.32-20WCF or .25-20 firearm of choice...

[Furncliff]

I posted in the Reloading section about my interest in the older cartridges. If you have some experience with these old rounds I'd like to get your advise on the firearms (rifle or revolver), what to look for what to avoid. I'm not a collector, all my shooting is just for fun, I'd like to keep my budget maximum around $1000.

Thanks for your help.

 

[natman]

A couple of choices. Savage made a bolt action in 32-20, 25-20 and 22 Hornet called the Model 23. IIRC, the 23A was a 22LR, the 23B was in 25-20, the 23C was in 32-20 and the 23D was in 22 Hornet.

A really sweet 32-20 is a Browning reproduction of a model 53 lever action, a variation of the Winchester 92. Typical high Miroku quality and a very pretty gun.

 

[CraigC]

My favorite and currently only .32-20 long gun is the aforementioned Browning 53. It's a beautiful and accurate rifle. Its strength allows me to get the most from the cartridge. A Speer or Hornady 100gr JHP at 2000fps is nasty on varmints.

I long for a svelte single shot chambered in the cartridge. Something like a scaled down Ruger No.1 with beautiful wood, a 24" barrel and no more than 6lbs would be wonderful!

 

[Dr.Rob]

You can usually find a recent mfg Marlin 1894CL in 32-20 unfired for around 8 bills. You have to shop around, they aren't common.

 

[Jim Watson]

We had a guy shooting a Marlin 27 in .25-20 in the early days of CAS when its six shot capacity was enough. He was fast as a snake with that pumpgun but when they started calling for 10 shot strings with the carbine, he had to hang it up and get a lever action.

Of course it is long obsolete and repair parts would be hard to find.

 

[Dr.Rob]

There are two model 27's on gunbroker right now, one is complete, the other a 'project' gun.

 

[metalart]

I have a winchester model 53, love shooting it! The 32-20win ammo is a bit pricey so looking at getting into reloading for it. Shoots like a dream

 

[Furncliff]

I've been reloading pistol cartridges for the last few years. I wouldn't consider these older calibers if I wasn't reloading

 

[montanaoffroader]

I occasionally shoot a Model 92 Winchester in .25-20, it's a nice mild shooting outfit, works great for small game or just plinking. I generally shoot cast bullet handloads out of it.

With a little shopping you can still get a decent shooter for under a grand, as long as you don't insist on a perfect finish.

Good luck on your search..........

 

[Tinpig]

I don't have a rifle in .32-20 but I do have a S&W Hand Ejector in that caliber which is a lot of fun to shoot.

Ammo is hard to find and expensive, but a friend gave me this old Lyman handloader which is quite appropriate for the old revolver:



Tinpig

 

[Maple_City_Woodsman]

A Browning 53.