.32 or .38

[P. Plainsman]

Say, I like that "cheesy windage-only adjustable sight on the [.32] SP101"!

It gives a good sight picture for quick, aimed shots, especially once I installed a larger front sight with a tritium dot. Yes, I decided to make the Ruger into a project gun, the "Ultimate .32 H&R Magnum Defense Handgun!!!!(!!!!)". It was either a tritium dot or an ACOG.

I admit I have not needed to adjust windage. A fully adjustable sight would be nice, since the gun does hit 2" - 3" high with its usual load, the 85 grain Georgia Arms JHPs. But I just use a 6 o'clock hold on target and things work out fine.

 

[mfree]

GA Arms 100gr H&R .32 in a 432PD has *much* less motile recoil than even federal 130gr FMJ .38spl target stuff out of a 640.

It's the shock recoil that's right up there *smack*

 

[Steve C]

How about a Colt Police Positive?

Take a look at a Colt Police Positive. It has a smaller size than a Smith M10, can be found in both the .32 and .38spl. Since it was a police issue for many years, 4" barrel pistols are plentiful. You can find very nice .32's in the $300 price range and if you want a magnum you can have a gunsmith ream the chambers as the cylinder is plenty strong enough. I've seen a couple Colts that have been modified to fire the .32 mag.

 

[tbeb]

FWIW, I would not go below .38 special or 9mm. My wife is petite and settled on a Ruger Speed Six with stock grips, and .38 special +P 125 gr. JHP ammo. The reach to the trigger was a smidgeon less than a Smith & Wesson Model 10 with stock grips. She is not into guns, and does not like a lot of recoil. She also tried a Ruger P-95 which is a 9mm semi-automatic pistol. She shot the Speed Six much better.