What can you do with a 32 rimfire?

gary c coffey · September 20, 2006, 08:11 PM

I have a friend that has offered to sell me an old Stevens "favorite" model 1915 at what I think is a very reasonable price. ( $175.00 ) It is marked "32 long" but he has told me that it is a 32 rimfire cartridge. I really don't need another wallhanger and seriously doubt that this is a collector gun. SO.... Is there a source for 32 rimfire ammo without selling the barn OR can a 32 rimfire be converted to 32 S&W center fire or 32 long centerfire. You guys have been a great help in the past and I appreciate your input.

Bill DeShivs · September 20, 2006, 09:47 PM

Reline it to .22lr. You may have to move the firing pin a little.
Bill

Jim Watson · September 20, 2006, 10:07 PM

I have read of them being converted to centerfire. You have to be very careful with the loads, this is not a strong action. The article I recall, the guy was after a smallbore black powder rifle anyhow.

Bill's idea is probably better, but you would be horrified by the cost unless you could do it all yourself.

gary c coffey · September 21, 2006, 07:53 AM

Both good ideas. I may check to see what my GS would charge to reline to 22. In the meantime the posts made me curious. Would the 32 S&W cartridge be the same case diameter as the 32 long rimfire? Would the action withstand the presure of a 32 S&W cartridge? Do you think there is any potential that one of the foreign countries will produce 32 rimfire cartridges? Thanks all.

Jim Watson · September 21, 2006, 08:28 AM

As I recall, .32 S&W and S&W Long are larger than .32 rimfire and would require rechambering. Then there would be the matter of bullet vs barrel diameter between outside lubed .32 rf and inside lubed .32 S&W. There were a few convertible .32 rimfire - centerfire rifles, Marlin made them, and the centerfire cartridge was .32 Long Colt.

Frank DeHaas said you could rechamber the .32 rf Favorite to .32 S&W "short" along with firing pin relocation and that was about the maximum.

James K · September 21, 2006, 05:20 PM

The Stevens Favorite was a moderately priced rifle to begin with and most have had the heck beat out of them. There is some collector interest, but only if in practically new condition and, of course, any relining or rechambering or work on the breech block destroys the collector value regardless of condition.

.32 rimfire ammo can be obtained sometimes at gun shows and Navy Arms had a batch made sometime back, but it is catch-as-can.

FWIW, the .32 rimfire base diameter runs about .318 vs. .335 for the .32 S&W. The rimfire case diameter is the same as the old .32 Short and Long Colt which are a heckuva lot harder to get than the rimfire round.

The price is OK for an 80-90% gun; for any lesser condition, it is too high.

Jim

ribbonstone · September 21, 2006, 07:52 PM

On most, if you have the firing pin moved to centerfire, it works with .32short colt....32SW will need a rechambering as it's a larger diameter case (becasue the old .32SC is a helled bullet round and the .32SW is the more modern bullet-seated-in-the-case round).

Even that isn't 100%, but so far the .32SC cases have worked. Doesn't help a whole lot as .32SC isn't the most common round at a typical gun shop.

I have seen a talented lathe operator lathe a .22 barrel off center, making an off center liner...makes the firing pin line up with the smaller .22RF rim. Will need a new extractor, but the original can be welded up and re-cut.

Have to mention here that the old Favorite isn't the best rifle for wrm smokless loads...isn't a true falling black, is a "tipping" or "rocking block"...there isn't any metal behind that breech block, it just tips up and down. IF pushed too hard will either (1) stress crack the frame and the piviot pin (2) stress crack the breech at the pivot pin (so far, haven't seen both happen...but would guess it could).

gary c coffey · September 21, 2006, 09:52 PM

Gentlemen: You have all been of great help and have my deepest gratitude. I have decided to let the favorite pass since the condition at best would be about 60%.I have come to the conclusion that any type of re-line, re-chamber would be significantly more than I would want to pay. I thank each of you for saving me what I am certain would have been a great headache and hard earned money lost. Many, many thanks.

James K · September 22, 2006, 08:06 PM

Concerning nothing much, but do you folks know where the term "white elephant" comes from?

It seems that in old Siam, white elephants were sacred; they could not be harmed or made to work. So when the King wanted to destroy a "friend" he didn't like, he gave the guy a white elephant. The poor slob couldn't refuse the King's gift, couldn't sell the animal without earning the King's fury, couldn't kill the beast, and couldn't get any work out it. And he went broke trying to feed it.

Jim

HandC · March 31, 2007, 03:19 PM

You can use 32 RF reloadable H&C cartridges...

Just see at www.hc-collection.com

Best regards.
H&C

deadin · March 31, 2007, 04:06 PM

H&C,
Where can I get some information on these in English?

OK, found a translation. Next question. Where can I get the crimped type of .22 RF blanks that are required for this system. (In the US)

RJay · March 31, 2007, 09:27 PM

First, you should have made sure it is not a .32 long. I've never seen a .32 rimfire marked as .32 Long.

James K · April 1, 2007, 12:07 AM

This is an old thread, but yes, guns chambered for the .32 Long Rimfire were marked ".32 Long." There were .32 Extra Short (for the squeezer type "palm pistols"), .32 Short, .32 Long (the size Navy Arms had made), .32 Long Rifle, and .32 Extra Long. The latter two, AFAIK, were used only in rifles. The .32 Short and .32 Long were used in both rifles and revolvers.

Jim

Snow Dog · April 1, 2007, 01:31 AM

Apparently, Old Western Scrounger will be bringing in some .32 rimfire soon: http://www.ows-ammo.com/catalog/prod...oducts_id/1003

HandC · April 1, 2007, 01:48 AM

"OK, found a translation. Next question. Where can I get the crimped type of .22 RF blanks that are required for this system. (In the US)"

You can find them at:

www.gundogsupply.com
www.gundogsonline.com
www.blankgunstrore.com

And you can ask your gun seller.

Regards
H&C

deadin · April 1, 2007, 08:31 AM

Thanks for the links.
Is there anyplace in the States that carry this system or would I have to order directly from France?
Also, do I have the prices correct? ~$190.00 (US) for the dies, 25 pieces of brass and 25 bullets? (including shipping) Then $65.00 (US) per 100 for bullets? The blanks seem to be around $5.00 per 100 here in the States.

HandC · April 1, 2007, 09:29 AM

Hello Deadin,
Yes you have to order directly from France.

32RF dies: 95.00€
25 bullets: 13.50€
100 bullets: 34.00€
12 brass reloadable cases (32rf long or 32rf short): 24.00€

Shipping: 1kg: 21.00€
2kg: 28.00€ (you can see the pound of each item on our website)

1€ = 1.3192 USD

If you return us this mail, will have the pleasure to offer you the shipping cost.

If you pay by bank card, you'll save banking expenses.

www.hc-collection.com

[email protected]

Clemson · April 1, 2007, 05:17 PM

For what it's worth, Southern Ohio Guns (SOG) is currently advertising a new production run of 32 rimfire ammunition.

Clemson

deadin · April 1, 2007, 05:31 PM

Black powder or smokeless?

HandC · April 2, 2007, 12:57 AM

Smokeless (Navy Arms .32 cartridges).

deadin · April 2, 2007, 10:12 AM

I think for me it would probably be wiser to buy a box of the Navy arms stuff, pull the bullets, recharge with BP and reseat the bullets. I only want a few to try out an old S&W 1 1/2. If I were going to do a lot of 32 RF shooting, the H&C dies would be the way to go, but in my case I can't see where it would be cost effective.

**Mike Irwin** · April 2, 2007, 11:32 AM

Why recharge with black powder?

After about 1912-1915 many ammo companies began to switch over to smokeless powder, or smokeless/black powder blends (think Lesmoke) in many of the older cartridges.

Depending on when it was made, your rifle may well be able to use smokeless powder loads.

deadin · April 2, 2007, 12:23 PM

Mike,

Pocket pistol made 1870. Don't want to take the chance even with reduced smokeless loads.

Dean

danyboy · April 22, 2010, 10:06 PM

Dug out this old topic on reloading 32RF and was surprised to see they could be relined to shoot .22LR. Could anyone explain me what relining is all about ? I just bought an old 1871 32RF Long Hopkins & Allen handgun and I would much prefer converting it to .22 instead of reloading the H&C way with acorn blanks and BP.
Thank you,
Danyboy

James K · April 22, 2010, 10:28 PM

I have fired the Navy Arms .32 Long Rimfire cartridges in S&W No. 1 1/2 and No. 2 revolvers with no apparent damage or harm. I wouldn't fire a ton of them, but if the gun is in good shape, I don't think a few would hurt.

BTW, the old guns shoot pretty well, though the sights are very hard to use.

-------

As to relining, it just means drilling out the old barrel to a given diameter and inserting a liner (a thinner inner barrel) that has the rifling cut into it. After the liner is installed, it is chambered. Done well, the liner is almost invisible and can renew a worn out barrel. For several reasons, conventional lining will work only with low pressure cartridges like those being discussed here.

Liners can be obtained for .22, .25-20, .32-20, .38-40, and .44-40, and maybe others, but those are the ones Brownell's has.

Jim

September 20, 2006, 08:11 PM	#1
gary c coffey Member Join Date: December 13, 2004 Posts: 41	What can you do with a 32 rimfire? I have a friend that has offered to sell me an old Stevens "favorite" model 1915 at what I think is a very reasonable price. ( $175.00 ) It is marked "32 long" but he has told me that it is a 32 rimfire cartridge. I really don't need another wallhanger and seriously doubt that this is a collector gun. SO.... Is there a source for 32 rimfire ammo without selling the barn OR can a 32 rimfire be converted to 32 S&W center fire or 32 long centerfire. You guys have been a great help in the past and I appreciate your input. __________________ littleperk

September 21, 2006, 07:53 AM	#4
gary c coffey Member Join Date: December 13, 2004 Posts: 41	Both good ideas. I may check to see what my GS would charge to reline to 22. In the meantime the posts made me curious. Would the 32 S&W cartridge be the same case diameter as the 32 long rimfire? Would the action withstand the presure of a 32 S&W cartridge? Do you think there is any potential that one of the foreign countries will produce 32 rimfire cartridges? Thanks all. __________________ littleperk

September 21, 2006, 09:52 PM	#8
gary c coffey Member Join Date: December 13, 2004 Posts: 41	Gentlemen: You have all been of great help and have my deepest gratitude. I have decided to let the favorite pass since the condition at best would be about 60%.I have come to the conclusion that any type of re-line, re-chamber would be significantly more than I would want to pay. I thank each of you for saving me what I am certain would have been a great headache and hard earned money lost. Many, many thanks. __________________ littleperk

March 31, 2007, 03:19 PM	#10
HandC Junior Member Join Date: March 31, 2007 Location: France Posts: 9	With a 32RF, you can use.... You can use 32 RF reloadable H&C cartridges... Just see at www.hc-collection.com Best regards. H&C

March 31, 2007, 04:06 PM	#11
deadin Junior member Join Date: September 6, 2005 Location: Ocean Shores, WA Posts: 1,052	H&C, Where can I get some information on these in English? OK, found a translation. Next question. Where can I get the crimped type of .22 RF blanks that are required for this system. (In the US) Last edited by deadin; March 31, 2007 at 07:17 PM. Reason: additional question.

September 20, 2006, 09:47 PM	#2
Bill DeShivs Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2006 Posts: 10,980	Reline it to .22lr. You may have to move the firing pin a little. Bill

September 20, 2006, 10:07 PM	#3
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 18,535	I have read of them being converted to centerfire. You have to be very careful with the loads, this is not a strong action. The article I recall, the guy was after a smallbore black powder rifle anyhow. Bill's idea is probably better, but you would be horrified by the cost unless you could do it all yourself.

September 21, 2006, 08:28 AM	#5
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 18,535	As I recall, .32 S&W and S&W Long are larger than .32 rimfire and would require rechambering. Then there would be the matter of bullet vs barrel diameter between outside lubed .32 rf and inside lubed .32 S&W. There were a few convertible .32 rimfire - centerfire rifles, Marlin made them, and the centerfire cartridge was .32 Long Colt. Frank DeHaas said you could rechamber the .32 rf Favorite to .32 S&W "short" along with firing pin relocation and that was about the maximum.

September 21, 2006, 05:20 PM	#6
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	The Stevens Favorite was a moderately priced rifle to begin with and most have had the heck beat out of them. There is some collector interest, but only if in practically new condition and, of course, any relining or rechambering or work on the breech block destroys the collector value regardless of condition. .32 rimfire ammo can be obtained sometimes at gun shows and Navy Arms had a batch made sometime back, but it is catch-as-can. FWIW, the .32 rimfire base diameter runs about .318 vs. .335 for the .32 S&W. The rimfire case diameter is the same as the old .32 Short and Long Colt which are a heckuva lot harder to get than the rimfire round. The price is OK for an 80-90% gun; for any lesser condition, it is too high. Jim

September 21, 2006, 07:52 PM	#7
ribbonstone Senior Member Join Date: January 29, 2006 Posts: 179	On most, if you have the firing pin moved to centerfire, it works with .32short colt....32SW will need a rechambering as it's a larger diameter case (becasue the old .32SC is a helled bullet round and the .32SW is the more modern bullet-seated-in-the-case round). Even that isn't 100%, but so far the .32SC cases have worked. Doesn't help a whole lot as .32SC isn't the most common round at a typical gun shop. I have seen a talented lathe operator lathe a .22 barrel off center, making an off center liner...makes the firing pin line up with the smaller .22RF rim. Will need a new extractor, but the original can be welded up and re-cut. Have to mention here that the old Favorite isn't the best rifle for wrm smokless loads...isn't a true falling black, is a "tipping" or "rocking block"...there isn't any metal behind that breech block, it just tips up and down. IF pushed too hard will either (1) stress crack the frame and the piviot pin (2) stress crack the breech at the pivot pin (so far, haven't seen both happen...but would guess it could).

September 22, 2006, 08:06 PM	#9
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	Concerning nothing much, but do you folks know where the term "white elephant" comes from? It seems that in old Siam, white elephants were sacred; they could not be harmed or made to work. So when the King wanted to destroy a "friend" he didn't like, he gave the guy a white elephant. The poor slob couldn't refuse the King's gift, couldn't sell the animal without earning the King's fury, couldn't kill the beast, and couldn't get any work out it. And he went broke trying to feed it. Jim

March 31, 2007, 09:27 PM	#12
RJay Senior Member Join Date: November 2, 2005 Location: Arizona Posts: 1,936	First, you should have made sure it is not a .32 long. I've never seen a .32 rimfire marked as .32 Long.

April 1, 2007, 12:07 AM	#13
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	This is an old thread, but yes, guns chambered for the .32 Long Rimfire were marked ".32 Long." There were .32 Extra Short (for the squeezer type "palm pistols"), .32 Short, .32 Long (the size Navy Arms had made), .32 Long Rifle, and .32 Extra Long. The latter two, AFAIK, were used only in rifles. The .32 Short and .32 Long were used in both rifles and revolvers. Jim

April 1, 2007, 01:31 AM	#14
Snow Dog Senior Member Join Date: August 6, 2005 Location: Too close to Toronto! Posts: 106	Apparently, Old Western Scrounger will be bringing in some .32 rimfire soon: http://www.ows-ammo.com/catalog/prod...oducts_id/1003

April 1, 2007, 01:48 AM	#15
HandC Junior Member Join Date: March 31, 2007 Location: France Posts: 9	22 blanks primers for H&C reloadable 32rf "OK, found a translation. Next question. Where can I get the crimped type of .22 RF blanks that are required for this system. (In the US)" You can find them at: www.gundogsupply.com www.gundogsonline.com www.blankgunstrore.com And you can ask your gun seller. Regards H&C

April 1, 2007, 08:31 AM	#16
deadin Junior member Join Date: September 6, 2005 Location: Ocean Shores, WA Posts: 1,052	Thanks for the links. Is there anyplace in the States that carry this system or would I have to order directly from France? Also, do I have the prices correct? ~$190.00 (US) for the dies, 25 pieces of brass and 25 bullets? (including shipping) Then $65.00 (US) per 100 for bullets? The blanks seem to be around $5.00 per 100 here in the States.

April 1, 2007, 09:29 AM	#17
HandC Junior Member Join Date: March 31, 2007 Location: France Posts: 9	32 rimfire H&C reloadable cartridges Hello Deadin, Yes you have to order directly from France. 32RF dies: 95.00€ 25 bullets: 13.50€ 100 bullets: 34.00€ 12 brass reloadable cases (32rf long or 32rf short): 24.00€ Shipping: 1kg: 21.00€ 2kg: 28.00€ (you can see the pound of each item on our website) 1€ = 1.3192 USD If you return us this mail, will have the pleasure to offer you the shipping cost. If you pay by bank card, you'll save banking expenses. www.hc-collection.com [email protected]

April 1, 2007, 05:17 PM	#18
Clemson Senior Member Join Date: March 9, 2001 Location: Greenwood, SC Posts: 875	For what it's worth, Southern Ohio Guns (SOG) is currently advertising a new production run of 32 rimfire ammunition. Clemson __________________ NRA Endowment Member, NRA Certified Instructor CWP Holder US Army veteran Gunsmith www.boltandbarrel.com

April 1, 2007, 05:31 PM	#19
deadin Junior member Join Date: September 6, 2005 Location: Ocean Shores, WA Posts: 1,052	Black powder or smokeless?

April 2, 2007, 12:57 AM	#20
HandC Junior Member Join Date: March 31, 2007 Location: France Posts: 9	32rf Smokeless (Navy Arms .32 cartridges).

April 2, 2007, 10:12 AM	#21
deadin Junior member Join Date: September 6, 2005 Location: Ocean Shores, WA Posts: 1,052	I think for me it would probably be wiser to buy a box of the Navy arms stuff, pull the bullets, recharge with BP and reseat the bullets. I only want a few to try out an old S&W 1 1/2. If I were going to do a lot of 32 RF shooting, the H&C dies would be the way to go, but in my case I can't see where it would be cost effective.

April 2, 2007, 11:32 AM	#22
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,380	Why recharge with black powder? After about 1912-1915 many ammo companies began to switch over to smokeless powder, or smokeless/black powder blends (think Lesmoke) in many of the older cartridges. Depending on when it was made, your rifle may well be able to use smokeless powder loads. __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.

April 2, 2007, 12:23 PM	#23
deadin Junior member Join Date: September 6, 2005 Location: Ocean Shores, WA Posts: 1,052	Mike, Pocket pistol made 1870. Don't want to take the chance even with reduced smokeless loads. Dean

April 22, 2010, 10:06 PM	#24
danyboy Junior Member Join Date: June 11, 2006 Location: Drummond, Canada Posts: 8	reloading 32RF Dug out this old topic on reloading 32RF and was surprised to see they could be relined to shoot .22LR. Could anyone explain me what relining is all about ? I just bought an old 1871 32RF Long Hopkins & Allen handgun and I would much prefer converting it to .22 instead of reloading the H&C way with acorn blanks and BP. Thank you, Danyboy Last edited by danyboy; April 22, 2010 at 10:08 PM. Reason: error

April 22, 2010, 10:28 PM	#25
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	I have fired the Navy Arms .32 Long Rimfire cartridges in S&W No. 1 1/2 and No. 2 revolvers with no apparent damage or harm. I wouldn't fire a ton of them, but if the gun is in good shape, I don't think a few would hurt. BTW, the old guns shoot pretty well, though the sights are very hard to use. ------- As to relining, it just means drilling out the old barrel to a given diameter and inserting a liner (a thinner inner barrel) that has the rifling cut into it. After the liner is installed, it is chambered. Done well, the liner is almost invisible and can renew a worn out barrel. For several reasons, conventional lining will work only with low pressure cartridges like those being discussed here. Liners can be obtained for .22, .25-20, .32-20, .38-40, and .44-40, and maybe others, but those are the ones Brownell's has. Jim Last edited by James K; April 22, 2010 at 10:36 PM.

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