Hooda Thunkit
Member
The 31-1 was a J frame.
I have both a Regulation Police and a 31-1 in 32 SW Long, and the 31 is much larger.
I don't think S&W ever built an I-frame with a model number.
.32 S&W Long Effectiveness
- Thread starter Mr_Flintstone
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I have both a Regulation Police and a 31-1 in 32 SW Long, and the 31 is much larger.
I don't think S&W ever built an I-frame with a model number.
I would rather see someone use a smaller caliber handgun that they shoot well and accurately versus a bigger caliber that they are afraid of because of recoil. And yes the 32 S&W long was used by law enforcement for quite some time before 38 Special and 357 Magnum took over. I would not feel under gunned with a 32 S&W long, 32 H&R Magnum or 327 Magnum as long as I can shoot it accurately. Even the big bore handguns won't do much good if you can't shoot them well.
LEP
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Good afternoon. It is great that there is such a variety/type of firearms so that one can find the right mix/comfort level. The I-frames (pre-numbered) have shorter cylinders and a rounded trigger guard as others have stated. Makes the overall size of the firearm significantly shorter and very concealable.
ThomasT
Member
I have a 31-1 and always thought it felt smaller than a regular J-Frame. But I could never determine if it really was an I-Frame or not. My bud has a fer sure I-Frame and it seems smaller still. So my gun may be the J-Frame.
Sistema1927
Member
Are your J-frames of newer vintage? For example, my 642 has the beefier frame and thicker front sight, whereas my 80's vintage Model 37 is not as wide at the top strap and has a skinny front sight. My 30-1 and 31-1 are the same size as the 37, and a tad smaller than the 642 even though all are J-frames.
GeoDudeFlorida
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IIRC there were numbers of transition guns made with I-Frames that had already been produced and numbered model markings, as was the new policy. I have seen - but been unable to purchase or trade for - numbered I-Frame in .38S&W. I have not seen one in .32S&W-L but would love to have one. The .38S&W I-Frame model 32's are very, very nice shooters.
Can it be effective absolutely, unfortunately the only way to know for sure is afterwards.
To me the trade off of a 5 shot 38 to a 6 shot 32 is a pretty even one in that the odds are the same for either's advantage being the difference maker.
To me the trade off of a 5 shot 38 to a 6 shot 32 is a pretty even one in that the odds are the same for either's advantage being the difference maker.
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ThomasT
Member
I have four newer J-Frames. A 431PD, 637, 442 and 36-6. The 32 longs and 22LR are older 1960s-1970s guns I believe. I have a flat latch model 34 that I am pretty sure is an early 1960s gun. The 32 Longs should be 1970s vintage. The 30-1 2" came with the box and original sales receipt for $76 in 1976. The 4" model 31-1 32 long has a very skinny barrel and frame and just feels smaller in the hand. My bud has a real I-Frame and it is small. Probably smaller than the model 31. I have never laid them side by side before. I think his I-Frame is also considerably older and may not have a heat treated cylinder.
Tallball
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This is my i-frame. Yes, the frame is very small, noticeably smaller than a j-frame.
It shoots 32 S&W long just fine. The recoil is mild, even with the tiny frame.
I bought it just because I thought it would be cool to shoot an i-frame sometimes.
It cost me almost nothing due to the ruined finish and unpopular caliber, but it goes bang every time and makes a hole about where I point the tiny sights.
It shoots 32 S&W long just fine. The recoil is mild, even with the tiny frame.
I bought it just because I thought it would be cool to shoot an i-frame sometimes.
It cost me almost nothing due to the ruined finish and unpopular caliber, but it goes bang every time and makes a hole about where I point the tiny sights.
Driftwood Johnson
Member
Howdy
I posted this earlier, but I will post it again. Comparison of a typical K frame, a 38 Military and Police at the top and a typical I Frame, a 32 Regulation Police at the bottom. For what it is worth, the I frame could chamber the 38 S&W cartridge, but the cylinder was too short for a 38 Special. An I frame 38 Regulation Police was a five shooter because the cylinder was not large enough for six 38 caliber chambers.
Typical J frame, a Model 63 Stainless 22/32 Kit gun at the top, a typical I frame, the 32 Regulation Police at the bottom. Notice how much longer the J frame cylinder is. A J frame Model 36 Chief's Special is long enough for the 38 Special Cartridge, but the cylinder is only large enough for 5 38 caliber chamberes.
I posted this earlier, but I will post it again. Comparison of a typical K frame, a 38 Military and Police at the top and a typical I Frame, a 32 Regulation Police at the bottom. For what it is worth, the I frame could chamber the 38 S&W cartridge, but the cylinder was too short for a 38 Special. An I frame 38 Regulation Police was a five shooter because the cylinder was not large enough for six 38 caliber chambers.
Typical J frame, a Model 63 Stainless 22/32 Kit gun at the top, a typical I frame, the 32 Regulation Police at the bottom. Notice how much longer the J frame cylinder is. A J frame Model 36 Chief's Special is long enough for the 38 Special Cartridge, but the cylinder is only large enough for 5 38 caliber chamberes.
EMC45
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I have no doubt about the effectiveness of this cartridge and pistol combo. I put 50 rounds through my snub Model 31 today at 5-20 yards and it did fine. 2 handed, one handed and weak handed. No worries. I cleaned it up and it's riding my hip right now getting ready to pick my son up from work.
The load I shot today was 98gr. RCBS 32-098 over 2.8gr. Bullseye in mixed brass with Winchester SPP. My carry load is a 115gr Cast SWC.
The load I shot today was 98gr. RCBS 32-098 over 2.8gr. Bullseye in mixed brass with Winchester SPP. My carry load is a 115gr Cast SWC.
Then why do you argue incessantly to the contrary?
Why do you argue when I am agreeing with you?
ThomasT
Member
OK I measured the cylinder on my model 31-1 and according to Driftwood if its an I-Frame it would not be long enough to accommodate a 38 Special round. My cylinder measures 1.390" and a SWC load would just be able to fit. The bullet nose would be flush with the end of the cylinder. I am sure a Round Nose 38 Sp would be way too long. My model 34-1 22lr has a cylinder that measures 1.445 in length and a 38 SP would fit. Maybe even a RN load.
But in a side by side comparison the frames are the same size and the trigger guards are the same shape. I am going to assume the model 31-1 32 Long is a J-Frame gun. No matter really. It is what it is and its one of my favorite guns.
But in a side by side comparison the frames are the same size and the trigger guards are the same shape. I am going to assume the model 31-1 32 Long is a J-Frame gun. No matter really. It is what it is and its one of my favorite guns.
ThomasT
Member
Sounds like a good load with that 98gr load. But if you do a little looking you can find safe loads that will push that bullet a little faster. My 94gr load is getting 850fps from a 2" model 30-1 and I am not at the top of the load I could load. I just consider that good enough. And best of all it was surprisingly accurate. Thats a Lee 94gr SWCTL bullet I cast. No one should ever underestimate a 32 long revolver.
I'm not arguing I'm genuinely curious as to what caused the change of point of view.
OP
OP
Mr_Flintstone
Member
Is that a published load, and if so where might I find that data?
I do not recall having opined whether a six shot .32 or a five shot .38 would be superior.
Well please articulate why you believe that it's different than any other caliber war between two closely matched calibers?
It is about the cartridges and about capacity. Depending upon the circumstances, either could influence the outcome.
I do not consider the .32 Long and the .38 Special tp be "closely matched".
I didn't specify 38 special, now you're not just changing diameter but adding length.
Even so that's a mighty fine line you're walking on and while I believe you think you stay on it. I believe you're dancing on both sides.
I’m a big .32 fan, but bigger holes leak more, and give a better chance of clipping something important inside.
So, IMHO, a .38 is the better choice if caliber only is considered, whether it 5 vs or vice versa.
But the thread is about .32 caliber effectiveness.
It’s better than a sharp stick, no doubt, and I, as have millions of others, carried one, and will likely do so again.
Picking nits with people, and inserting info that has not been mentioned previously, simply to cloud the issue, side tracks threads, and convinces no one of anything.
So, IMHO, a .38 is the better choice if caliber only is considered, whether it 5 vs or vice versa.
But the thread is about .32 caliber effectiveness.
It’s better than a sharp stick, no doubt, and I, as have millions of others, carried one, and will likely do so again.
Picking nits with people, and inserting info that has not been mentioned previously, simply to cloud the issue, side tracks threads, and convinces no one of anything.
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