The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - H&R Top break .32 is it .32 S&W (Short) only or .32 S&W Long?

TruthTellers · December 4, 2019, 03:13 AM

H&R didn't do a good job back then marking their barrels, but what I can figure is if it can chamber a .32 S&W Long, it's meant to fire it.

I have an H&R with the cartridge marked on the barrel indicating it's meant for smokeless and it's a 6 round model that chambers and fires .32 S&W Long. From what I have been told it's the 5 shot models that were .32 S&W Short only and the cylinder on those is a lot shorter than the 6 round models.

I would stick to just lead bullets and whatever is weakest for plinking, which would be the .32 wadcutter ammo, which is also the cheapest ammo in .32 S&W Long. If you intend to use this for any defensive shooting, get a lead round nose or semi-wadcutter, a bit more power, but still safe in these old guns.

December 4, 2019, 03:13 AM	#4
TruthTellers Senior Member Join Date: October 22, 2016 Posts: 3,883	H&R didn't do a good job back then marking their barrels, but what I can figure is if it can chamber a .32 S&W Long, it's meant to fire it. I have an H&R with the cartridge marked on the barrel indicating it's meant for smokeless and it's a 6 round model that chambers and fires .32 S&W Long. From what I have been told it's the 5 shot models that were .32 S&W Short only and the cylinder on those is a lot shorter than the 6 round models. I would stick to just lead bullets and whatever is weakest for plinking, which would be the .32 wadcutter ammo, which is also the cheapest ammo in .32 S&W Long. If you intend to use this for any defensive shooting, get a lead round nose or semi-wadcutter, a bit more power, but still safe in these old guns. __________________ "We always think there's gonna be more time... then it runs out."