EDC Snub nose: .38 Special vs .32 H&R Mag.

[GEM38]

With the new and latest offerings in snub nose revolvers chambered in the .32 H&R Magnum ... Do you suppose that it will eventually replace the ever popular .38 Special in terms of edc? Why or Why not? Are the cartridges similar in stopping power? (Less the +P Version in the .38 Special.) What is the consensus here among forum members.

[44 AMP]

Do you suppose that it will eventually replace the ever popular .38 Special in terms of edc? Why or Why not?

No, I don't think any .32 will replace the .38 Special, which has a 125+ year record, is everywhere you want to be (and is often in places you don't want to be) and is possibly the most produced revolver round, in terms of sheer numbers of guns, makers, and models. AND it shoots in .357s, too!

Its a combination of versatility, economy, availability, and effectiveness that no current .32 can match, and won't for many decades, if any of them ever can.

Just my opinion, and worth what you paid for it, or less,

[44caliberkid]

38 Special is far more versatile. The 32 Magnums are pretty much restricted to full power loads to be effective, which have pretty snappy recoil in a small revolver. The Keith designed SWC gave the 38 Special man stopping power at standard velocities (850 fps) and the full wadcutter, whether loaded forward or backward, does the same. I’ve loaded hollow base wadcutters backwards for almost 50 years at a velocity that is most pleasant to shoot in a 5 shot revolver or 6 shot snub. No need for +P’s in a 38, but feel free to use them if it doesn’t bother you. I always recommend 38 revolvers to women because so many ladies I have tried to train to shoot don’t like all the extra steps (knowledge) needed to shoot an auto, can’t manipulate a slide or clear a jam.

[TruthTellers]

The .32 H&R and .327 Federal are going to sell better than what people think they will in the coming years because capacity is driving the market for autos and I believe will for revolvers too. Beyond capacity, what sells .32's is the mild recoil which in a small, light snub goes a long way for improving effective shooting.

Will the ammo every come down in price? Well, .32 S&W Long is pretty affordable, but it's not available at the stores like it is online while .38 is available on the shelves. From my own experiences, you don't need to shoot the .32's much to stay proficient with them and that means even if you shoot the .32 half as much as you did .38 you're not out that much money even with the higher ammo price, yet you'll still be effective with it if need be.

The .38's never going to disappear, but I think there's going to be a continually growing market for the .32's. They've been growing since Ruger got the .327 in the LCR, then Taurus and S&W jumped on board, even Charter came out with the Professional, now Ruger is doing a small run of .32 H&R LCRs.

The most popular revolvers selling today are small frame snubs and that is the .32's bread and butter. The average Joe and Jane aren't looking to buy larger frame revolvers in .357, so the compatibility of .38 isn't a factor for them. Their ability to shoot the gun well and the bullet able to stop a threat is more important and the .32's do have the ability to penetrate, especially the wadcutters. Hollow points? Yeah, they do have some potential, but personally I'm done with hoping on expansion to be effective, I'd rather have the consistency and accuracy of a wadcutter and at the prices and low recoil the wadcutters in .32 are, I think so long as people are informed they will choose that.

Now if only companies like Fiocchi or Magtech were smart they'd start packaging their wadcutter ammo in some snazzy artwork and change the name to something tough, like Knight Protection and have a guy in a suit of armor on the cover with a shield and a revolver on the front, then on the front of the wadcutter paint a crude shield, but it's basically the same ammo as the target wadcutters they already make, but you have to make people believe it's special for them to buy it.

[Pumpkin]

The 38spl like the 9mm has a well deserved reputation and following.

Is ONE more round in a small revolver worth it, that’s up to the individual owner.

For myself the ability to shoot target wadcutters on up to +P defense loads to effective shot shells for snakes and Chupacabras make it to too versatile for me to change.

Also, I’m a fan of the S&W Airweight revolvers and I could be wrong but I seem to remember the choice of opting for some kind of 32 raises the co$t significantly because of the model availability.

The 30SC faces similar obstacles when compared to the 9mm, even more so.

Ammo and weapon affordability are very important to most potential buyers.
If I could get a nice S&W Airweight in a 32mag, I would be tempted, especially if someone brought out some shot loads in 32.

Edit: A little off topic, If Smith would offer a 9mm Airweight without the need for moon clips, for a reasonable up charge , I WOULD be very interested.

[Mike Irwin]

I LOVE the .32s of every flavor.

I have .32 S&W, .32-20, .32 Long, .32 ACP. I wouldn't mind getting a .32 H&R or .32 Federal or a Super Carry...

But none of those will ever replace my .38 Spl. snub carry revolvers.

I've carried .38 snubs for over 40 years now, and I don't see that ever changing.

[74A95]

Originally Posted by Pumpkin

If I could get a nice S&W Airweight in a 32mag, I would be tempted,

A bunch here: https://www.smith-wesson.com/products/smu-spec-series

[Shoots Left]

Originally Posted by Pumpkin

Is ONE more round in a small revolver worth it, that’s up to the individual owner.

For myself the ability to shoot target wadcutters on up to +P defense loads to effective shot shells for snakes and Chupacabras make it to too versatile for me to change.

That's what it all boils down to IMHO.

Capacity vs. cost of ammo.

Usually I carry an LCR in 327 magnum however if I feel that an auto loader would be more appropriate then the 30SC goes along for the ride. Obviously I'm a capacity guy.

[rc]

The 327 is barky and unpleasant in a 4 inch gun. The 32 magnum is a very pleasant cartridge but cost of ammo will keep the 38 special as the king of snubs. 32s are an enthusiast caliber and most people who buy such guns are not enthusiasts looking for a simple to use bang bang.

[GEM38]

Good info. Valid points have been made and thanks to all who have replied. I can see the lure of .32 H&R Magnum for EDC. Initially, I was a bit skeptical about the .32 H&R since I have the much respect for the excellent .38 Special. The .32 H&R is very much the new kid on the block. I think only time will tell if it ever becomes more formidable than the .38 Special for every day carry. Like others have said, the .38 Special will never go away; however, I have seen the rise and fall of the .40 S&W and become victimized to the 9mm in terms of capacity, and bullet technology. I guess that analogy leads me down a series rabbit holes concerning the .32 H&R vs .38 Special. Obviously most of us if not all will agree that shot placement is priority number one. In terms of accuracy and rate of fire, I want to believe that the .32 H&R reigns supreme. And not to forget nearly half the recoil factor of a .38 Special. I guess this makes for faster follow up shots and better accuracy. And not to forget that there is one additional cartridge in the cylinder 6 rounds vs 5 in similar size platforms. Lastly, I am not really a big fan of innovation per se’ but I do like refinement every now and then. I think the idea of owning .32 H&R Snub in the near future is becoming reality vs a dismissal. Thanks again for your responses. Much appreciated.

[Pumpkin]

Originally Posted by 74A95

A bunch here: https://www.smith-wesson.com/products/smu-spec-series

The initial buy price is a no go for me.

[reteach]

No, the .38 spl will not be replaced. The other guys have covered the many reasons it won't be. But the .32 might gain more popularity than it has over the next few years. Especially for guys like me, whose arthritic hands have rebelled against shooting large caliber handguns. I carried .38 spl for a long time in an LCRX. Those lightweight revolvers really make it easy to be armed wherever you go. When Ruger made the LCRX in .327 Mag I jumped on it because it's so much easier, for me, to shoot. I carry it loaded with .32 H&R Mag. I know I'm giving up some power, but the pain doesn't make me flinch when I shoot the .32 H&R and follow-up shots are much easier to make. And the extra round is a nice bonus. And some day, if I have to, I can load another step down to .32 S&W Long.

Here's another take on the .32s from Chris Baker at Lucky Gunner. Worth watching or reading, I think. Maybe .32 is the best snub-nose caliber. It's certainly a good snub-nose caliber.

https://www.luckygunner.com/lounge/w...caliber-is-32/

[GEM38]

.32 H&R Magnum - Snubnose Revolver MSRP(s) (As of 02/2025)

Here is an MSRP Comparison Chart for anyone interested...

$410.20: Charter Arms (Model #73220)
$424.99: Taurus Model 327 (Matte Black: .327 Magnum)
$439.99: Taurus Model 327 (Matte Stainless: .327 Magnum)
$490.00: Charter Arms (Model #73230) Note: 3" Barrel
$518.00: Charter Arms Professional (Model 63270) Note: 3" Barrel
$739.99: Ruger RULCR-32 (Lipsey’s Edition)
$759.99: Smith & Wesson J Frame: Model 632 UC,432 UC (Lipsey’s Edition)
$825.00: Smith & Wesson J Frame Model 632 UC-Ti, 432 UC-Ti (Lipsey’s Edition)
$859.99: Ruger LCR (.327 Magnum)
$919.00: Ruger SP 101 (.327 Magnum) Note: 3” Barrel

[rclark]

The .32 (to me) is simply my reloadable .22 . .38/.357 is just better all around. Of course for carry, I carry a .44 Special .

[GEM38]

@Pumpkin
I certainly understand your reasoning for not wanting to pay the full MSRP. However, I don't mind paying extra if it's a worthwhile interest and investment.

@reteach
Thanks for the luckygunner link. I'll definitely check it out.

[Pumpkin]

The difference in MSRP for a S&W is about $200-$300.

I understand about the recoil but this can be controlled to some degree by the particular load you shoot. I shoot some +P out of my 642 and 637 but most shooting is done with standard pressure 38’s.
You can buy a fair amount of practice ammo with the price difference between the two guns and 38 vs 32 ammo.
I had a nice little 2” bbl H&R satin nickel 32 S&W long revolver. While it was a lot of fun to shoot I never carried it for self defense.
Also, if I needed to sell one I could be wrong but I believe I could sell a 38spl easier than the 327 or 32 H&R.
But that’s my choice, certainly not what others might prefer.

[Shoots Left]

In my experience I find that 32 H&R is pretty hard to find and comes at quite a premium price tag; about a buck a shot.

327 magnum runs around 60¢/round, or so. S&W Long; I haven’t checked in a while but it ain’t the bargain that it used to be.

So, if I were considering a 32 caliber revolver today, I’d get something in the 327 magnum flavor.

You can always carry it loaded with the H&R or S&W Long but you also have the option to go big if the urge arises.

[GEM38]

"The .32 H&R and .327 Federal are going to sell better than what people think they will in the coming years because capacity is driving the market for autos and I believe will for revolvers too. Beyond capacity, what sells .32's is the mild recoil which in a small, light snub goes a long way for improving effective shooting.

Will the ammo every come down in price? Well, .32 S&W Long is pretty affordable, but it's not available at the stores like it is online while .38 is available on the shelves. From my own experiences, you don't need to shoot the .32's much to stay proficient with them and that means even if you shoot the .32 half as much as you did .38 you're not out that much money even with the higher ammo price, yet you'll still be effective with it if need be.

The .38's never going to disappear, but I think there's going to be a continually growing market for the .32's. They've been growing since Ruger got the .327 in the LCR, then Taurus and S&W jumped on board, even Charter came out with the Professional, now Ruger is doing a small run of .32 H&R LCRs.

The most popular revolvers selling today are small frame snubs and that is the .32's bread and butter. The average Joe and Jane aren't looking to buy larger frame revolvers in .357, so the compatibility of .38 isn't a factor for them. Their ability to shoot the gun well and the bullet able to stop a threat is more important and the .32's do have the ability to penetrate, especially the wadcutters. Hollow points? Yeah, they do have some potential, but personally I'm done with hoping on expansion to be effective, I'd rather have the consistency and accuracy of a wadcutter and at the prices and low recoil the wadcutters in .32 are, I think so long as people are informed they will choose that.

Now if only companies like Fiocchi or Magtech were smart they'd start packaging their wadcutter ammo in some snazzy artwork and change the name to something tough, like Knight Protection and have a guy in a suit of armor on the cover with a shield and a revolver on the front, then on the front of the wadcutter paint a crude shield, but it's basically the same ammo as the target wadcutters they already make, but you have to make people believe it's special for them to buy it."

@TruthTellers ...

Great insight. Appreciate it very much.

[9ballbilly]

In short, no, I don't think the .32 will replace the .38, for all the reasons mentioned above.

That said, I bought a 632UC and have no regrets. It shoots great and conceals very easily.

[Super Sneaky Steve]

People will buy whatever paid influencers say is the best, regardless of what really works.

Both cartridges are great. If I had to pick between 5 shots of 38 or 6 shots of 32 I'd pick the six shot revolver.

But, we don't have to make that choice. Kimber, Taurus and Charter Arms all make very small, light weight, 6 shot 38 special revolvers.

Until someone makes a light weight packable 7 shot 32 (and I really hope they do). I'll pick the 38 Special.

[jreidthompson]

Originally Posted by Super Sneaky Steve

Until someone makes a light weight packable 7 shot 32 (and I really hope they do). I'll pick the 38 Special.

Charter currently makes a 7 shot 3" 32 h&r
Search Charter professional

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[GEM38]

Although I am very familiar with the Charter Arms name, I don't know much about the brand. Are they considered reputable when it comes to quality and durability? Also, does anyone here own the C.A. Professional in the .32 H&R magnum, if so what do you think of it?

[TruthTellers]

Originally Posted by GEM38

Although I am very familiar with the Charter Arms name, I don't know much about the brand. Are they considered reputable when it comes to quality and durability? Also, does anyone here own the C.A. Professional in the .32 H&R magnum, if so what do you think of it?

The Professionals are probably the best revolvers that Charter makes, the tolerances seem to be held tight because myself and others get excellent velocities with them. I had one issue during the first time shooting which I'll mark it as part of the break in period, but the major failure came when the transfer bar broke, which I think was probably due to me dry firing it a lot.

I got mine during a rebate for a bit over $300, now they're going for 400. IDK if they're worth it at that price because that's getting into Taurus territory and I've yet to have any issues with the Taurus revolvers I've owned. The customer service for Charter is known to be very good, which it kind of has to be otherwise nobody would bother with them.

Other models with Charter can have issues, but the Professionals IMO are good, but they do have an odd sight picture that one must hold to not shoot it low.

[GEM38]

Thanks.

[jreidthompson]

Can google for reviews of the professional. It's been around for a while so there are a number of reviews out

https://www.gun-tests.com/handguns/r...-32-hr-magnum/

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