[Snowdog]

While going through my safe, I gave my .32magnum chambered el cheapo D32 a look-over and wondered if it would safely fire .32acp ammunition as well. Slapping in a .32acp round, it looked like the semi-rimmed case would securely hold it, so I gave it a go.
It fired just as a .32magnum would, so now I wonder if I can safely fire .32acp ammunition through it from this point on instead of costly .32mag and .32 long.

Any ideas?

[Tamara]

It should probably be okay, if you don't mind cases getting hung up under the extractor star a lot.

[Jim March]

Right, you CAN practice with 'em - but do NOT carry 'em on the street. They can jam up under the ejector star.

But as cheap range fodder, you've discovered "the secret" of the 32Maggie :).

[Snowdog]

Well, there's no extracter star as it's a derringer. That's why I posted under general handguns. But this I guess more folks knowledgeable about the .32mag would reside here.

I've had second thoughts after finding it won't touch off anything but Silvertips. I suppose the primer cup material is just soft enough to ignite. Nope, this Davis D32 is going back in the safe's "junk bin".

[Tamara]

D'oh!

I should probably read more than just the post title before moving threads.

".32 Mag question? Must belong in the revolver forum."

:o

[Jim March]

Right, but it DOES have an ejector mechanism of some sort, right? Can the abnormally small rims get stuck in any fashion?

[Snowdog]

Jim,

It does have an ejector, but it doesn't work... or I should say hardly ever, and that's with recommended .32 long/ .32 Magnum loads.

I also recently noticed there is a considerable amount of play in the barrel-to-frame fit.

I suppose one cannot ask much of a $60 handgun of pot metal construction. It's interesting to look at, I'll just leave it at that.
:(

[Nick96]

Gee, I didn't know they came in .32 mag. My .32 Auto works just fine. All be it accuracy beyond about 10 feet is very iffy. .32 Auto seems like the optimum to me - and Silvertips are probably the best personal defence round in this caliber. Anything stouter would risk busting something in my opinion.

As far as sticky extraction goes, who cares?. Pop your two, throw the gun and run like hell. If you're expecting to use it for anything more than buying a few seconds of escape time - you've picked the wrong tool.

That said though, mine is a pretty little thing that serves more as functioning wall art - along with some other examples of 150+ year old firearms technology. Not a serious defensive firearm.

[Snowdog]

They may not be chambered in .32mag anymore, and I can see why, but they used to. Mine was a handsome specimen when I received it. It featured an attractive black teflon finish and was tight as a fiddle. I simply couldn't understand how such a seemingly well made 'lil handgun was selling for $60. Well, the trigger was a bit stiff, at 20+ pounds, but I'd thought it would work itself out.

After approximately 200 rounds of fodder by the makes of Federal and Georgia Arms, the gun shot loose, the only thing to "work itself out" was the safety, with the ball detention going who-knows-where, and the teflon finish was starting to seriously rub off.
Now the derringer has no safety, has no finish (a steel wool workover was necessary) and has never had any accuracy past 2'. Curiously, I still find it fun to shoot on occasion.
Cheap ammunition was the primary idea of the thread, but that's been shot down.

I once though of cold blue, but a trial on the frame made it evident that it doesn't stick either. I suppose the dull appearance of lacking any finish does give it an antiquated look, minus the gaping hole where the safety once was.
Rest assured, this "firearm" would never be considered for defensive roles. If I need something that small, my P-32 would suffice.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid56/pb62b1f51d375bbe2b5641c9610792cdb/fc78f3c8.jpg



Pop your two, throw the gun

Or you could just through the gun first and run... and it doesn't even have to be a defensive situation.