fun shooting the .32 revolver... - Page 2

reteach · November 12, 2020, 11:06 AM

HVR - Yes I do, from time to time. I'm well aware of all the drawbacks in a single action revolver. I have a Mernikle iwb holster that's very comfortble, especially with the 3 3/4" barrel. The seven rounds on board reduce the likelihood of having to reload. I don't run these days but I figure even I can get away from just about any bad situation while firing 7 carefully placed rounds.

But most of the time I carry the Ruger LCRX in .327 in my pocket.

HighValleyRanch · November 12, 2020, 11:10 AM

I like that, 7 rounds of .327 in a small SA!

Wheelie_Fan · November 13, 2020, 02:29 PM

Never have owned a .32 revolver or semi auto and I've kinda been eyeballin' the Charter Arms Professional, chambered in .32 H&R magnum, lately.... i have a couple of CA revolvers, among other brands, and have enjoyed them.

I'm getting interested in reloading and this might be a good way to work my way into it, since .32 ammo in just about any flavor is pretty scarce at retail... of course I'd also start reloading for .38 and .44 SPL as well, which i also enjoy.

reteach · November 17, 2020, 02:02 AM

jacksprat - That's exactly why I started carrying an LCRX in .327. My shooting hand hurts most of the time due to arthritis, and when I shoot it gets worse. Doesn't stop me from shooting, but I don't want to start flinching or any other reaction that will affect my shooting. So the .327 will accept the .32 H&R mag, which I think can be a good defensive round and is easier on my hand than any .38 spl I've found. And the .32 S&W long is a great, soft-shooting practice round. The .32 family of cartridges makes me very happy.

**Mike Irwin** · November 17, 2020, 12:53 PM

I've got.... 8? .32 revolvers in various flavors, and 2 .32 Autos...

And I want more...

LOTS more!

9ballbilly · November 17, 2020, 03:36 PM

My 1920 Colt pocket positive 3.5" .32 long has become my favorite little trail gun for walks among the trees.

A few years ago I had a Ruger single-six .32 H&R, but found the 6.5"bbl too long.

TruthTellers · November 18, 2020, 04:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reteach

jacksprat - That's exactly why I started carrying an LCRX in .327. My shooting hand hurts most of the time due to arthritis, and when I shoot it gets worse. Doesn't stop me from shooting, but I don't want to start flinching or any other reaction that will affect my shooting. So the .327 will accept the .32 H&R mag, which I think can be a good defensive round and is easier on my hand than any .38 spl I've found. And the .32 S&W long is a great, soft-shooting practice round. The .32 family of cartridges makes me very happy.

The beauty of the .32 Mag is that it propels a bullet light enough to keep recoil to a minimum, but fast enough to expand, and be heavy enough to penetrate.

I was shooting an 85grain XTP handload using Power Pistol powder (which is quickly becoming a favorite of mine for .32 and .38 revolvers) and the recoil was minimal, but the velocity was averaging just over 1000 fps from a 3 inch barrel. That wasn't even the max charge, I'm certain 1050 fps is likely with a max charge. Out of a .327 LCRx, given the strength of that, there's no reason a +P load wouldn't hit the same velocity with a 1 inch shorter barrel.

To get the same type of low recoil, yet decent expansion out of a .38, the bullet would have to be very light for the caliber and it would fail to penetrate as well. The alternative is a solid bullet and unless it's one of the copper/polymer Inceptor bullets, it would be a far less effective option than a hollow point that expands to .45 to .5 inches.

**Mike Irwin** · November 18, 2020, 08:32 AM

"My 1920 Colt pocket positive 3.5" .32 long has become my favorite little trail gun for walks among the trees."

I have a 1935 or so Police Positive in .32 Long, and a 1920s or so S&W Regulation Police in .32 Long.

They are incredibly fun revolvers. Both have 4" barrels. And, as I've said many times, the .32 are just so darned polite when you pull the trigger.

ViperR · November 22, 2020, 03:04 PM

Ok, been watching this thread for a while and thought I'd chime in.
My 32's are an old Colt Police Positive Special in 32 Colt N.P. (S&W 32 Long) early 40's era 4" barrel 6 shot. A Charter Arms Patriot 327 Fed Mag 2 1/2" barrel 6 shot. And a recently sold Ruger Single Seven in 327 7 shot 3 3/4" barrel birds head grip Lipsey's. Sold the Ruger because loading/unloading was hard on my one bad non-shooting hand.
I accumulated a lot of Long and 32 H&R brass either shooting factory and buying Starline.
Well, it's my reloadable .22 in Longs and using a poly coated 100gr bullet from BadMan's, it's costs very little per round to reload. So much fun out of the old Colt. It's my James Cagney/Edward G. Robinson gangster movies revolver.
The Charter Patriot is a bear to shoot factory 327's being small and I don't want to beat it up, so I load 32 H&R's to around max and that is also a joy to shoot. BadMan's 100gr and also Hornady 85gr JHP.
Since powder charges are small, I went with a finer ball powder (HP-38/231--the same) than the flakey Unique. Got more consistent measures with the finer ball.
I just loaded some +P 32 H&R's in 327 cases/mag primers for the Charter, but haven't been to the range with them yet.

rclark · November 22, 2020, 03:14 PM

Quote:

I went with a finer ball powder (HP-38/231--the same) than the flakey Unique. Got more consistent measures with the finer ball.

Yep. That is why I load AA#2 and AA#5 for my .32 H&R Magnum loads also. Haven't had any of my .32s out recently. Might have to pull one out... Say the Ruger Single Six. All I shoot is lead (78g, 100g, and 115g). Back to 78g RN (using AA#2) at .22LR velocities for most of my plinking loads. I like to think of my .32s as my 'reloadable' .22s

.

tallball · November 22, 2020, 06:15 PM

32 revolvers are a lot of fun. I have... I don't remember, a half dozen or so.

100% agreed that 32 S&W Long is far superior to 22lr for SD.

I hope to go shooting Wednesday morning. My Single Six in 32 H&R and my top-break H&R will be accompanying me.

rodfac · November 23, 2020, 10:18 PM

Quote:

...at .22LR velocities for most of my plinking loads. I like to think of my .32s as my 'reloadable' .22s.

You got that right, Senor Rclark! Though I'm finding it harder to handle those skinny little case, they do provide some much needed exercise for my increasingly arthritic fingers. Best regards, Rod

jar · December 14, 2020, 10:25 AM

Since it's really unlikely I'll get a chance to actually shoot any of my guns for quite some time all I can do is clean and carry. Lately it's been my 1968 H&R 732, a little Colt "D" frame or S&W "J" frame sized six shot revolver. It's 32S&W short or long capable and most often loaded with 32S&W long ball ammo.

stinkeypete · December 14, 2020, 12:08 PM

Early 1980s Ruger Bisley Single Six in .32 H&R magnum for me, it’s in “brand new” condition. I traded it for a family heirloom double barrel rifle/shotgun combination gun that I realized only held memories for me, only a serious reloader could shoot, and only an inexperienced hunter would take afield- too pretty to nick up, too heavy to carry, and if you want birds, one barrel full of black powder shot shell is likely at least one barrel short of what’s needed. I hope the fella that had his uncle’s old Ruger that he never shot because .32 H&R is too hard to find and too expensive when you find it is pleased with our trade.

You boys quiet down about how good .32 is, or prices on beautiful old guns will go up!

As it’s a Ruger and I handload I am taking 100 grain XTPs up to 1200 FPS which is still very light recoil. I reckon that 32-20 took plenty of deer from rifles with cast lead bullets back in the day- this would not be my first choice for deer but it would work and I would not feel stupid shooting a rabbit with it either- try that with my .44 which is considerably heavier on the hip!

Even more pleasing are the 115 semi wadcutter loads (soft! Not cast semi hard for easy shipping!) mentioned in previous posts. Now I just need a little sample of .314 to see if a little oversized will group even tighter than “really good”.

Bird season is almost over, I’ll be back at the range soon enough. This .32 is one of my favorites and the Bisley grip is icing on the cake.

rep1954 · December 16, 2020, 03:32 PM

Put together this little novelty for a fun gun at the range but I had been known to take it along unloaded to a few poker games. 1849 Uberti Wells Fargo with 32 S&W conversion cylinder. I think you can actually fire the gun and run down the range 7yds and catch the bullet.

8BFD6570-508E-4CC0-9864-255414B89B05.jpeg

jar · December 16, 2020, 04:17 PM

Got the Hopkins & Allen Safety Police small frame top break 32S&W out and gave it a Spa Day.

It's a small 5 shot Auto Ejecting Top Break.

The Galco OWB Holster for my S&W DA Model 4 also fits the little H&A so that is what I generally use.

This Safety Police was likely made in 1914 or 1915 just at the end of Hopkins & Allen but was another design that could be carried with a live round under the hammer. At rest, the hammer sat above the firing pin and against the frame itself ...

... but when the trigger is pulled all the way back the hammer cams down and when the seer is tripped strikes the firing pin.

As the trigger is reset the hammer cam raises it back up above the firing pin.

The DA trigger pull is something north of 12 pounds but SA around 4-5 pounds. Recoil of the 32 S&W shorts is perhaps even less than modern 22LR from a 3" barrel but with an 85grain bullet instead of the considerable faster 22LR 36-40 grain. Accuracy out to about ten yards is very good but it's really a five yard sweet spot. Partly that's a function of the sights, or more honestly the lack thereof. Typical of the time the sights are a small rear notch and a front blade.

dahermit · December 16, 2020, 07:01 PM

Here is my .32 S&W Long in an old "I" frame double-action. I made the flap holster to keep it from the elements when I lurk in my woods.

Mirco-loads of Bullseye under powder coated Lee 93 grain cast bullets. Easy on the pocket book (and more readably available that factory ammo) compared to most cartridges.

November 12, 2020, 11:10 AM	#27
HighValleyRanch Senior Member Join Date: July 15, 2005 Posts: 4,140	I like that, 7 rounds of .327 in a small SA! __________________ From the sweet grass to the slaughter house; From birth until death; We travel between these two eternities........from 'Broken Trail"

November 17, 2020, 12:53 PM	#30
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 14, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,642	I've got.... 8? .32 revolvers in various flavors, and 2 .32 Autos... And I want more... LOTS more! __________________ "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.

November 17, 2020, 03:36 PM	#31
9ballbilly Senior Member Join Date: May 19, 2008 Location: northeast Florida Posts: 624	My 1920 Colt pocket positive 3.5" .32 long has become my favorite little trail gun for walks among the trees. A few years ago I had a Ruger single-six .32 H&R, but found the 6.5"bbl too long. __________________ may God eternally bless the American Rifleman--- as long as one stands, resolute, liberty shall not perish.

November 18, 2020, 08:32 AM	#33
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 14, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,642	"My 1920 Colt pocket positive 3.5" .32 long has become my favorite little trail gun for walks among the trees." I have a 1935 or so Police Positive in .32 Long, and a 1920s or so S&W Regulation Police in .32 Long. They are incredibly fun revolvers. Both have 4" barrels. And, as I've said many times, the .32 are just so darned polite when you pull the trigger. __________________ "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.

December 14, 2020, 10:25 AM	#38
jar Senior Member Join Date: March 8, 2001 Location: Deep South Texas Posts: 1,719	Since it's really unlikely I'll get a chance to actually shoot any of my guns for quite some time all I can do is clean and carry. Lately it's been my 1968 H&R 732, a little Colt "D" frame or S&W "J" frame sized six shot revolver. It's 32S&W short or long capable and most often loaded with 32S&W long ball ammo. __________________ To be vintage it's gotta be older than me!

November 12, 2020, 11:06 AM	#26
reteach Senior Member Join Date: August 31, 2016 Location: Texas Posts: 394	HVR - Yes I do, from time to time. I'm well aware of all the drawbacks in a single action revolver. I have a Mernikle iwb holster that's very comfortble, especially with the 3 3/4" barrel. The seven rounds on board reduce the likelihood of having to reload. I don't run these days but I figure even I can get away from just about any bad situation while firing 7 carefully placed rounds. But most of the time I carry the Ruger LCRX in .327 in my pocket.

November 13, 2020, 02:29 PM	#28
Wheelie_Fan Senior Member Join Date: November 27, 2009 Location: CT Posts: 117	Never have owned a .32 revolver or semi auto and I've kinda been eyeballin' the Charter Arms Professional, chambered in .32 H&R magnum, lately.... i have a couple of CA revolvers, among other brands, and have enjoyed them. I'm getting interested in reloading and this might be a good way to work my way into it, since .32 ammo in just about any flavor is pretty scarce at retail... of course I'd also start reloading for .38 and .44 SPL as well, which i also enjoy.

November 17, 2020, 02:02 AM	#29
reteach Senior Member Join Date: August 31, 2016 Location: Texas Posts: 394	jacksprat - That's exactly why I started carrying an LCRX in .327. My shooting hand hurts most of the time due to arthritis, and when I shoot it gets worse. Doesn't stop me from shooting, but I don't want to start flinching or any other reaction that will affect my shooting. So the .327 will accept the .32 H&R mag, which I think can be a good defensive round and is easier on my hand than any .38 spl I've found. And the .32 S&W long is a great, soft-shooting practice round. The .32 family of cartridges makes me very happy.

November 22, 2020, 03:04 PM	#34
ViperR Member Join Date: October 2, 2017 Posts: 82	Ok, been watching this thread for a while and thought I'd chime in. My 32's are an old Colt Police Positive Special in 32 Colt N.P. (S&W 32 Long) early 40's era 4" barrel 6 shot. A Charter Arms Patriot 327 Fed Mag 2 1/2" barrel 6 shot. And a recently sold Ruger Single Seven in 327 7 shot 3 3/4" barrel birds head grip Lipsey's. Sold the Ruger because loading/unloading was hard on my one bad non-shooting hand. I accumulated a lot of Long and 32 H&R brass either shooting factory and buying Starline. Well, it's my reloadable .22 in Longs and using a poly coated 100gr bullet from BadMan's, it's costs very little per round to reload. So much fun out of the old Colt. It's my James Cagney/Edward G. Robinson gangster movies revolver. The Charter Patriot is a bear to shoot factory 327's being small and I don't want to beat it up, so I load 32 H&R's to around max and that is also a joy to shoot. BadMan's 100gr and also Hornady 85gr JHP. Since powder charges are small, I went with a finer ball powder (HP-38/231--the same) than the flakey Unique. Got more consistent measures with the finer ball. I just loaded some +P 32 H&R's in 327 cases/mag primers for the Charter, but haven't been to the range with them yet.

November 22, 2020, 06:15 PM	#36
tallball Senior Member Join Date: October 17, 2014 Posts: 2,444	32 revolvers are a lot of fun. I have... I don't remember, a half dozen or so. 100% agreed that 32 S&W Long is far superior to 22lr for SD. I hope to go shooting Wednesday morning. My Single Six in 32 H&R and my top-break H&R will be accompanying me.

December 14, 2020, 12:08 PM	#39
stinkeypete Senior Member Join Date: July 22, 2010 Location: Madison, Wisconsin Posts: 1,344	Early 1980s Ruger Bisley Single Six in .32 H&R magnum for me, it’s in “brand new” condition. I traded it for a family heirloom double barrel rifle/shotgun combination gun that I realized only held memories for me, only a serious reloader could shoot, and only an inexperienced hunter would take afield- too pretty to nick up, too heavy to carry, and if you want birds, one barrel full of black powder shot shell is likely at least one barrel short of what’s needed. I hope the fella that had his uncle’s old Ruger that he never shot because .32 H&R is too hard to find and too expensive when you find it is pleased with our trade. You boys quiet down about how good .32 is, or prices on beautiful old guns will go up! As it’s a Ruger and I handload I am taking 100 grain XTPs up to 1200 FPS which is still very light recoil. I reckon that 32-20 took plenty of deer from rifles with cast lead bullets back in the day- this would not be my first choice for deer but it would work and I would not feel stupid shooting a rabbit with it either- try that with my .44 which is considerably heavier on the hip! Even more pleasing are the 115 semi wadcutter loads (soft! Not cast semi hard for easy shipping!) mentioned in previous posts. Now I just need a little sample of .314 to see if a little oversized will group even tighter than “really good”. Bird season is almost over, I’ll be back at the range soon enough. This .32 is one of my favorites and the Bisley grip is icing on the cake. __________________ My book "The Pheasant Hunter's Action Adventure Cookbook" is now on Amazon. Tall tales, hunting tips, butchering from bird to the freezer, and recipes.

December 16, 2020, 03:32 PM	#40
rep1954 Senior Member Join Date: July 5, 2009 Location: Mid Western Michigan Posts: 1,187	Put together this little novelty for a fun gun at the range but I had been known to take it along unloaded to a few poker games. 1849 Uberti Wells Fargo with 32 S&W conversion cylinder. I think you can actually fire the gun and run down the range 7yds and catch the bullet. 8BFD6570-508E-4CC0-9864-255414B89B05.jpeg

December 16, 2020, 04:17 PM	#41
jar Senior Member Join Date: March 8, 2001 Location: Deep South Texas Posts: 1,719	Got the Hopkins & Allen Safety Police small frame top break 32S&W out and gave it a Spa Day. It's a small 5 shot Auto Ejecting Top Break. The Galco OWB Holster for my S&W DA Model 4 also fits the little H&A so that is what I generally use. This Safety Police was likely made in 1914 or 1915 just at the end of Hopkins & Allen but was another design that could be carried with a live round under the hammer. At rest, the hammer sat above the firing pin and against the frame itself ... ... but when the trigger is pulled all the way back the hammer cams down and when the seer is tripped strikes the firing pin. As the trigger is reset the hammer cam raises it back up above the firing pin. The DA trigger pull is something north of 12 pounds but SA around 4-5 pounds. Recoil of the 32 S&W shorts is perhaps even less than modern 22LR from a 3" barrel but with an 85grain bullet instead of the considerable faster 22LR 36-40 grain. Accuracy out to about ten yards is very good but it's really a five yard sweet spot. Partly that's a function of the sights, or more honestly the lack thereof. Typical of the time the sights are a small rear notch and a front blade. __________________ To be vintage it's gotta be older than me!

December 16, 2020, 07:01 PM	#42
dahermit Senior Member Join Date: October 28, 2006 Location: South Central Michigan...near Posts: 6,501	Here is my .32 S&W Long in an old "I" frame double-action. I made the flap holster to keep it from the elements when I lurk in my woods. Mirco-loads of Bullseye under powder coated Lee 93 grain cast bullets. Easy on the pocket book (and more readably available that factory ammo) compared to most cartridges.