Sell or keep Model 30

[Comrad]

Bought a S&W model 30-1 3 inch on a whim, unfired in the box no turn line then found out that .32 is pretty unpopular around here and just put it away. I don't think it's ever going to be investment grade and am thinking of selling it to fund something that will actually get used.
I'm starting to fear I will get stuck with an orphan gun with no source of ammo considering the way things are going around here. What are the chances of .32 S&W long going out of production? Would you sell or put it to sleep in the back of the safe?
What would you do?

 

[Grayfox]

I happen to be quite fond of the Model 30 and the .32 long cartridge. It s dandy little plinker and just plain fun to shoot.
If you have problems getting ammo locally, there's plenty on-line. Back during the shortages of 2008, while most of the common calibers were impossible to find, .32 Long could always be found. That's one thing to consider.
But, I suppose if you don't like it and won't ever shoot it, you might as well sell it.

 

[Comrad]

That's the funny thing, I love it but shooting opportunities in NJ are few and my thought of taking this out for some plinking turns out to be totally illegal so that's where this idea to let it go is coming from.

 

[LC '92]

All of my S&W .32's and both of my Ruger .32 H&R mags would shoot .32 ACP as well. The .32 ACP is semi-rimmed and head spaced nicely. Not especially accurate but suitable for general plinking.

 

[ColbyBruce]

I have five revolvers chambered for .32 Long. It is a wonderful cartridge. Got any photos of your revolver?

 

[sigp220.45]

At the risk of reigniting controversy, it is perfectly safe to fire .32 ACP ammunition in your Model 30. The round is semi-rimmed, and works just fine without modification. .32 ACP is usually much easier to find than .32 S&W Long ammunition.

It may not shoot to the point of aim, though.

 

[jimmyj]

Hi:
Keep the Model 30.
In today's world with ammo becoming difficult to find, it is a great idea to have a handgun in every caliber. In this way anytime you find any ammo you have a weapon to use it in.

 

[NFrameFred]

Perfect starting cartridge to get into reloading if you don't already. About as economical to load as anything could be and the satisfaction exceeds the savings. I would think with standard loads, lead bullets, and not trying to 'hot rod' it, brass should last for five or more loadings, at least, providing you don't overwork the case mouths. A couple of hundred pieces of brass will allow a lot of fun for the little .32 at a fraction of the cost of factory rounds. In fact, for the cost of a couple of boxes of factory rounds you can make a pretty good dent in the price of the basic equipment it would take to get set up. You'll learn a valuable lifetime skill and shoot more.

 

[Comrad]

I appreciate all the advice, I guess I am anticipating a crack down on mail order ammo and that plus no local shops carrying .32l would make this a wall hanger. Not to mention a possible problem with future sales. Best part is I still haven't fired it. Decisions decisions.

 

[H Richard]

I just bought 1000 round bulk pack of HBWC to reload in my .32's. Most fun shooting cartridge around. WC's are so mild you think you are shooting a .22, but you can get some SD loads. I'm glad I make my own.

 

[European]

Over here in Europe the 32 S&W Long remains one of the most popular calibers for target shooting, both in long barrel revolvers and high grade semiautos (Walther, Hammerli, etc). Low recoil and excellent accuracy!

 

[Comrad]

I have a .38 and that's my primary shooter. This .32 remains unfired in the box. I bought it on a whim, which is hard to do in NJ since getting a purchase permit is such a pain. I have been back and forth with my self, keep it a safe queen, shoot the shot out of it or sell it. With this current anti gun climate we are in now I wonder if future sales will be difficult or will keeping it require jumping through renewal of permit hoops, who knows where this witch hunt will end. Meanwhile, I love the look and feel of it, nice size revolver.

 

[jhvaughan2]

I chime in on the "sell" side. There are no more LNIBs being made. If you don't know you want it sell it to a collector who does.

If later you regret not having a .32 shooter they are easy to pick up.

(I also love shooting the .32.)

 

[Mickey D]

I've been looking for a collector grade 3" 30 or 31.
Wish there was a way to buy it from you, but it's difficult to get used guns into CA if not on the approved list.

Pre 30 snubby

 

[mbliss57]

I found a collector grade model 30 snubby circa 1959-1960. It's nickel. I have been pondering buying it for 2 weeks. LGS wants $400. I can get it for $375 OTD. NO box. If anyone thinks that is a smoking deal i can give you name of LGS. Or tell me I am stupid to let it go and I will buy it.
OP...don't sell a nice model 30.

 

[NFrameFred]

I found a collector grade model 30 snubby circa 1959-1960. It's nickel. I have been pondering buying it for 2 weeks. LGS wants $400. I can get it for $375 OTD. NO box. If anyone thinks that is a smoking deal i can give you name of LGS. Or tell me I am stupid to let it go and I will buy it.
OP...don't sell a nice model 30.

I think $375 OTD for a nickel snub 30 is a pretty good price. It's almost as if the smaller/weaker the cartridge is, the less a lot of shooters are willing to pay. I guess it's the 'magnumization' of America. Granted, if you don't reload it takes some of the shine off but if one can reload his own the .32's are great little guns to have. I already have plenty of carry guns and economical centerfires such as 32's are lot's of fun and can be shot on the cheap. Toss me a PM on that shop if you're not interested . . . I'm a sucker for 'sets' and I don't have a nickel one . . .

 

[BlackSky]

.32's rock, keep it, shoot it, take good care of it. I picked up a 4" 30-1 this week from my LGS. Great condition. Box, grips and paperwork and I didn't hesitate at $550. For CA, that's not bad at all. This one will be my 3rd .32 caliber Smith.