Love for. 32 carry revolvers

I carry a 431pd frequently. Usually loaded with 32 H&R magnum rounds.

Light gun (13.5oz), but not much recoil.

I also have S&W 331ti which is even lighter (11oz) but haven't started carrying it yet.

I have a Model 30 and Model 31 S&W's and they shoot crazy small groups with 32 S&WL target wadcutters. I do not get the same small groupings from my 32 H&R Mag (S&W 16-4) and 327 Fed Mag (GP100, SP101, and Single 7) pistols.

I'd really like S&W bring back the 32 S&WL K-frames in their Classic line or maybe Ruger make a two cylinder model of one of their pistols so that the accuracy advantages of the 32 S&WL round can be optimized.

Unfortunately, only about 3000 K-32's and Model 16-0 through 16-3 (32 S&WL chambering) were produced and they are about as rare as hen's teeth. About 8000 Model 16-4 (32 H&R chambering) were produced are are more available at price point a bit more reasonable than the K-32's.

I have a 6" Moel 16-4 but on the look out for a 4" 16-4 and 8-3/8" 16-4 (another hen's teeth revolver)

Well, everyone needs a "forlorn hope"'.

The 32-20 was a dynamite little cartridge. Shame folks don't see the inherent value in the firearms/cartridges their grandfathers carried and used bring home food. The 32 H&R mag is a ballistic revisiting of the 32-20. The .32 H&R mag. may have better brass, whoopie!

If something works, it works. One should never blame their lack of proficiency on the firearm nor the cartridge. Your ancestors are rolling their eyes in Heaven.

And the .350 Remington magnum was a dynamite cartridge if only Remington or anybody else had put a long enough barrel on it. We could talk forever about all of the perfectly fine cartridges that went away because nobody appreciated them and because they were blamed for the failures of their users. Learn to shoot / learn to hunt before blaming cartridges or rifles. Our grandfathers used these puppies to great success.
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The .32-20 was very popular around the turn of the 20th Century for rifles people used to hunt small game up to deer, but in a handgun it never reached near any amount of success compared to others like .32 S&W, .38 S&W and Special, .44 Special, and .45 S&W or Colt. I'd attribute that to the requirement of a larger frame for the long chamber and bullet. So, much like what we see today with the .327 in the Ruger Blackhawk and GP100, people are very leery about the concept of a smaller hot rod .32 in a larger revolver that is better suited for a bigger caliber like .357 Mag.

That's not to say there wouldn't be some appeal for a .32-20 single action for CAS, but other than that the .32-20 has become a relic with little practical use today in a handgun.

1950 i frame leaf mainspring.
Hard to find in a snubbie, loaded with buffalo bore hardcast wdcutters.

Seen today at my LGS—a S&W 631 32 magnum 4” Kit Gun. One of the other regulars snapped it up.

I added to my 32-revolver collection today (HaHa - collection is 2 guns, the other being a Ruger LCR in 327 Fed Mag). Picked up this beautiful 432PD. Very excited to get it to the range!

Was able to get all three of these this year. Really like the 32 magnum round and do carry that round in my Ruger LCR’s. Biggest obstacle with a J frame is deciding on the grips, there are so many functional and good looking grips. May carry the top one in my front pocket..

I bought this recently , a Model 1905 4th change made in 1930-31 and detail stripped it and am buffing each part as much as I can . It has a great barrel and cylinder but was stored in a sheepskin pistol case for 50 years since the later grips were fitted. I have an older nickel grip adapter for it and am putting it on after everything is lubed and assembled. The finish has some dark areas that will not buff out to match , but should look pretty kewl. I have a Colt first gen Bisley 5.5" 32-20 blued in about the same shape that shoots ok and a Uberti "Hartford" Model P 32-20 that shoots like a rifle and a 1892 Winchester from 1913 that shoot OK as the bore is a little worn . I load .32-20 for Sass and fun. I will be carrying this Model 1905 a bit with fairly hot hollowpoint 115 grain bullets I cast , I chose it over smaller cylinder Colt Police positives as I wanted to load a little warm , I got plenty.32 S&W pistols and even a snub H&R .32 Mag but they don't have class like this Model 1905 .32-20 . I have a nice cross draw high ride SD Myers floral carved holster for 4" K frames !

I have a S&W pre-model 30, Improved "I" frame, 3" flat-latch, all original that I really like, inherited from FIL. Would love suggestions on OWB holsters and reloading recipes. Thanks, Steve

steveus101 said:

I have a S&W pre-model 30, Improved "I" frame, 3" flat-latch, all original that I really like, inherited from FIL. Would love suggestions on OWB holsters and reloading recipes. Thanks, Steve

Click to expand...

Steve there is a .32 Long thread in the Reloading section below, good information there.

wcwhitey, thank you !

Beautiful handgun! Looks just like mine except mine is nickel. Same front sight ramp and flat latch

I've a 1920's .32 Colt Police Positive...small and light, surprisingly accurate, fits nicely in a coat pocket...admit I don't carry it. But I might.