32 help, please?

[bannockburn]

susie

If you're recoil sensitive maybe consider a larger frame gun in .38 Special and use light target loads like factory wadcutters. They're very light in recoil even in smaller S&W J frame guns and extremely easy and relatively inexpensive to reload if you decide to go that route.

 

[tallpaul]

I am guessing english is a second language? Your post is clear as mud... you say full size and only the K frame Smith that was mentioned is a "full size" The other smith & wessons have smaller frames... the ruger single seven- which I think you mean when you say new model 7- is NOT a full size pistol. The sp101 mentioned is NOT full size....


the K frame smith and a ruger blackhawk were available in .32 as was a full size ruger GP 100...

 

[PabloJ]

The smaller than J frame revolvers are fine cute little guns. I think it's called a French Poodle or something similar? When someone all knowing and almighty tells you .32 isn't enough for defense the them that during certain Guadalcanal campaign of WWII a marine used .32 handgun family sent him to stop several Japanese attackers from coming into his bunker.

 

[Coyote3855]

I am guessing english is a second language? Your post is clear as mud... you say full size and only the K frame Smith that was mentioned is a "full size" The other smith & wessons have smaller frames... the ruger single seven- which I think you mean when you say new model 7- is NOT a full size pistol. The sp101 mentioned is NOT full size....

the K frame smith and a ruger blackhawk were available in .32 as was a full size ruger GP 100...

I know Suzi from her posts on this and other forums. Fairly sure she speaks English as well as you or I do. Not everyone is facile on a keyboard. She acquired, after much deliberation, a used S&W Model 15. As noted, she is recoil sensitive and appears very willing to learn more about handguns. No need to criticize her post. This should be a friendly place where old and new shooters feel free to ask questions and get respectfully answers.

Suzi, I've used Dillon products including reloaders for years. While I have not seen the specific ad, I doubt the company is lying. They have an excellent reputation for quality products and customer service, as in providing small parts for free upon inquiry and honoring a lifetime guarantee on their products. Reloading does require diligent adherence to process and attention to detail. But it is easily mastered and results in a significant ammunition cost saving.

 

[danez71]

It seems that every point you are given you have a counter point why it will not work. Good luck.

What I get from reading her replies is that she has looked into things and come to a conclusion of which direction SHE wants to go and that no one has offered her a different direction that she hasn't already looked into and determined it isn't the right direction for HER.

Sounds to me like she has done pretty good home work and is looking for input from people that have gone that same direction..


The only thing I don't understand, and it doesn't really matter if I do, is that I THINK she already has a Ruger Single 6 that she is happy with. If she does and is happy with it, I, personally, wouldn't be concerned about the Single 7 quality if it meets her other criteria. (Or maybe I'm mistaken... I think/thought she has a single 6 and a mark3)

 

[tallpaul]

coyote3855- if you were directing your post at me for being "disrespectful" you are way to sensitive and wrong. Her/his? post if clear as mud and asking for a full size gun and then everyone including single sixes j frames and sp101's is not clear at all-especially as asked or talked about.

If the uses are for target and a full size gun is desired the other answers for smaller frame guns are irrelevant. If she is a foreigner? Which is the way I am reading things at this point maybe she can find a .32 cal k frame in her country reasonable and easy. If one does not need the .327 a 32mag or even a 32 long would be great for target in a midsize to large frame gun.

 

[Triggernosis]

i'n not new to shooting. i have my own bulls eye range n a point shooting range.
what i am is recoil sensitive,
i shoot my 38 often but it's hard for me.
for fun i always pick up a 22.
i'm just trying to find a centerfire gun that doesn't recoil much.
my usual targets, in order are bunnies, paper n rattlers.
cans too, but i don't plink.
i work hard at every shot.
i shoot 800-1,000 rounds of 22 every month

My Ruger in .32 H&R doesn't recoil any noticeable amount more than my Ruger SP101 in .22.

 

[cal44mag]

Here is another option.

This one is a 431PD which I've posted about in other threads.

It's similar to the 31-1 I posted earlier, but has an aluminum frame and is lighter.

It weighs in at 13.5 oz, is also a 6 shooter, and shoots 32 H&R Magnum.

But these can be hard to find, but they do come up now and then.

 

[RealGun]

i'n not new to shooting. i have my own bulls eye range n a point shooting range.
what i am is recoil sensitive,
i shoot my 38 often but it's hard for me.
for fun i always pick up a 22.
i'm just trying to find a centerfire gun that doesn't recoil much.
my usual targets, in order are bunnies, paper n rattlers.
cans too, but i don't plink.
i work hard at every shot.
i shoot 800-1,000 rounds of 22 every month

You would love my S&W 30-1 in 32 S&W Long. It is incredibly accurate. I wouldn't bother with it though if I wasn't reloading my own ammo. I shoot ammo that is the same as what is stamped on the barrel, so I would not favor the idea of shooting 32 SWL in my various 327 Federal Magnums, perhaps joined one day by a rifle. The S&W 30-1 is a J-frame, 3", so it would be a good fit for the lady shooter of typical stature, who likes target shooting.
Got some pics of the gun.

 

[ThomasT]

What I get from reading her replies is that she has looked into things and come to a conclusion of which direction SHE wants to go and that no one has offered her a different direction that she hasn't already looked into and determined it isn't the right direction for HER.

Sounds to me like she has done pretty good home work and is looking for input from people that have gone that same direction..

Well Danez you may be correct. I have just ran out of suggestions for her. And I always suggest reloading to everyone because it opens up a whole new world of versatility for what ever gun you have. But I realize reloading is not for everyone. I hope she finds what she wants. Prices for S&W 32 revolvers have really increased in the last few years. I suggested reloading for what was already owned. It would save money over buying a gun with limited ammo supplies and availability. A gun you would almost have to reload for to shoot it. Reloading a 38 has to be the easiest caliber to reload. Success is almost guaranteed from the very start.

 

[RealGun]

Well Danez you may be correct. I have just ran out of suggestions for her. And I always suggest reloading to everyone because it opens up a whole new world of versatility for what ever gun you have. But I realize reloading is not for everyone. I hope she finds what she wants. Prices for S&W 32 revolvers have really increased in the last few years. I suggested reloading for what was already owned. It would save money over buying a gun with limited ammo supplies and availability. A gun you would almost have to reload for to shoot it. Reloading a 38 has to be the easiest caliber to reload. Success is almost guaranteed from the very start.

Ease of reloading is no different with 32 SWL. In fact, the shorter case makes smaller powder volumes easier to see before seating a bullet. Cheap lead bullets more likely intended for 32-20 shoot like a dream and with no barrel fouling at those velocities.

 

[eastbank]

my other .32,s(magnums). eastbank.

 

[ThomasT]

Ease of reloading is no different with 32 SWL. In fact, the shorter case makes smaller powder volumes easier to see before seating a bullet. Cheap lead bullets more likely intended for 32-20 shoot like a dream and with no barrel fouling at those velocities.

You are correct. The 32 is no harder to reload than the 38. But the OP already has a 38. A model 15 IIRC and thats a very fine revolver. A model 15 has been my loaded HD gun for way over 20 years. Loading any straight wall cartridge is pretty much the same. I am so glad I reload and cast my own bullets. It sure makes it cheap to shoot.

Eastbank nice 32 lever gun. I have one of those I bought when they first came out. I don't think I have a 100 rounds through it. As much as I like the 32 lever action I like the 357 much better. Matter of fact that is my number one most favorite firearm. I wish Marlin would do another run of them. I would buy a second one so both my sons would have one each when I'm gone.

 

[danez71]

Well Danez you may be correct. I have just ran out of suggestions for her. And I always suggest reloading to everyone because it opens up a whole new world of versatility for what ever gun you have. But I realize reloading is not for everyone. .

Well, I don't know if I am right or not, lol.

On a side note, I've been telling my self I should get into reloading for 9mm and shotgun. I've helped someone 30+ yrs ago so I know is not too difficult but honestly I feel a bit aprehensive and a bit overwhelmed so maybe I can count on you to hold my hand and help me work through it one day. I don't have anyone to rely on so I need someone willing to reply to forty-eleven PMs.

My reasoning is self sufficiency for the 9mm & shotgun (I doubt I'll save much if any with 9mm) and custom load (light/reduced recoil) Buck and maybe slugs for shotgun.

 

[cfullgraf]

And I always suggest reloading to everyone because it opens up a whole new world of versatility for what ever gun you have. But I realize reloading is not for everyone.

I agree. For me, reloading is another hobby that I enjoy. It keeps me in ammunition. It always saves me money over purchasing factory ammunition, even bargain priced, surplus stuff.

But, for some folks, they wish to spend their free time in other pursuits so sitting at the reloading bench is not time well spent to them. I respect that decision.

As you have said, reloading gives one lots of flexibility in loading specialized ammunition that is not available from commercial sources.

For suzieqz, if you do get into reloading, light 38 Special loads may satisfy your light recoil desires. If you do venture into 32 caliber handguns, reloading will provide budget priced ammunition. Components, even 32 caliber stuff, is much more available than loaded ammunition and will keep you shooting. But, as said, reloading for some folks is drudgery. Send me a PM and I'll be glad to anwer any questions that you have.

In the last couple years, I've gotten interested in 32 caliber revolvers, 327 Federal Magnum (SP101, Single 7, Bond Arms Derringer) and 32 H&R Magnum (S&W 16-4). Starline has brass . Berry sells 32 caliber plated wadcutters. Cast and jacketed 32 caliber bullets are available from many sources. With some adjustment, the reloading dies that I have can also load 32 S&W Long so I'm set for any 32 caliber gun that I might get in the future.

For Danez71, not to dissuade you from loading shot shells, but it is difficult to duplicate budget priced factory shells at a savings these days. I do not shoot much shotgun these days, but when I was shooting skeet competitively, I could load target loads in 20 ga., 28 ga., and .410 bore less than factory primarily because the target loads were premium priced shells at the time. I'd shoot factory new shells in tournaments in part to generate hulls for practice between tournaments. (side note, my 20 ga. averages were better than my 12 ga. averages, so I got where I shot 20 ga. in the 12 ga. events.)

But, if you are planning to reload something not readily available on the commercial market, then reloading is a real benefit.

 

[RealGun]

i expect a new gun to work instantly. i couldn't stand not being able to shoot new gun instantly. i don't care about customer service. i don't wanna use it.
s&ws won't shoot all 3 types of 32 ammo?
i really want that capability.
i'm not knocking rugers. i own 2.
they just don't display the craftmanship of older s&ws.

From what you have written and based on my experience with 32 S&W, 32 S&W Long, and especially 327 Federal Magnum, you will have an easier time getting a gun you like if you forget about 327 Federal Magnum capability, especially in terms of not wanting a Ruger.

There is no guarantee that a vintage S&W gun will not require some gunsmithing or even a trip back to S&W. However, with a new Ruger I would bet money on it. All but one of my several Rugers was a work in progress.I have done my share of business with Ruger customer service and have no complaints. The production of the original Single Sevens for Lipsey's though was poorly executed. They were not prepared to replace cylinders and made excuses for loading gates out of time, magically fixed in later production. The truth though is that the 32 caliber just b-a-r-e-l-y fits that 22 LR platform. I like mine though and am keeping them, a 4 5/8 and a 5.5, both repaired at significant expense.

 

[Tallball]

"From shortest to longest, there is 32 S&W, 32 S&W Long, 32 H&R Magnum and 327 Federal Magnum. Besides the power of the round, the difference between them is the length of the case. So, guns can shoot any of the rounds that are shorter than the one they are chambered for. A 32 H&R Magnum gun can also shoot 32 S&W and 32 S&W Long."

Words of wisdom. I have also found that some of my 32 revolvers will shoot 32acp and some won't. I only try it in my 32 magnums because 32acp has more pressure than the older rounds.

 

[Tallball]

I got into 32 revolvers because my daughter doesn't like recoil and my wife can't tolerate it at all due to wrist problems. There are various options.

If a snubby is okay, I am quite pleased with my Charter Arms Undercoverette in 32 H&R magnum - they are still being made and you can get one brand-new. I paid $225 for a barely used one. Apparently no one else wanted to bid on it because it was pink.

If a snubby is okay and it isn't for SD, the old H&R/NEF companies made a lot of 32 snubbies in short, long, and even magnum. I got a couple of the magnum ones for less than $150 each. They were inexpensive to begin with and I think the company finally went out of business a while back, but both of mine shoot just fine. Since they are cheap old guns and I have heard they don't wear well, I wouldn't count on them for SD, but they are just fine for plinking.

I think it's because 32 S&W short and long aren't popular these days... sometimes I will see the old ones, especially the old S&W Hand Ejectors, going for very cheap. I got one in S&W long for $125. The finish is damaged, but it shoots just fine. That being said, the sights are tiny and the trigger is a bit stiff.

I bought one of the Ruger SP101's in 327 magnum when they came out. I paid over $400 for it, which is something I very rarely do. It has nice sights, but the DA trigger is kind of stiff.

My favorite is my Single Six in 32 H&R magnum. I think it has a 6.5" barrel. I don't think they made a lot of them, but they do come up on Gunbroker from time to time. I was very patient and finally got one in decent shape for a little over $300. When I shoot 32 longs out of it, it doesn't feel a whole lot different than shooting my other Single Six that's a 22lr.

 

[danez71]

For Danez71, not to dissuade you from loading shot shells, but it is difficult to duplicate budget priced factory shells at a savings these days

But, if you are planning to reload something not readily available on the commercial market, then reloading is a real benefit.

I dont want to cause any more thread drift than I have already.

My main reasoning is self sufficiency for both 9mmm and shotgun. Next reason would be for making shot gun rounds that are "not readily available on the commercial market" as you say (or just harder to get/expensive). I may be able to make light recoiling 00 Buck and slugs for less per round than store bought stuff but I'm well aware that I may never recoup my investment in savings per round.

 

[RealGun]

I dont want to cause any more thread drift than I have already.

My main reasoning is self sufficiency for both 9mmm and shotgun. Next reason would be for making shot gun rounds that are "not readily available on the commercial market" as you say (or just harder to get/expensive). I may be able to make light recoiling 00 Buck and slugs for less per round than store bought stuff but I'm well aware that I may never recoup my investment in savings per round.

Cheaper to buy a 410.

 

[khari]

I haven't heard of any issues with the 4.2" SP101 in .327 FM. Have you considered that one? Or maybe look around for the 3" SP or 4" GP100? There's one of each on GB right now.

 

[RealGun]

I haven't heard of any issues with the 4.2" SP101 in .327 FM. Have you considered that one? Or maybe look around for the 3" SP or 4" GP100? There's one of each on GB right now.

That version of the SP101 327 is the one that gave me so much trouble. The mainspring was very stout. The action barely functioned, and the chambers needed to be finish reamed to prevent stuck cases at reduced pressures. I had to buy the reamer ($100+), because Ruger had no replacement cylinders at the time and I guess had not yet committed to making more of the guns. Least little problem, and they want you to trade in the gun, which seems an answer for being swamped with defective guns.

 

[ThomasT]

Cheaper to buy a 410.

Yep you can buy 410 shotguns pretty cheap. Thats why I had 5 of them. I gave one to my nephew. It was sort of a joke on his dad. His dad thought I was a great guy for giving his son a 410 shotgun. I even gave him him a few rounds to shoot. Then his dad went and bought the first box shells. He had a fit when he $14 for them.

I can't save any money loading shotgun shells for 20 and 12 guage. I don't shoot them that much. But I made a home made 410 shell loader. That made it affordable to shoot those little monsters. I even bought a .395 round ball mold and load a 3 ball .410 load. Its cool. And I wouldn't have a problem using them on a deer out to 25 yards in an emergency situation.

 

[danez71]

Cheaper to buy a 410.

Except that doesn't solve or even address my main reason which is, stating this for the 3rd or 4th time, self sufficiency.

 

[Sarge7402]

thanks guys.
no one has shot the 31?
nah, i'm not interested in a single 7.
the idea of sending a new gun back to ruger offends me.

I've owned the 31's slightly bigger brother the regulation police (a pre war on the old I frame). I'ts a great little shooter and definitely a big bore kit gun. Also don't forget the model 30 hand ejectors.