32 spcl

[area51]

Can someone advise what year would be best to get for a 32spcl? Winchester or Marlin? I have a soft spot for my other Marlins.

Anyway, what metal alloy did Winchester use on their receivers back in the 70s? I read somewhere the blueing came off easily and it was hard to reblue...

 

[Coyote3855]

I would look for a Winchester Model 94 made before 1964, or a Marlin made before the Remington buyout. The .32 Special is considered an obsolescent cartridge and to the best of my knowledge, no current firearms are manufactured in this caliber. There are lots of .32 Special rifles and carbines for sale on the gun auction sites. Ammunition is still made, but is expensive.

Unless you have a particular hankering for a .32 Special, you will have a much broader and less expensive selection in .30-30.

 

[Gordon]

I would get the post 64 Wrangler made in 80s with the good XTR build years. They are unique and somewhat desireable , here are two currently on sale on Gunbroker. Expect to pay at least $600 , but value should hold in future and they are FUN! Ammo is easily made(if you have to) by necking up 30-30 brass a little.
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/848212575



https://www.gunbroker.com/item/839681791

 

[WestKentucky]

I have looked at 32s myself as I love .32 pistols and revolvers, a 32 rifle definitely tips my interest, so I have to ask... why a 32spl? 30-30, 32spl, 35rem all pretty close and you picked the least popular of the pile... I like your style by the way.

And for the record I vote Marlin. I don’t dislike Winchester levers, but I also have a huge soft spot for Marlin rifles. Butter smooth and always reliable.

I’m going to add a couple suggestions of “other” stuff to consider... Contender carbine, Remington 14 pump rifle, Ruger No2. Classic is classy!

 

[area51]

I have looked at 32s myself as I love .32 pistols and revolvers, a 32 rifle definitely tips my interest, so I have to ask... why a 32spl? 30-30, 32spl, 35rem all pretty close and you picked the least popular of the pile... I like your style by the way.

And for the record I vote Marlin. I don’t dislike Winchester levers, but I also have a huge soft spot for Marlin rifles. Butter smooth and always reliable


I’m going to add a couple suggestions of “other” stuff to consider... Contender carbine, Remington 14 pump rifle, Ruger No2. Classic is classy!

Just want to tinker with that caliber... besides, it’s missing from my lever collection
I’ll also look into the suggestions you made.

 

[Speedo66]

I thought .32 Spl. was a Winchester lever load, don't recall seeing Marlin levers in that cartridge. Marlins were always .35 Rem. if not .30-30.

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

Savage made 99s in .32spl. Just sayin.

 

[eastbank]

my two .32 specials, a early saddle ring carbine and a standard carbine.

 

[Bfh_auto]

Unless you absolutely want a 32, I don't recommend it. I have both and prefer the 30-30.

 

[Merle1]

I thought .32 Spl. was a Winchester lever load, don't recall seeing Marlin levers in that cartridge. Marlins were always .35 Rem. if not .30-30.

not so, I have Marlin (from 1953) in 32 special.

 

[Speedo66]

not so, I have Marlin (from 1953) in 32 special.

Thanks, always good to learn something new here.

 

[FROGO207]

You need to make sure if buying a really old one that the barrel was not used with black powder and is now shot out. I have an old Winchester that had the barrel replaced due to this. Mine has a replacement barrel with 1:12 twist like a 30-30 instead of the 1:16 standard twist. You will not likely find a shot out one made in the last 75 years or so either but just beware.

 

[Shanghai McCoy]

Mine is an early post war flat band 94 "Eastern" carbine.

 

[eastbank]

if you reload the 32 spl is a breeze to load for, 30-30 cases full lenth sized in the .32 spl size die and your ready to go. I have found 165-170 gr .321 dia bullets at 2100-2200 fps kills as good as the 30-30 in my book.