I got a good deal on it as they usually go for around $650 to $700. There are still a couple up on Gunbroker right now for $650.

 

[S&W Rover]

A better search and I see more threads on the 432.

I have a SP101 in .32 H&R Mag but am thinking the 432 might make a good pocket gun...

Overall, the caliber is intriguing. It SHOULD be cheaper to manufacture .32 H&R Mag ammo (less brass, lead, and copper) and people who are recoil sensitive (e.g., the aging population) SHOULD prefer it over hotter loads. And there is the six versus five thing. Its value as a self-defense round is problematic, but my guess is it beats .380 and rivals 9mm and .38 Special in its stronger loadings. Maybe it will be re-discovered (.32 was once the premiere Police and self-defense caliber!) and S&W will catalog the Mdl 432 again someday -- at a price closer to $400.

 

[nutsforsmiths]

I have a 432 and have carried it on occasion. It is a really nice pistol and very accurate. The trigger pull is also very smooth. I think I bought mine new in 2008 for about $350. I really like shooting it and as a carry pistol it is excellent.

I actually like carrying my 337ti a more, just because it is a bit lighter with the titanium cylinder, but I enjoy shooting the 432 more!

 

[planojack]

I have been carrying a 431PD for about a year. I know it's not a super power, but it's light and handy. I even load a nice shot load for summer around the farm. They are not easy to find, but worth the search.

 

[peyton]

You will love the 432/332 for carry. My wife got me the crimson trace LG405 grip for my 332 and everyone at the range was amazed at the accuracy and speed I could get on back target.

 

[johnnyloco]

There is at least one GunBlast article on the 431 and 432PD.

I've been through many guns but I can't make myself sell my 432PD. It is formidable. I do caution you on the use of Buffalo Bore when it comes to pass throughs. I shot a 95lb pitbull in mid air coming at my neck. The bullet went in his left shoulder and exited his right butt cheek. He dropped on the spot. All that from a 2" revolver.

I also bought up every stinkin box of Extreme Shock 32 mag when it went on clearance at Midway.

The absolute ONLY drawback is it doesn't have a snakeshot round on the shelf.

Even Hornady just came out with a Critical Defense option.

Plano, I'd love to borrow some shot rounds from ya

Once you get one, you'll probably keep it.

 

[jaymoore]

A lightweight .32 Mag photo, just because...:

It's definitely not hated.

 

[HarrishMasher]

I thought the frame was scandium alloy on the 432PD. All the frames I see in that configuration are always scandium. But it seems from my research that the frame is actually just aluminum alloy. Anyone know the definitive answer on this? Is the frame scandium or aluminum?

 

[all5x]

I bought model 30 in a shooting ranges used case and fell in love with the 32 caliber. Found a 431 and a 432 at my favorite dealer and got them for $480 each at the time. Came back later when they had been replaced in the case and the price was $520. I asked how that happened and was told that S&W were no longer making the 32 Mag models as the overseas buyers were asking for all the inventory to be shipped to them. It is popular there I guess because the caliber is approved for civilian use. Shot the 431 but the 432 is still NIB. Great guns and caliber. Had a local reloading company make up 32 Long and 32 Mag rounds and it makes for a great training gun as well as a great plinking piece. I carry a 442 Pro but have thought of switching it out for the 432. Like the 6th round a lot.

 

[johnnyloco]

There was a time Ellet Brothers had to lower the dealer price to $275 just to get rid of the rest of them, which was a whole lot!!!! They almost had to give them away. Partly, I think it was because they listed them wrong.

I'm glad I have one but at the going rates, I'd probably go the 340 M&P route for, XS tritium,snake shot and 38 plus P. (Ranch & Road)

Its hard for me to bite off on either the Single Six or the 430's based on the prices I know they sold for.

There was a time Davidsons had to sell the stainless birds head (non-john wayne) for about $275 too.