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Ever since I read the Lucky Gunner article “Why the Best Snub Nose Caliber is .32,” I’ve been intrigued by the idea of a snub revolver in .32 H&R Magnum. Why didn’t that caliber become more popular? S&W and Taurus used to carry snubs in that caliber, but they’re since discontinued. Used S&W snubs in .32 H&R Mag now run up to $1,000. Charter Arms is the only manufacturer making revolvers in .32 H&R Magnum.

Do you think .327 may be in the future for S&W? The idea of 6 rounds in a .327 vs 5 rounds in a .357 with similar performance seems like a “no-brainer.” Ruger’s .327 revolvers are the only option in that caliber. Regardless of supply issues, if there is demand, supply will catch up. Also, when .38 & .357 were flying off the shelf during the riots & pandemic, you could still find .32 in stock.
You’re echoing almost exactly what I started in:

The Rebith of 32s?

Also check out:
Stout but not excessive load for
32 H&R Magnum


And I too have become enamored with the 32 H&R Magnum!
 
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I’d love to see an adjustable sight, non heavy-barrel model 60 6-shot .327 4” as a modern day kit gun and another 2.5” or 3” for a bit more concealable package.
Great idea and hope Smith goes for it. But I'll take the same versions in a .32 H&R instead.
Ejecting .327's from that J frame would be just like the .357 cases in them now - sucks unless you really punch that ejector rod hard and fast.

I paid $330 for it at the time

Thanks for rubbing in your good fortune!;)
Believe they go for just a bit more now.

JT
 
Great idea and hope Smith goes for it. But I'll take the same versions in a .32 H&R instead.
Ejecting .327's from that J frame would be just like the .357 cases in them now - sucks unless you really punch that ejector rod hard and fast.



Thanks for rubbing in your good fortune!;)
Believe they go for just a bit more now.

JT
Makes sense. I don’t shoot magnums out of J frames, but I can see where the increased length of a magnum case could hang up upon ejection… especially on a true snub.

At least with a 3” or 4” J frame, a longer extractor rod can be used to help lift the .327 cases from the cylinder a bit higher. The 4” Model 34 and 3” Model 36 look like there should be just enough to pop out a .327 case without having to give it too much of a smack.

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Stay safe.
 
Once you get past the capacity in a similar size and cheaper pistol, the actual results in terms of accuracy are impressive. I have the LCP and Glock 27 and offhand I have trouble hitting at 25 yards, 50 is almost impossible. The Rock Island M206 snub .38, even the NAA Black Widow with the 4 inch barrel, I can hit at 50 yards with ease. I would imagine an LCR or a J frame I'd also have no issue.

The issue with lower recoil .38's is other than Hornady IDK who is making them and those 90 grain Hornady Critical Defense loads have penetration issues. I mean, I like them for home defense where I have concerns about overpenetration, but for carry I'd want something more, even if it was a .32 wadcutters in S&W Long.

We're talking pocket pistols here, 50 yards and even 25 would generally be considered out of their scope; 3-7 yards is more likely. That being said there's no reason a snub nose revolver would be more accurate than a mouse/microcompact pistol. While my j-frame 442 can be pretty accurate at 10-15 yards if I do my part, my LCP is equally accurate. My range has steel set up at 17 yards and I can reliably hit a 4" gong 6/7 shots with my original LCP and I don't think I could do better with my 442.
 
We're talking pocket pistols here, 50 yards and even 25 would generally be considered out of their scope; 3-7 yards is more likely.
Yes, and I'd ay 2-5.

That being said there's no reason a snub nose revolver would be more accurate than a mouse/microcompact pistol.
Yes, and the real question is which is better in rapid fire with combat accuracy.
 
Today I’m lovin’ the .32 H&R myself… my first 18 shots with this load combo at 20 yards landed in the blue. Load was a Brazos 100 gr WC over HP-38 (The sticker fell off the box and I can’t recall the charge weight for sure :(). I chunked the high-right shot, the fourth one from the second cylinder. Just got antsy and clenched the grip when I fired. Doh!

5F9995D9-D301-49C5-ACDB-06653C244688.jpeg

Surprisingly, my 100 gr SWC over 4.2 gr Unique shot about 6” higher than this one at the same distance. I’m used to faster loads shooting a bit lower when fired in a 6-6.5 inch barrel than slower Wadcutter loads that remain in the barrel a fraction of a second longer as the gun recoils up.

In any event…I really wanted a small frame single action .32 for rabbit hunting when I was a teen… now that I have a good one I just need to get out to rabbit country and give it a try :).

Stay safe.
 
Yes, and I'd ay 2-5.

Yes, and the real question is which is better in rapid fire with combat accuracy.

I'm comfortable with the combat accuracy (good upper torso hit) of my LCR and Beretta Bobcat to 15 yards. (On a stationary target with nobody trying to kill me)

0-15 yds is my primary concern but I always shoot further out in training.

It reminds me that without taking a slow, stationary shot a sheet of 11x8 paper can be easily missed at 25 yds with these guns.

Shooting full sized pistols well is a hell of a lot easier.
 
We're talking pocket pistols here, 50 yards and even 25 would generally be considered out of their scope; 3-7 yards is more likely.

Don't count on it. I have shot my 2" snubs over my buds pond at fist sized rocks on the far bank and the range is just over 40 yards. I can keep my shots all around the rocks in a group that would still be on a mans chest. Another friend was shooting his 2" model 10 at the same rocks and was doing almost as well as I was and he doesn't shoot very often at all. IIRC it was Wiley Clapp who clamped some snubs in a Ransom Rest and shot some very good 25 yard groups with them. The guns can do it. ts just hard to shoot them off hand without a real investment in practice.
 
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Today I’m lovin’ the .32 H&R myself… my first 18 shots with this load combo at 20 yards landed in the blue. Load was a Brazos 100 gr WC over HP-38 (The sticker fell off the box and I can’t recall the charge weight for sure :(). I chunked the high-right shot, the fourth one from the second cylinder. Just got antsy and clenched the grip when I fired. Doh!



Surprisingly, my 100 gr SWC over 4.2 gr Unique shot about 6” higher than this one at the same distance. I’m used to faster loads shooting a bit lower when fired in a 6-6.5 inch barrel than slower Wadcutter loads that remain in the barrel a fraction of a second longer as the gun recoils up.

In any event…I really wanted a small frame single action .32 for rabbit hunting when I was a teen… now that I have a good one I just need to get out to rabbit country and give it a try :).

Stay safe.
I too want a Ruger Lipsey Blackhawk chambered in 32 H&R Magnum!
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I carried a 31-1 loaded with wadcutters for a couple years. Not the most powerful, but a lot easier to shoot accurately and to get rapid followup shots.

Plus one more round than a 38 Snub.

Below is the 31-1 I carried. The ammo in the speedloader is Buffalo Bore 100 gr wadcutters which was my carry load. They are higher velocity than 38 target wadcutters that many use for self defense. And the same, or slightly greater muzzle energy.

They tend to penetrate a bit more that 38 target wadcutters too.

I carried a speed strip loader with BB's 115gr round nose flat point which are easier to reload quickly. Very good penetration also.

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I understand that various historical and economic factors have affected its popularity... and that's a darned shame.

IMHO, a 32 magnum revolver is an excellent SD handgun for someone who has weak/damaged hands or wrists, and/or is new to firearms (not a "gun person").

To me 32 S&W long doesn't recoil much more than a 22, but it shoots a bullet twice as heavy and 1.5 times the diameter.

I feel fine using good 32 H&R hollowpoints as SD ammo. Their effectiveness is similar to mild 38's, if I understand correctly.

I have yet to run across someone who can't shoot 22 handguns in general, or 32 S&W long revolvers. Some 32acp pistols are snappy. 380's and 38's are too much for some people.

I'd love to see a smaller five or six shot 32 magnum revolver for sale, but apparently economics dictate that they'll continue to be made on 38 frames. :(

This is a great one for a new shooter who is ready to move on from 22's. The large adjustable sights and long barrel make accuracy easy, which is important for new shooters. It's not a large frame, and the aluminum keeps the weight down. Still, it's heavy enough that 32 S&W long has insignificant recoil, and 32 H&R magnum doesn't feel like much more.

This is a valid SD handgun. It's my wife's for when I'm out of town, but I would put a spurless hammer on it and carry it, NP. I don't have any problems shooting my 38 special LCR right now. But as I get older, if I do to have problems, I'll switch to a 32. This CA is a pretty good option. (I guess I would get used to the color eventually.)

This is maybe why I'm not as impressed by 327 magnum as some other people are. My only 327 is this 4.2" Ruger SP101. It's a thick heavy revolver. Shooting 327's out of it is NBD. It makes a little more noise than the other 32's, but it doesn't have much more recoil. I have large insensitive hands, but my friend who was shooting it with me recently had the same opinion. It would be a good HD revolver... especially if the trigger was a bit better.
 
Don't count on it. I have shot my 2" snubs over my buds pond at fist sized rocks on the far bank and the range is just over 40 yards. I can keep my shots all around the rocks in a group that would still be on a mans chest. Anoter friend was shooting his 2" model 10 at the same rocks and was doing almost as well as I was and he doesn't shoot very often at all. IIRC it was Wiley Clapp who clamped some snubs in a Ransom Rest and shot some very good 25 yard groups with them. The guns can do it. ts just hard to shoot them off hand without a real investment in practice.

Which is why I said "generally". Snub noses are designed as easily concealed up close and personal self defense weapons. Sure, people like Bob Munden have proven they are capable of great accuracy, but aside from some trick shots and plinking at the range nobody is realistically using a snub nose to hunt deer or go into battle with.
 
Guilty! So let me make amends by posting what I’d love to wake up to and find under my Christmas tree.

S&W Model 332Ti Chambered in
.32 H&R Magnum
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View attachment 1019608
View attachment 1019609

I really really want one ……
https://charterfirearms.com/products/73220-undercoverette-ss-std

But my wallet says .. this
Charter Arms Undercoverette 6 shot 32 H&R now 6 shot with Aluminum frame @ 12oz .. $20 and
5 minutes it easily becomes a DAO
 
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i had a dismal experience with a charter arms 9mm revolver; roughly finished, poorly made, it literally bloodied my shooting hand. i really want an affordable, reliable 32 revolver. you gentlemen who have a c.a. undercoverette on 32mag, please share your thoughts! thanks!
 
Which is why I said "generally". Snub noses are designed as easily concealed up close and personal self defense weapons. Sure, people like Bob Munden have proven they are capable of great accuracy, but aside from some trick shots and plinking at the range nobody is realistically using a snub nose to hunt deer or go into battle with.

I don't think anyone here has promoted using a snubby as a deer slayer. Where did that come from? And no one recommended "going in to battle" with a snub either. I am sure everyone here is aware of what the usual use of a snub is. Up close and personal is what I use mine for.
 
I have the above Undercoverette. I bought it (lightly) used, and it's been completely reliable. You have to check the screws every so often to make sure they stay tight (true of every CA revolver).

I have another CA revolver that's also been completely reliable, a Bulldog (44 special). I also bought it used. It's been my EDC recently.

I bought a used 45acp... I think they call it the Pitbull? Some (fill in the blank) had obviously sold it to the LGS knowing that it didn't function correctly. I don't recall what the exact problem was. I sent it to Charter, they fixed it for free, and I had it back in a few weeks. It's worked fine ever since.

I bought a 2" Pathfinder NiB. It didn't function correctly. I sent it to them and they returned it. I'm still unhappy with it and need to get around to sending it back to them again.

So you rolls your dice and you takes your chances.

 
A relative bought a used .44 Bulldog. Probably less than ten years old. It would malfunction in DA. (Cylinder wouldn't always line up)

He was able to get a refund.

I liked the gun otherwise so I bought a brand new one this year knowing it was a dice roll to get a reliable gun.

It had an elevation and windage issue but biggest problem was DA light strikes. (This was in the first 50 rds)

I traded my relative for something else with disclosure. He said he was going to call Charter about it but hasn't. Score one for Charter I guess.

Oh, I traded for a Police trade-in Glock 39 GAP that loved assaulting my face with casings...he bought it back.

I keep several guns I dont have much use for but keep them just because they WORK. I've seen many, many lemons.
 
I understand that various historical and economic factors have affected its popularity... and that's a darned shame.

IMHO, a 32 magnum revolver is an excellent SD handgun for someone who has weak/damaged hands or wrists, and/or is new to firearms (not a "gun person").

To me 32 S&W long doesn't recoil much more than a 22, but it shoots a bullet twice as heavy and 1.5 times the diameter.

I feel fine using good 32 H&R hollowpoints as SD ammo. Their effectiveness is similar to mild 38's, if I understand correctly.

I have yet to run across someone who can't shoot 22 handguns in general, or 32 S&W long revolvers. Some 32acp pistols are snappy. 380's and 38's are too much for some people.

I'd love to see a smaller five or six shot 32 magnum revolver for sale, but apparently economics dictate that they'll continue to be made on 38 frames. :(

This is a great one for a new shooter who is ready to move on from 22's. The large adjustable sights and long barrel make accuracy easy, which is important for new shooters. It's not a large frame, and the aluminum keeps the weight down. Still, it's heavy enough that 32 S&W long has insignificant recoil, and 32 H&R magnum doesn't feel like much more.

This is a valid SD handgun. It's my wife's for when I'm out of town, but I would put a spurless hammer on it and carry it, NP. I don't have any problems shooting my 38 special LCR right now. But as I get older, if I do to have problems, I'll switch to a 32. This CA is a pretty good option. (I guess I would get used to the color eventually.)

This is maybe why I'm not as impressed by 327 magnum as some other people are. My only 327 is this 4.2" Ruger SP101. It's a thick heavy revolver. Shooting 327's out of it is NBD. It makes a little more noise than the other 32's, but it doesn't have much more recoil. I have large insensitive hands, but my friend who was shooting it with me recently had the same opinion. It would be a good HD revolver... especially if the trigger was a bit better.
I believe the 32 H&R Magnum is an excellent SD round for snubbies PERIOD! Regardless of whether you’re hand is hypersensitive to recoil or whether it’s suffering from arthritis or whether your hand is 100%

My hand is 100% and I agreed with the Lucky Gunner: “The Best Snub Nose Caliber is 32”
 
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