[el44vaquero]

My girlfriend finally decided she wanted to get her CCW. She said her friends have .32s and she wants one as well. I told her I'd really rather see her at least with a .38 special. She wants a good size revolver, but not a small or large. Pefect revolver in my mind is the S&W Model 10 in 4 inch barrel. Now the question is, if she just has her heart on a .32, what revolver would compare to the model 10?

Just for grins and giggles I'll show you my Model 10.

34132
34133

[Oldnamvet]

At least talk her into a .32 magnum.

[grimjaw]

At least talk her into a .32 magnum.

+1. Ruger makes the SP101 in .32 Magnum, and you can also shoot .32 S&W Long.

jmm

[el44vaquero]

How does a .32 magnum compare to a standard .38 spl?

[grimjaw]

Federal's .32 Magnum JHP ballistics (http://www.federalcartridge.com/ballistics/Ammo_Ballistics.aspx?id=102&firearm=2&bc=0.14&muzzvel=1120&bulletwgt=85), but they're out of a 6" barrel, so keep that in mind.

Federal's 110gr .38 Special (http://www.federalcartridge.com/ballistics/Ammo_Ballistics.aspx?id=400&firearm=2&bc=0.12&muzzvel=980&bulletwgt=110) JHP load, again with a 6" barrel.

jmm

[el44vaquero]

Thanks for those numbers, but dumb it down for me. Similar, or still a ways off?

[grimjaw]

First let me apologize, I made a mistake. The .38 is shown tested with a 4" barrel; .32 with a 5" barrel. Assuming you're going to be working within self defense ranges, the only numbers on those pages you need to be concerned with are muzzle to 25 yards. The energy of both rounds is virtually the same. The .32 is using a lighter 85gr bullet. The .38 is using one of the lightest bullets offered in that caliber. .32 is faster, and makes a smaller hole w/o expansion. I haven't shot one, but the .32 ought to have less recoil. Out of a Ruger SP101 w/Hogue rubber grips, I find just about any .38 round to be easy to control. The .32 would be even more so.

A 4" S&W model 10, while an excellent weapon, is not necessarily the best choice for CCW. I can holster my SP101 and conceal it with little difficulty. With the factory grips, it would fit snugly in a purse or fanny pack.

There are other .32's out there, but the SP101 is one of the heavier ones, and thus it's easier to tame. If you have access to one, please try out the S&W 432 snubs. If she can shoot it well, that would be much easier to conceal, but the ballistics will suffer even more because of the shorter barrel.

jmm

[MCgunner]

What the .32 lacks in size, it makes up for in velocity which also means more sure expansion. That's not my favorite bullet weight in .38 special, but it makes about as much energy as mine. I'm shooting 140 grainers. Would really prefer the 158 grain "FBI" loads, but my Taurus shoots better with jacketed bullets. Lead bullets have to be slow for it to group. I think the rifling isn't deep enough for the lead stuff, not sure. Anyway, 140 is accurate and that's what I use. My load is up around 265 ft lbs from a four inch barrel, +P stuff.

My preference between the two is the .38, but they're pretty equal ballistically and any handgun caliber demands good placement. So, if the recoil of the .32 lets here shoot better, that'd be the deciding factor.

.32 mag loads can have quite a lot of muzzle blast which can cause flinching, too. Might keep that in mind.

[bpisler]

There's a write up on the S&W 431/432's at
www.gunblast.com they have a ballistics
table for the 32mag from a short barrel.

[AirForceShooter]

Get her what she wants not what you think she should have.
That way she'll carry it.

AFS

[wbond]

My girlfriend finally decided she wanted to get her CCW. She said her friends have .32s and she wants one as well. I told her I'd really rather see her at least with a .38 special. She wants a good size revolver, but not a small or large. Pefect revolver in my mind is the S&W Model 10 in 4 inch barrel. Now the question is, if she just has her heart on a .32, what revolver would compare to the model 10?
I'm voting with your g-friend. I prefer .32 Mag over .38 Special. The .32 Mag is no slouch (not to be confused with .32 ACP).

Look at Ruger SP101 in either .38 Special or .32 Magnum. Both are awesome.

The SP101 is larger than an S&W small frame, smaller than an S&W large frame. The mid size SP101 is perfect for easy recoil with concealability. I especially like the 3" barrel version.

I especially like SP101 in .32 Magnum too. The .32 Magnum is no slouch for stopping power. I believe the .32 Mag has similar stopping power to .38 Special with less recoil. The .32 Mag also offers one more shot than the .38 Special.

She needs to like the gun or its a waste of money. I don't think she could resist the Ruger SP101 in .32 Mag. If she can't handle the .32 Mag, she can always shoot .32 Longs in it. So you are guaranteed it will work out with one of these cartridges for the SP101 .32 Mag.

If you go .38 special, what ammo could she step down to if needed?

.32 Mag all the way. I'm a recoil sensitive man. I love my Ruger SP101 .32 Mag 3" barrel.

[wbond]

It's a bit anemic of a cartridge, but in a nice easy to conceal package without much recoil. This is not small compared to other .32 ACPs. This is same size as a Bersa 380. In fact, Bersa makes the Firestorm. For some reason Firestorms are really Bersas, but sold under a different name and available only in Western States. Why? I don't know. Some goverment B.S.

Anyway, not nearly as much stopping power as a Ruger SP101 .32 Mag, but much smaller, lighter, more concealable, and still not much recoil.

[Ichiro]

If you're talking about a Ruger in .32 mag or .38/.357, I'd say definitely get the .38/.357. The .38s, any .38s, are pussycats out of this gun. And I'd take a Corbon 38+p any day over a .32 mag.

If you're talking about an airweight, then a .32 might make sense. The power generated is equivalent to a regular .38 special, and I've read they're much easier to shoot from these light guns, plus there's one more round.

Rugers are heavy, and the weight is noticeable if carried anywhere but on the belt. For a lightweight gun, I'd be tempted to go .32 magnum myself.

~Ichiro

[mndfusion]

If she gets .38 sp101 at may as well take .357 to right?


I like and have a little .32acp BUG. Its so sweet and its only $250 p32keltec---they rule man ---really---I am no salesman I just know mine is great in every possable way.:scrutiny: I tried to give it to my chick once. But she already has a revolver and refused it casue shes just like that, she knows I like it and is shes cool like that!..hahaha Id buy a dozen p32s if I could.

[Ichiro]

Yeah. The SP handles magnums well! I still train with .38s in mine, but then I fire a few magnums and wonder why I wasted my money on .38s.

I think if someone is in the market for a .32, they should steer clear of the SP-101. The gun is overkill for .32s, overkill for .38s, just about right for light .357 magnums, just fine for 158-grain magnums, and a bit too small for 125-grain magnums.

For .32, I would try an airweight in .32 magnum, a kel-tec in .32 acp, and an NAA guardian in .32 NAA. Otherwise, maybe an NAA guardian in .380 or a Bersa or Sig in .380. Or a S&W steel J-frame in .38.

~Ichiro

[mndfusion]

http://img373.imageshack.us/img373/6320/pict00079eb.jpg

Go ahead and call .32 wimpy hahaha:eek:

[13.45]

between the two i'd lean toward the .38spec, as decent ammo is more readily available :)

[EddieCoyle]

Get her what she wants not what you think she should have.
That way she'll carry it.

AFS
+1

See Rule No. 1

[el44vaquero]

She wants a midsize revolver. She said she doesn't want a snub. Already showed her a ladysmith I have. Said she wants a gun when she pulls it out that the bad guy knows it's the real deal and she will use it on him. Doesn't wany anything less than a 4 inch barrel. Her daddy says anything shorter is a waste so that's all she'll hear. So that's why I thought the Model 10. So the Ruger would be comparable in .32 mag?

[chaim]

She said her friends have .32s and she wants one as well. I told her I'd really rather see her at least with a .38 special. She wants a good size revolver, but not a small or large.

Well, +1 on what AFS had to say.

This gun will be for her, not for you. She should have what she wants.

She wants a midsize revolver. She said she doesn't want a snub. Already showed her a ladysmith I have. Said she wants a gun when she pulls it out that the bad guy knows it's the real deal and she will use it on him. Doesn't wany anything less than a 4 inch barrel. Her daddy says anything shorter is a waste so that's all she'll hear. So that's why I thought the Model 10. So the Ruger would be comparable in .32 mag?

Well, I disagree with her idea that a snub won't be good enough, BUT (see above).

I think the 4" Ruger SP101 is a good idea. It might be more gun than is needed for this cartridge but it fits what she is looking for very well. It is a larger small frame and almost could be described as a smaller medium frame (about halfway between a J-frame and K-frame S&W), it holds 6 rounds of .32H&R mag, and with a 4" barrel it looks pretty substantial. Not a bad looking gun either. http://www.ruger-firearms.com/Firearms/FAProdView?model=5746&return=Y

Another option, and true medium frame, is the single action Ruger Single Six. While SA is not ideal for defense, it is workable, especially with training. These have a good reputation for accuracy, they are certainly substantial guns (they'll look like a "real" gun like she wants), and are available with nearly 5" barrels (4 5/8", the extra length means higher velocity which means higher energy and more reliable bullet expansion). They can be had blued, stainless, with birds head grips (easier to conceal) or more traditional SA grips, with fake ivory (good for good looks), etc. It can certainly be a capable self-defense gun, it will have the "real gun" looks she wants, and are simply good guns overall. http://www.ruger-firearms.com/Firearms/FAProdResults?function=famid&famid=14

The round is a great round. It has about the same energy level as a good non +P .38spl with even less recoil. It's high velocity means you have a good chance at expansion. I've long been interested in this round myself. About the only negative is that the ammo can be hard to find- you may need to go to only specific gun shops for it, order online, or reload to make your own.

[chaim]

Double tap, sorry.

[StrikeEagle]

Get her what she wants not what you think she should have.
That way she'll carry it.

I agree with this sooooooo much. Her choice may not be the objective 'best' but it's what she wants... apparently the pictures she's got in her mind show her holding a .32. If that's what she has confidence in and for whatever reason satisfies her then that's the one. :)

And .32 Magnum ain't so bad.

StrikeEagle

[wbond]

If you're talking about a Ruger in .32 mag or .38/.357, I'd say definitely get the .38/.357. The .38s, any .38s, are pussycats out of this gun. And I'd take a Corbon 38+p any day over a .32 mag.

If you're talking about an airweight, then a .32 might make sense. The power generated is equivalent to a regular .38 special, and I've read they're much easier to shoot from these light guns, plus there's one more round.

Rugers are heavy, and the weight is noticeable if carried anywhere but on the belt. For a lightweight gun, I'd be tempted to go .32 magnum myself.

~Ichiro
This gun is for a woman. I think the SP101 is noticably lighter in .32 Mag than in .38/.357. Yet the .32 Mag is still easy to shoot and has one more shot. The .32 Mag is still pretty potent and she could probably shoot it with much less flinching and more accuracy. Just my opinion. Have her try both. Let her decide.

I'll bet she prefers the .32 Mag SP-101 over the .357 Mag shooting .38s once she's tried both. Actually, she'd probably prefer the Firestorm .32 ACP, but that really is anemic.

Another option might be a CZ-83 auto in .380 or 9x18. I think the .380 would kick less than a .32 Mag. The 9x18 would probably kick about the same as a .32 Mag. However, I think the .32 Mag has a bit more punch than a 9x18, but the 9x18 would have 13 shots.

Personally, I own and really like the CZ-83 in .380 and 9x18, the Firestorm .32 ACP, and the Ruger SP101 .32 Mag. I specifically selected these for myself because they are easy on recoil. Two of these also have decent stopping power, the Firestorm .32 doesn't have much stopping power, but is EASY to carry.

Since these guns work for my recoil sensitive hands (hand held together by 4 screws), I think they'd be dandy for a woman. The 9x18 and .32 Mag are no slouches for stopping power. The .380 is borderline for stopping power, but easier to shoot. The .32 ACP is weak, but easy to hide, carry, and shoot.

Why not have her try each of these guns? I'm sure one would be to her liking. The .32 Mag and 9x18 have decent one shot stopping power. I'd be very confident in two well placed shots of .32 Mag or 9x18 (assuming hollow points for both). Note: it takes a hot 9x18 to approx equal a standard .32 Mag load. The limiting factor with 9x18 is what the cartridge is capable of. The limiting factor with .32 Mag is what she can handle. However, the end result for her is that they are about equal.

Rugers are normally heavy, but the SP101 in .32 Mag is only midweight 28 oz. It's just heavy enough to keep recoil down. Excessive weight is a good reason to avoid .357 mags shooting .38s. The S&W full size 4" barrel .38 weighs 36 oz. The SP101 .32 Mag is much lighter than that. As for the .357 recommendation some have made (shooting .38s): That would be really heavy, unless it's an airweight, which would defeat the recoil reduction.

In my opinion, the only things that make sense for most women are .380, 9x18, .32 Mag, and 9mm Para in midweight hand guns. This is ranked in order of stopping power, with the 9x18 and .32 Mag being almost equal to each other.

If a woman can't accurately handle at least a .380, then a .32 ACP that's accurate is better than a .380 miss. The CZ-83 also comes in .32 ACP and offers the longest barrel of any .32 ACP I know of (increased velocity) and is midsize, midweight, zero recoil. i.e. - if she can't handle at least a .380, then a CZ-83 in .32 ACP is a backup solution, or so is the Ruger SP101 shooting .32 Longs.

The thing she really does want to avoid is airweight .32 Mag snubbies. They kick like heck; at least by the standards of anyone who's recoil sensitive.

[wbond]

The Ruger SP101 in .32 Mag is exactly what you say she say's she wants. Exactly midsize, etc.

However, I recommend the 3" over the 4" because the 3" is MUCH easier to carry and will therefore she will carry it. Her daddy thinks so highly of 4" because most brands don't offer a 3". Most brands only offer a 2" and a 4" (maybe a 6" also).

A 2" really is pitiful for ballistics, velocity, etc. A 2" increases recoil and reduces velocity. No wonder her daddy doesn't like 2". They're lousy. I don't like 2" either.

A 4" is soooo difficult to conceal and carry that she'll end up not carrying it. A 3" is a great compromise. Tell her daddy there's a 3" solution. He probably assumes the only choices are 2" or 4".

Also, a 3" Ruger SP101 looks beautiful when on the good end of it. Women like that stuff. I do too. From the bad end (down range) there is nothing scarier looking than a shiny stainless revolver with a beefy extracter and barrel brace under the barrel pointed at you. Go to Ruger's website and look at the SP101 in both 3" and 4". If I were a bad guy, I'd wet myself. Its looks alone have stopping power. One look and most bad guys would want to stop.

She wants a midsize revolver. She said she doesn't want a snub. Already showed her a ladysmith I have. Said she wants a gun when she pulls it out that the bad guy knows it's the real deal and she will use it on him. Doesn't wany anything less than a 4 inch barrel. Her daddy says anything shorter is a waste so that's all she'll hear. So that's why I thought the Model 10. So the Ruger would be comparable in .32 mag?

[Jim March]

Federal's 32Mag loads are junk.

There have been several projects out there to produce "monster defense 32Mag ammo" and most have gone defunct.

One remains: the Georgia Arms 100grain 32Mag. This ONE remaining decent load is the only reason I consider the 32Mag a viable defense load.

But by God, it's a good one! The result is 38+P power levels in a controllable and compact package.

The 4" barrel Ruger SP101 is a perfect 32Mag defensive gun. It totally rocks :).

http://www.georgia-arms.com/pistol.htm

That "1,100fps" spec will be very close to what you'll get from a 4" tube. That means it's well into 38+P power levels and not just a little bit, those specs would be considered strong for any 38 load. Take a look at the ammo test table at:

http://www.gunblast.com/WBell_SW32s.htm

Those numbers are from a 2" barrel, they'll move faster out of a 4" by at least 50-75fps. But compare those numbers, there is NO comparison in speed/weight levels.

Now, the ammo situation may get better soon (more choices) as NAA is getting closer to shipping a SMALL 32Mag single action mini-revolver. I predict it'll be fairly popular and will spur more development of 32Mag loads. But for now that Georgia Arms load will "git'r'done".

[wbond]

The Ruger SP101 could certainly handle that hot Georgia Arms .32 Mag load the other fellow mentioned. Rugers are built strong.

However, I don't know if your girl friend could handle it. I don't know that she needs to either.

Most countries in the world find a .380 to be an adequate defense round and they think of a 9mm Para as a Magnum.

Only in the USA are we obsessed with power. We are like the Tim the Tool Men of handgun power in this country. I don't think it's necessary. For a woman it might be detrimental.

The hot Georgia Arms .32 Mag load would be great for the Ruger if she can handle it, but then her recoil is back up to .38 special +P range in a midsize gun. Ouch (for me or her). That hot .32 Mag load would probably be great for you (healthy man), but it is appropriate for a recoil sensitive woman who really wants a .32 ACP?

I think the normal .32 Mag loads would be good for her. If they turn out to be easy for her, she can alway step up to the hotter load.

A hit (or two) with a normal .32 Mag load is better than a miss from a power house.

I think the nice thing about the SP101 in .32 Mag is that it offers a great range of power from .32 Long up to those hot .32 Mag loads, and the normal .32 Mag loads are in between. That's great because she can start light and work up to whatever she can accurately and comfortably handle.

I doubt my hands could take those hot loads from Georgia Arms, but it's nice to know they're available if I ever want to step up. Same for your g-friend.

[Jim March]

The Georgia Arms loads will recoil about like a mid-to-high range 38+P. Which, in a 4" barrel SP101 will be a pussycat.

Sigh.

Look, Americans are generally BIG. Some of the biggest average weights, shoe sizes, belt sizes in the world. We also have excellent emergency medicine so we're less scared of low-powered handgun wounds. A lot of gunshots "stop" people because they get scared of taking more damage, not because they're significantly damaged! Better trauma centers means less fear, never mind that some drugs *eliminate* fear flat-out.

Second, we have high rates of drug addiction and mid-range crime rates.

Add that up and yeah, we favor some pretty stout loads, with good reason.

38+P horsepower is widely viewed as a minimum, which is at the bottom end of 9mm performance. Right now there's a sum total of ONE 32Mag load that will get you there.

I suspect that will change, eventually.

Meanwhile, talking about what the Europeans or Chinese or whoever else does bangthings ignores our situation.

[Ichiro]

I can't see investing in a defensive firearm for which there is precisely one and only one good defensive load. I still recommend at least a .38 if a Ruger is chosen, even for women ;) . If the one good defensive load in .32 mag shoots like a full 38+P, why not just get a .38, have a huge variety of both practice and defensive ammo to choose from, and not have hunt around or pay way too much? If the power of +P is too much, defense ammo is made in standard pressures.

Also, the Ruger SP-101 in .32 mag is actually heavier than the .357 mag by one ounce. This is comparing the 3" models (28 oz. to 27 oz.). The 4" model is 30 oz. There may be a good reason to get this gun in .32, but being lighter is not one of them.

Cheers.

~Ichiro

[Bob79]

Look, I just sold my 432PD because I found a 332 with no lock. And I have owned a 340, and a 342. The recoil on the GA 85 grain 32 H&R load, and (YES THEY ONLY CURRENTLY SELL THE 85 GRAIN LOAD, THEIR WEBSITE IS WRONG, CALL THEM IF YOU HAVE ANY DOUBTS) is less than any .38 special load. I found the Speer GD 135 gr +P to be painful, and the GA 32 H&R 85 grain in my opinion was about 25-35% lighter than regular pressure 130 grain loads.

And yes the 432PD is 1.5 oz heavier than a 340/342, but that is very little difference.

I disagree with Jim March's opinion that the GA round recoils like a mid to high range .38+P, and I'm curious if hes shot both to compare. Get her a 32 H&R mag, if she's concerned about recoil then I think even in a heavier "Airweight" at 15 oz with even standard pressure loads will most likley be too much for her. The 32 H&R displaces very close to the energy that many .38+P loads do, give you one more round, and has less recoil.

Yes a good .38+P round is more effective than a 32 H&R mag round when it comes down to it, I dont' dispute that. But, the difference in performance is pretty close, and when you're talking about a small, lightweight gun, you should consider all the factors.

I would not get an SP101 in .32 H&R mag. The gun weighs 25ozs (2.25 IN), and recoil with even Speer's 38+P 135 grain .38 load doesn't produce much recoil at all in that gun. If you're going to get an SP101 you should get a .357 one.

[el44vaquero]

She's not concerned with recoil at all. She shoots my .44 mag redhawk like a champ. I took her out with a few buddies from work, and she never flinched at all. She just grinned and said, "I like the big ones." She got her brother to lend me his S&W 500, and again she shot it like she was born with it in her hand. For the life of me, I don't know how such a small woman can handle such a thing. After a few rounds, I'm done with it. She must have been Rambo's love-child. Once again, she's not wanting to carry this on her. She wants to keep it in her truck, because she drives through the bad side of town to get home. Recently we've had stories of carjackings at stopsigns, or even rapes. She wants something that looks mean.

[P. Plainsman]

1. Last time I checked, the only .32 H&R Magnum round that Georgia Arms has in stock is its 85 gr JHP load (which uses a Hornady XTP bullet), not the 100 gr JHP load Mr. March refers to (which uses a Speer bullet).

That doesn't necessarily mean the 85gr GA load is inferior. We just don't know. I've not read any actual, independently chronoed velocity figures for the lighter weight load. The company, however, claims it should move around 50-100 fps faster than the 100 gr bullet, which clocks around 975-1000 fps from a 2" snubby like the S&W 432PD. If they're correct, that would mean the 85 grainer is good for around 1050 fps from a 2" snubby (even more from an SP101 with its longer barrel).

Suppose that is correct. 85 gr @ 1050 fps = not bad for a 13.5 oz pocket gun. Likely to expand. I'd still prefer a premium .38+P, but that is not bad. And you get six shots.

The only reason for my slight skepticism about the velocity claims: I've shot a couple hundred rounds of the GA 85 grainer .32 Magnum. Excellent, accurate round, but the recoil is very mellow. It feels no worse than the Federal or Black Hills 85 grain .32 Mag JHPs, which definitely aren't clocking 1050 fps. So if GA can really wring those kinds of numbers out of this accurate and mild-shooting load, they should be proud.

2. The .32 Ruger SP101s are neat guns. Mine is a 3" model. Tons of fun. On the practical side, I think they have a limited niche as a house gun for petite and/or recoil-adverse shooters, if you find one with a good DA trigger pull or have it gunsmithed (as I did). I would hesitate to recommend it for CCW (heavy for the caliber), or to a shooter who was not recoil-adverse; such shooters should go with at least a .38+P for defense.

If you want a current production double action .32 to use as a sporting revolver, i.e., one that you can hit with conveniently out past 10 yards, the Ruger is your baby. With its heft and its 3" or 4" barrel, is far easier to shoot well than the light, short-barreled S&Ws and Tauruses. The Ruger also boasts windage-adjustable rear sights.

3. Neither the GA 100 gr .32 Mag round nor the GA 85 gr .32 Mag round is comparable to the recoil of a .38+P. The .32s are milder. They do, however, produce a sharper "crack!" than a .38. Smaller case diameter, higher pressure.

[Jim March]

If the GA 100gr round is discontinued, that's a shame.

An XTP should expand if it's moving past 1,000fps BUT I'd like to see some independent confirmation of that.

No, I haven't shot the GA 100gr load. I talked to somebody who had several years ago in an S&W steel-frame 32Mag 2" barrel gun and that was his comment, which makes sense given the energy levels involved. We also have confirmation from the Quinn brothers at gunblast.com regarding the true speed of the GA 100gr, not just the GA website.

Would 38Spl be more flexible? Sure. In fact with the GA 100gr load gone, well damn...that's not good at all.

Hmm.

NAA is supposedly working on a 32Mag "oversize Black Widow" to ship this fall. What we should do is ask Sandy to work with an ammo house like Cor-Bon on a specialty load for that gun, with joint marketing. In other words, Cor-Bon promises to make the ammo and NAA agrees to put a "hey, Cor-Bon has a superb load for this thing!" blurb on every print ad for the gun, for free. It would boost Cor-Bon, and it would boost sales of the gun knowing there was a good load available. No-brainer all around. NAA and Cor-Bon have worked together before, this should be doable.

I'm thinking maybe a DPX round in 32Mag?

[gunfan]

She can choose the Charter 2000's Bulldog in .32 H&R Magnum in either a 4' or 2" barrel. The 4" barrel will have the option of adjustable or fixed sights. The 2" version will have fixed sights only. The price will be right and the revolver will be durable.

How much more can one ask?

Scott

[mndfusion]

It would be real nice if she could just get a skorpion. Thats the sweetest .32 ever!:evil: :evil: :evil: :evil:

[wbond]

She can choose the Charter 2000's Bulldog in .32 H&R Magnum in either a 4' or 2" barrel. The 4" barrel will have the option of adjustable or fixed sights. The 2" version will have fixed sights only. The price will be right and the revolver will be durable. Scott
The more I hear about the .32 Mag the more I like it. Even the guys who weren't recommending it make me like it all the more since they describe it's lower recoil properties. I'm recoil sensitive.

Likewise with the SP101 in 3" barrel .32 Mag. Sounded good to begin with. Sounding better all the time from both the guys who do and don't recommend it.

As for the Charter Bulldog, I'd already heard of that gun and am interested, but I'd earlier heard a 3" barrel would be offered. No 3"? I love 3" barreled revolvers. I don't like 2" or 4". Could it be possible the Bulldog will be available with a 3" barrel?

[wbond]

It would be real nice if she could just get a skorpion. Thats the sweetest .32 ever!:evil: :evil: :evil: :evil:
What's a Skorpian?

[mndfusion]

Its a CZ,

[StrikeEagle]

What's a Skorpian?

http://world.guns.ru/smg/smg26-e.htm

[Trebor]

The only reason to go with a .32 Magnum is if she's recoil sensative. You've already said that's not the case. A .38 Special is much more effective, and more versatile, than a .32.

Have her try a .38 Special before she buys a gun. It's ultimately her choice, and she needs to like the gun and have confidence in it, but you can try to educate her a little on the importance of the difference before she buys. Just getting a .32 "because all her friends have one" is NOT a good way to pick a gun and caliber.

Btw, I agree that a 3" barrel is a better choice for CCW than a 4" barrel. You wouldn't think it, but taking off that 1" of barrel makes the gun much easier to carry. J&G Sales has some 3" Model 10's right now. Any 3" K frame would be a good choice.

[rking]

If you go with the SP 101, one other thing to think about is that you get an adjustible for windage rear sight. So if she tends to shoot a little off one way or the other this would be a big plus. I have a sp 101 32 mag with a 4" barrel and a 357 with a 3" barrel. The recoil is lighter with the 32 with Georgia arms ammo then the 357 with 38's but not a lot of difference. The 32 with the 4" is very easy and fun to shoot accuretly. I would compare it to my MK II. Now the only 357's that I have shot are Remington 125 gr UMC and they have a real swift kick to them and will hurt your fingers after a few rounds. I have a pair of shooting gloves that help with this. If you go with a 38 get the 357, she may never shoot 357's but she would have that option and I think it would have a higher resale value. 357/38 ammo is easy to find in alot of different brands and sizes. 32 ammo is verry limited and not cheap.

[StrikeEagle]

The only reason to go with a .32 Magnum is if she's recoil sensative.

Well... that's not exactly true. Look what the poster said:

She said her friends have .32s and she wants one as well.

So we're dealing with perceptions, style, image and other fuzzy stuff. :)

It MAY be true that there's no other OBJECTIVE reason, but handgun purchases, even those of experienced shooters, often have a HUGE subjective element. How manytimes have we read stuff like "I have no use for the .40 S&W. No real reason, I just don't like it." ?

So I'd say that the lady here LIKES the .32 and for reasons that may not be our own, she trusts it. Her friends have it. :)

It's what she expects a handgun to be... a .32... and I assume she'd enjoy owning it and that she'd shoot it.

My firm opinion on this one is get her what she asks for, certainly for that all-important First Gun, and let it grow from there... or not. LOL

StrikeEagle

[chaim]

The only reason to go with a .32 Magnum is if she's recoil sensative

While I don't (yet) own a .32mag, the caliber interests me. Here's why (based on advantages in a J-frame sized revolver):

-Recoil sensitive or not, lower recoil means faster follow-up shots which can make the difference between life or death
-Most (if not all) .32mag loadings have power levels equal to or at least near those of the regular .38spl
-The top .32mag loads are near some .38+P loads
-Even if the power was equivelent to .38spl (non +P) or even a little less, the extra round means a little more overall power and a little more flexibility
-Finally, 6 rounds of relatively potent ammo in a lightweight and small pocketable package that is very managable to shoot. What isn't to like?

[Kramer Krazy]

If it were me, I'd go for a .357 and shoot 38s in it. A 38 doesn't kick badly at all in a 2" barrel, so a 3" or larger, especially with a large rubber grip, would be even less felt recoil. Plus, you'd have the option of loading it with some good defensive 357's if ever needed.

[el44vaquero]

Well, after thinking it over a bit more she's decided she'd rather go with an automatic. She really likes my PPK.

[P. Plainsman]

Hmm. That finicky, antiquated design wouldn't strike me as a sound choice for a beginner's CCW. She'd do better with a 3" SP101 loaded with quality .38 Special -- harder hitting, more reliable, and very comparable in recoil.

But whatever; this thread is long already.

[robvious]

In my humble opinion, which doesn't actually count for much,
a first gun choice should be a revolver. :banghead: No safety, No jams,
No slide release, No magazine release, just pure shooting pleasure.
Point,Squeeze, BANG, repeat as necessary
(five or six times, maybe more)

my quote

"I used to keep two lists, friends and enemies, the only problem was
the older I got the more they looked the same. Now I only have
one list, it saves time." D.J. Hogan

[Car Knocker]

a first gun choice should be a revolver. No jams

Ever have the bullet work its way out of the case in a lightweight revolver and jam the cylinder? No go bang anymore. Does happen.

[robvious]

So far I have not had any such failure in any of my wheel guns,
but I will keep on trying, the more rounds down range the better.
I am not a fan of lightweights and since I am from husker territory,
(we don't have a ccw law, YET!) the weight issue doesn't mean much
to me. I currently have K, L, and N frame S&W's, Colt det spcl, Ruger vaqueros etc. along with various semi's big and small. I have encountered more difficulties with semi's than with wheel guns. I love them all, but for
simplicity of design and ease of use a wheel gun is the best choice
for a first gun. Stove pipe jamb drills stink even if you know what to do
and if you do it wrong :what: it hurts.

[Car Knocker]

(we don't have a ccw law, YET!)

I believe that CCW legislation was proposed this year, wasn't it? Hopefully your Legislature will pass it and the Governor will sign it.

[Stainz]

A trip to my local pusher's lair always includes a longing gaze at the 432PD... and the Ruger BHG Vaquero in .32. It makes no sense whatsoever for me. I like the .38 +P 'FBI' load, the 158gr LHPSWC - simply a tried and well proven performer. I have the 'perfect', albeit haevy, snubby - A 2" 10 - for that round. For a lighter weight/larger CCW, I have a 296. Still, I 'think' I need a 432PD... or a 642. Oddly, when I 'consider' the 432PD, I keep recalling that a 4" SP-101 would be better - and nearly the same price. Then the salesman reminds me of the cheesy windage-only adjustable sight on the SP-101, and my short attention span mind points me at something else. Next trip, same result. Go figure.

Now, back to the original scenario with your girlfriend. A Model 10, even my late model 2", would require a large purse for CC. If that is still viable, a better choice might actually be the new 620 model. It is less than 2 oz heavier, and only 5/8" longer, than your 4" 10. It is a new short lug replacement for the 66 - on the 'L' frame, so it has a seven shot cylinder, a great attribute for female shooters. Loaded with those 158gr +P LHPSWC's, it would be an easy shooter. A trip to Wally World, etc, on a Sunday afternoon would yield some cheap .38 Special plinkers - try that with a .32! Of course, if you have a bg hide in your fridge, you could blast through it with some .357 Magnums - probably even kill the dishwasher and garbage disposal, too. Of course, you might even get some game with it, if permissible in your state. Doug Wesson actually got everything imagineable, even bear, when he demo-ed the first .357 Magnums back in the thirties.

If CC is important, consider a 442/642. I know several folks, all recoil sensitive, who shoot and carry 642's with Speer's 135gr +P GDJHP's. Still, that 432PD will get another look today, if I succumb to another dose of my addiction, a trip to the pusher's lair. I have to remember the Clorox wipes... gotta clean the drool off the display case...

Stainz

[P. Plainsman]

Say, I like that "cheesy windage-only adjustable sight on the [.32] SP101"! ;)

It gives a good sight picture for quick, aimed shots, especially once I installed a larger front sight with a tritium dot. Yes, I decided to make the Ruger into a project gun, the "Ultimate .32 H&R Magnum Defense Handgun!!!!(!!!!)". It was either a tritium dot or an ACOG. :D

I admit I have not needed to adjust windage. A fully adjustable sight would be nice, since the gun does hit 2" - 3" high with its usual load, the 85 grain Georgia Arms JHPs. But I just use a 6 o'clock hold on target and things work out fine.

[mfree]

GA Arms 100gr H&R .32 in a 432PD has *much* less motile recoil than even federal 130gr FMJ .38spl target stuff out of a 640.

It's the shock recoil that's right up there :) *smack*

[Steve C]

Take a look at a Colt Police Positive. It has a smaller size than a Smith M10, can be found in both the .32 and .38spl. Since it was a police issue for many years, 4" barrel pistols are plentiful. You can find very nice .32's in the $300 price range and if you want a magnum you can have a gunsmith ream the chambers as the cylinder is plenty strong enough. I've seen a couple Colts that have been modified to fire the .32 mag.

[tbeb]

FWIW, I would not go below .38 special or 9mm. My wife is petite and settled on a Ruger Speed Six with stock grips, and .38 special +P 125 gr. JHP ammo. The reach to the trigger was a smidgeon less than a Smith & Wesson Model 10 with stock grips. She is not into guns, and does not like a lot of recoil. She also tried a Ruger P-95 which is a 9mm semi-automatic pistol. She shot the Speed Six much better.