32ACP vs. .38 S&W

[SMLE]

The only differance between the .38 S&W and the .38/200 is bullet weight. They are interchangable othewise. the Brits called it the ".380" revolver.

The problem with converting a .38 S&W to .38 Spec. is that the .38 S&W is larger in diameter, so you have reduced accuracy and the cases bulge in the chambers causing difficulty in extraction.

The Webley and Enfield .380 revolvers were made with a short cylinder that isn't long enough for .38 Spec. The S&W revolvers that were made for the Brits were standard M&Ps. The cylinders are long enough, but you still have the diameter probelm. Since the S&Ws are basically the same as the Model 10, you could load .38 S&W for them a little hotter than factory fodder, but using reloads for defense has a variety of "issues".

For carry, go with the Walther after you give a good check out. Load up the Revolver and keep by the bed. The .38 S&W is also a great fun gun, and a good round for smaller shooters to enjoy.

 

[Kentucky Rifle]

Mike...

The only difference in my 36 and my Father's snub was the chambering and the grips. Everything else was the same. Side by side, both pistols looked the same. He called it a Chief's Special and it is all steel. My sister still has it.
Odd huh?

Will

 

[BluesBear]

Kentucky Rifle,
What your sister has it either a Model 30 if it's a round butt or a Model 31 if it's a square butt.

If you get the chance compare them side by each and make sure the .32 doesn't have a slightly shorter frame. If it does it's oneof the older ones made on the old I-frame. They changed from the I-frame to the J-frame in 1961.

 

[Mike Irwin]

Blues Bear beat me to the punch.

I've got a 2" Model 30 and it's identical to the Model 36 in every way... Except for caliber.

 

[berto]

I'll pick the .38 S@W.

It's true finding the .38/200 is very difficult unless you reload and the 145gr load doesn't up the velocity much if any over the .38/200 load...roughly 680-700fps.THe British were satisfied with the .38/200 load because if it's tendancy to tumble or flatten-I recall even Elmer Keith attesting to it having decent knockdown power (if that's worth anything )

My Enfield No2 Mk 1 has no trouble blasting through 2x6 boards and even though the trigger is heavy,I find it easier to accurately place my shots at longer distances than the 1907 Savage .32 auto I had.

 

[rjk2475]

BluesBear--did you ever use your j. p. sauer? how reliable was it? if possible, why did you get rid of it? rjk

 

[Roadkill]

I have both guns and shoot them frequently. Also reload for both. My Walther is accurate out to about 20yds at a 10" bull without any problem, but I shoot it a lot and with 110g FMJ or LRNs it is very reliable. The Webley is decent but bulky, slow, hard trigger, and klutzy. But it shoots. 150g LRN with medium load is not as accurate as the PP but the sights are terrible. Its impossible to shoot accurately with double action. They are by no means modern but my PP is my primary CCW. It for me is the medium of being armed but not to the point of getting aggressive, Hell, if James Bond used it ...

rk

 

[Andrew Wyatt]

I'd take the .38 smith and wesson, provided you could get some of the 200 grain ammo for it.

 

[guy sajer]

As both calibers are marginal defense calibers by todays "standards" ,(Although 60 yrs ago and before , millions carried these 2 calibers with confidence ) I think DMK answered his own question . *Let the friend shoot both and see which he is most comfortable/proficient with .

I'm somewhat surprised to see all of the concern over the Walther's unreliability ?

 

[DMK]

Well it turns out that the .32 auto worked just fine (with FMJ) even though it really needed a good cleaning. He didn't like shooting it though and didn't do that well with it. I think his hands are too big for it. I shot it and the gun was accurate.

He shot the revolver much better and enjoyed shooting it more so I that's probably the one he's going to use. I told him it's probably a wash so he should use the one he feels more comfortable with. I just hope he gets some more practice and doesn't let them sit for another 10 or so years.