6 vs 5. . . Do you trust the .32 mag?
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Butch
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Yes & no.
Let me explain. There are much better calibers out there, for defence, but the 32 does fill one niche perfectly. I am an older shooter & at times have very severe pain in my hand from arthritis. The recoil of the 32 is almost too much at those times, but I can stand it, whereas even a 9mm is almost imposible to hold onto.
Yes I feel a little underguned with it but at least I am armed with something that is acceptible, as opposed to a 22 or 25.
As to the gun either the S&W or the Taurus are good weapons. just pick the one you like the feel of the best..
Oh, and dont leave out the Ruger.
Let me explain. There are much better calibers out there, for defence, but the 32 does fill one niche perfectly. I am an older shooter & at times have very severe pain in my hand from arthritis. The recoil of the 32 is almost too much at those times, but I can stand it, whereas even a 9mm is almost imposible to hold onto.
Yes I feel a little underguned with it but at least I am armed with something that is acceptible, as opposed to a 22 or 25.
As to the gun either the S&W or the Taurus are good weapons. just pick the one you like the feel of the best..
Oh, and dont leave out the Ruger.
only1asterisk
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I think there is a lack of good factory defensive ammo and practice ammo is more expensive than any other than maybe the 44 Special. Otherwise, it is an acceptable choice, esp. for the recoil sensitve and those with physical limitations.
David
David
Josey
member
It IS the 32 H&R Magnum. A Harrington & Richardson 6 shot 2" snubby for me.
The .32 magnum “under-whelms†me for defensive purposes, although I certainly agree with the points re physiological limitations. In a relatively similar sized revolver, you can employ 9x19s, .38 Specials, and even .357 magnums. Therefore, why go with the .32 magnum? As for the firearm, I would opt for the three inch barrel, Ruger SP101, six shot.
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HankB
Member
Butch articulated possibly the ONLY good reason to choose .32 H&R over other calibers available in similar-sized handguns: physical limitations.
Go ahead and hang the "Magnum" label on it if you want to - it's still a ballistic pipsqueak, especially from a short barrel. Yes, it's certainly better than nothing, and if it's all you have, use it. But if you have the opportunity to choose . . . choose wisely, and move up to at least a .38 Special.
As far as barrel length goes . . . if you're doing pocket carry, a 2" is generally indicated. If you're using an IWB holster, then go for a longer barrel; for the vast majority of people carrying IWB, barrel lengths up to 4" or more are not a problem.
Go ahead and hang the "Magnum" label on it if you want to - it's still a ballistic pipsqueak, especially from a short barrel. Yes, it's certainly better than nothing, and if it's all you have, use it. But if you have the opportunity to choose . . . choose wisely, and move up to at least a .38 Special.
As far as barrel length goes . . . if you're doing pocket carry, a 2" is generally indicated. If you're using an IWB holster, then go for a longer barrel; for the vast majority of people carrying IWB, barrel lengths up to 4" or more are not a problem.
Sean Smith
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I don't trust 10mm. I think .357 Magnum is borderline because the hole at the end of the barrel is too small. Trusting handguns, period, is wrong (.500 S&W Magnum notwithstanding).
If you can't shoot something stouter, then it is definitely better than nothing at all and a good choice. Otherwise, something bigger is in order.
If you can't shoot something stouter, then it is definitely better than nothing at all and a good choice. Otherwise, something bigger is in order.
Alfadog
Member
The .38 Special is a well-proven self defense cartridge. The .32 H&R Mag. is not.
I prefer not to be a test case.
I prefer not to be a test case.
I used to pack a mouse gun, a .32 Beretta Tomcat. I sold it. I bought a Smith and Wesson in .32 HR, the lightweight stainless Centennial, I forget the model. I got it because it was small, easy to conceal, held six rounds, and I figured it wouldn't be as punishing as a snubbie in .38 Special. It was indeed a pleasure to shoot and it was easy to pack.
I eventually gave up on mouse guns altogether and the smallest profile pistol I currently carry is a lightweight Commander sized .45 ACP. At 6'3" I can conceal a 1911 on my frame even in the summer by wearing a loose shirt and an IWB holster.
I know shot placement is everything, but I still feel like there are times when bigger is better. The .32 HR Mag Smith revolver is a nice little wheelgun, but it just wasn't for me. Still, I regret selling it because there are times when I want a pocket gun, but those are rare occasions.
I eventually gave up on mouse guns altogether and the smallest profile pistol I currently carry is a lightweight Commander sized .45 ACP. At 6'3" I can conceal a 1911 on my frame even in the summer by wearing a loose shirt and an IWB holster.
I know shot placement is everything, but I still feel like there are times when bigger is better. The .32 HR Mag Smith revolver is a nice little wheelgun, but it just wasn't for me. Still, I regret selling it because there are times when I want a pocket gun, but those are rare occasions.
When you get into the light weight 12oz revlovers, I prefer six rounds of .32mag over five rounds of .38special because I can better control where the bullets are going (a hit with a .32mag will do more damage than a miss with a .38special). This is not a problem, however, when carrying an all-steel revolver which better absorbs the recoil of a .38special.
I prefer the lite weight S&W 332 in and around the house (when wearing a robe or PJs, or hanging out in comfortable sweats, etc.) because I have a firearm on me which doesn't weigh me down and it can hold somebody off until I reach a more powerful caliber which is always nearby.
However, I would not feel comfortable with it being my being the sole gun that I would have to depend on. Both camps agree that it's better than a .32ACP but not as good as a .380ACP with regards to stopping power.
I prefer the lite weight S&W 332 in and around the house (when wearing a robe or PJs, or hanging out in comfortable sweats, etc.) because I have a firearm on me which doesn't weigh me down and it can hold somebody off until I reach a more powerful caliber which is always nearby.
However, I would not feel comfortable with it being my being the sole gun that I would have to depend on. Both camps agree that it's better than a .32ACP but not as good as a .380ACP with regards to stopping power.
only1asterisk
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If better factory loads were available I'd consider it preferable to the 380 as well. As it is, I think it's a draw. Comparing the platforms is apples and oranges. As RWK in small DA revolvers, the .32 Mag is chambered in revolvers the same size as 38 Specials and 357's, there is no advantage in the 32 unless you need the reduced recoil. It is a respectable choice, head and shoulders above the tradition pocket autos in 22 LR, 25 and 32 ACP.
As long as you fight to win the tools are secondary. We tend to talk about them a lot because we take the mental aspect for a given.
If they made a five shot 32 Mag a good deal smaller than current J frames and loaded it to 30,000psi with a properly engineered bullet, I still wouldn't carry one (it would be a neat little revolver).
David
As long as you fight to win the tools are secondary. We tend to talk about them a lot because we take the mental aspect for a given.
If they made a five shot 32 Mag a good deal smaller than current J frames and loaded it to 30,000psi with a properly engineered bullet, I still wouldn't carry one (it would be a neat little revolver).
David
Kentucky Rifle
Member In Memoriam
Well, I guess you figured I'd reply here...
At all times-no matter what is on my hip and in my pocket, there is a .32 H&R mag revolver on my ankle in a Galco ankle glove. In fact, I've got TWO .32 mag snubs to choose from. A S&W "AirLite Ti" model 331 with thin, slick walnut grips and a Taurus 731 which my friend at Taurus USA had built especially for me. You see, sometimes I've got that arthritis problem too. The double action trigger pull on the Taurus has been reduced by half. Even the cylinder latch lever is fairly (but not too) easy to push forward.
I love them. Tamara put me on to some ammo from Georgia Arms that's pretty stout.
KR
At all times-no matter what is on my hip and in my pocket, there is a .32 H&R mag revolver on my ankle in a Galco ankle glove. In fact, I've got TWO .32 mag snubs to choose from. A S&W "AirLite Ti" model 331 with thin, slick walnut grips and a Taurus 731 which my friend at Taurus USA had built especially for me. You see, sometimes I've got that arthritis problem too. The double action trigger pull on the Taurus has been reduced by half. Even the cylinder latch lever is fairly (but not too) easy to push forward.
I love them. Tamara put me on to some ammo from Georgia Arms that's pretty stout.
KR
Yes I trust it.
There are a lot of people with physical limitations on recoil: some handicapped people, some women, some senior citizens, etc.
I have arthritis and have had hand surgery in the past to replace joints. My left hand is held together by 4 screws and my right hand is arthritic and my right wrist is fused.
I'm very recoil sensitive. I have three choices really: .32 ACP, .380 ACP, or .32 Mag. That's after my surgery is healed for many years. In the past, I would have been limited to a 4" barrel .22 Mag. However, I don't think the .22 Mag is really all that bad from a 4" barrel, if a person has good aim.
Of these four cartridges, I think the .32 Mag is best because underpenetration is not an issue and the bullet is fatter than a .22 or .25. The .32 Mag is also fast enough to have a fair chance at expansion. All this with my 3" barrel Ruger SP101. The .32 Mag is the king of the pip-squeaks. From a 3" barrel Ruger I feel well armed. I'm already a pretty good shot now.
Unfortuneately the Ruger SP101 with 3" barrel does not carry well in a pocket. It's small enough for some coat pockets, but to heavy. It needs a holster or fanny pack.
For a good pocket option, I like a Bersa or Firestorm .380. I actually prefer the Firestorm for its rounded trigger guard that slides into pockets easier without snagging or tearing-wearing holes in pockets. I also think the Firestorm has better sights than Bersa.
In .32 Mag, the Taurus 2" snubby is the best pocket gun, in my opinion. This is a good pocket gun, if you bobb the hammer. It is recoil managable (barely) if you use the "short barrel" ammo from Stars and Stripes.
The S&W .32 Mags are too light and the recoil is reputedly fierce. If you can handle that, then you're not recoil sensitive. If you're not recoil sensitive, why would you shoot .32 Mag?
The .32 Mags all offer 6 rounds in small frames that would only offer 5 rounds of .38 Spl. I think 6 rounds of .32 Mag is about as good as 5 rounds of .38 Spl. In any case, it doesn't matter if it's as good or not because .38 Spl is to much recoil for me.
If you're recoil sensitive, the .32 Mag rules. I'd guess it's better than a .380 ACP because the .32M is reputed to give good penetration with expansion.
If you're not recoil sensitive, there might be better pocket revolver choices, but don't think the .32M is useless. It's a serious gun. If you shoot one you will know that right off.
There are a lot of people with physical limitations on recoil: some handicapped people, some women, some senior citizens, etc.
I have arthritis and have had hand surgery in the past to replace joints. My left hand is held together by 4 screws and my right hand is arthritic and my right wrist is fused.
I'm very recoil sensitive. I have three choices really: .32 ACP, .380 ACP, or .32 Mag. That's after my surgery is healed for many years. In the past, I would have been limited to a 4" barrel .22 Mag. However, I don't think the .22 Mag is really all that bad from a 4" barrel, if a person has good aim.
Of these four cartridges, I think the .32 Mag is best because underpenetration is not an issue and the bullet is fatter than a .22 or .25. The .32 Mag is also fast enough to have a fair chance at expansion. All this with my 3" barrel Ruger SP101. The .32 Mag is the king of the pip-squeaks. From a 3" barrel Ruger I feel well armed. I'm already a pretty good shot now.
Unfortuneately the Ruger SP101 with 3" barrel does not carry well in a pocket. It's small enough for some coat pockets, but to heavy. It needs a holster or fanny pack.
For a good pocket option, I like a Bersa or Firestorm .380. I actually prefer the Firestorm for its rounded trigger guard that slides into pockets easier without snagging or tearing-wearing holes in pockets. I also think the Firestorm has better sights than Bersa.
In .32 Mag, the Taurus 2" snubby is the best pocket gun, in my opinion. This is a good pocket gun, if you bobb the hammer. It is recoil managable (barely) if you use the "short barrel" ammo from Stars and Stripes.
The S&W .32 Mags are too light and the recoil is reputedly fierce. If you can handle that, then you're not recoil sensitive. If you're not recoil sensitive, why would you shoot .32 Mag?
The .32 Mags all offer 6 rounds in small frames that would only offer 5 rounds of .38 Spl. I think 6 rounds of .32 Mag is about as good as 5 rounds of .38 Spl. In any case, it doesn't matter if it's as good or not because .38 Spl is to much recoil for me.
If you're recoil sensitive, the .32 Mag rules. I'd guess it's better than a .380 ACP because the .32M is reputed to give good penetration with expansion.
If you're not recoil sensitive, there might be better pocket revolver choices, but don't think the .32M is useless. It's a serious gun. If you shoot one you will know that right off.
FYI - Accuracy with a .32M will get it done
Regarding all the doubts about .32 Mag. It's got the penetration and some mass and diameter to work with. If you combine that with marksmenship, your in good shape.
I do my target practice starting just before dusk so I get in some daylight practice. Then I continue until 30 minutes after dark.
In this way, I get practice in daylight, at dusk, and after dark. I get my most practice after dark.
I started doing this because I live in WA State and it gets dark soon after I get off work in later winter and early spring. In mid-winter it gets dark at 4:30 PM. So I started practicing this way because I couldn't get to the shooting range any sooner.
However, I developed the ability to shoot well in daylight, dusk (twilight) and in the dark by moonlight or even starlight. I don't have a laser or any other gadgets.
I use the sights during daylight at 15 yards. At twilight I used sights until it's tough to see them, then I point shoot. All twilight shooting done at 10 yards. After dark I do all point shooting at 7 yards.
My cousin is an excellent shot with his .44 Magnum in daylight, but he never in his life target practiced after dark.
He and I normally practice solitary, but on a few occasion we shot together.
He can outshoot me in daylight, but that's how he does all his practice. He's really good and put's multiple shots through the same hole at 15 yards.
However, at twilight we are equally decent shots.
After dark I'm still hitting the target point shooting at 7 yards and I'm all in the second ring out or closer. Some bulls eyes too. He's missing the target entirely, but then he never practiced after dark before.
The point is this: Practice under the conditions you might need to shoot for self defense. When I first started practicing in the dark, I couldn't even find the safety to put it off. After practice, I can now draw, knock safety off, and then speed shoot my .32 ACP Firestorm with all center mass hits in second ring and first ring. Same with my .32Mag Ruger SP101.
In the dark, I'm hitting center mass consistently with my .32s and my cousin is missing consistently with his .44 Mag. Sometimes he completely misses the man sized target. He can't do any better with my .32s either. He has no experience in the dark and no experience point shooting. He says the muzzle flash blinds him and he can't see the target at all. That's because he's trying to use the sights by moonlight (big mistake).
My eyes are no better than his, but I don't have any muzzle flash problems after dark. Why? Because I'm only looking at the target, not the gun or sights. It's like when an oncoming car has bright lights aimed at you when you're driving. If you look at the oncoming lights you'll go blind. If you avert your eyes from the oncoming car lights, you can still see the road. Same thing here. I do it without even thinking because I've been practicing this way for some time.
The bottom line is this: A .32 Mag will get it done if you can hit your target center mass consistently in all conditions. I also do this in the rain and cold.
My cousin is an expert marksmen under ideal daylight, warm, dry conditions as he practices in. I'm a decent shot under all conditions.
My .32 Mag or even my .32 ACP are more deadly in my hands at night than his .44 Mag in his.
Accuracy counts more than caliber. So yes, the .32 Mag can get it done.
Regarding all the doubts about .32 Mag. It's got the penetration and some mass and diameter to work with. If you combine that with marksmenship, your in good shape.
I do my target practice starting just before dusk so I get in some daylight practice. Then I continue until 30 minutes after dark.
In this way, I get practice in daylight, at dusk, and after dark. I get my most practice after dark.
I started doing this because I live in WA State and it gets dark soon after I get off work in later winter and early spring. In mid-winter it gets dark at 4:30 PM. So I started practicing this way because I couldn't get to the shooting range any sooner.
However, I developed the ability to shoot well in daylight, dusk (twilight) and in the dark by moonlight or even starlight. I don't have a laser or any other gadgets.
I use the sights during daylight at 15 yards. At twilight I used sights until it's tough to see them, then I point shoot. All twilight shooting done at 10 yards. After dark I do all point shooting at 7 yards.
My cousin is an excellent shot with his .44 Magnum in daylight, but he never in his life target practiced after dark.
He and I normally practice solitary, but on a few occasion we shot together.
He can outshoot me in daylight, but that's how he does all his practice. He's really good and put's multiple shots through the same hole at 15 yards.
However, at twilight we are equally decent shots.
After dark I'm still hitting the target point shooting at 7 yards and I'm all in the second ring out or closer. Some bulls eyes too. He's missing the target entirely, but then he never practiced after dark before.
The point is this: Practice under the conditions you might need to shoot for self defense. When I first started practicing in the dark, I couldn't even find the safety to put it off. After practice, I can now draw, knock safety off, and then speed shoot my .32 ACP Firestorm with all center mass hits in second ring and first ring. Same with my .32Mag Ruger SP101.
In the dark, I'm hitting center mass consistently with my .32s and my cousin is missing consistently with his .44 Mag. Sometimes he completely misses the man sized target. He can't do any better with my .32s either. He has no experience in the dark and no experience point shooting. He says the muzzle flash blinds him and he can't see the target at all. That's because he's trying to use the sights by moonlight (big mistake).
My eyes are no better than his, but I don't have any muzzle flash problems after dark. Why? Because I'm only looking at the target, not the gun or sights. It's like when an oncoming car has bright lights aimed at you when you're driving. If you look at the oncoming lights you'll go blind. If you avert your eyes from the oncoming car lights, you can still see the road. Same thing here. I do it without even thinking because I've been practicing this way for some time.
The bottom line is this: A .32 Mag will get it done if you can hit your target center mass consistently in all conditions. I also do this in the rain and cold.
My cousin is an expert marksmen under ideal daylight, warm, dry conditions as he practices in. I'm a decent shot under all conditions.
My .32 Mag or even my .32 ACP are more deadly in my hands at night than his .44 Mag in his.
Accuracy counts more than caliber. So yes, the .32 Mag can get it done.
Stainz
Member
I did a little math, and considering the following:
S&W 642 .38 158gr LHPSWC +P 840 fps
RE (Recoil Energy) = 6 ft-lb
KE (Kinetic Energy) = 247 ft-lb
S&W 432PD .32 H&R 100gr JHP 1,050 fps
RE = 3.6 ft-lb
KE = 244 ft-lb
S&W 351PD .22 WMR 40gr JHP 1,400 fps
RE = 1.4 ft-lb
KE = 177 ft-lb
The .38 velocity was chrono-ed from my 2" 10, the .32 velocity was reported elsewhere by a 432 owner, and the .22 WMR was a guesstimate from the chrono-ed 1,470 fps from a 4.6" Ruger SS. The 432PD loaded with the GA Arms ammo I listed should be an excellent stopper... should be. The old 'FBI load' , the venerable 158gr +P LHPSWC, IS a good stopper. Still, that .32 is just over half the recoil... neat little round, and, you can plink with cheaper .32 S&WL's, too. Still, the .22 WMR could do some real damage, with proper shot placement, and is the same price as lead .38's for plinking... but, none of these are plinkers!
I still have my eye on a 432PD, the hammerless .32 that, apparently, S&W has recently dropped.
Stainz
PS I have the listed 'FBI load' in my 2" 10.
S&W 642 .38 158gr LHPSWC +P 840 fps
RE (Recoil Energy) = 6 ft-lb
KE (Kinetic Energy) = 247 ft-lb
S&W 432PD .32 H&R 100gr JHP 1,050 fps
RE = 3.6 ft-lb
KE = 244 ft-lb
S&W 351PD .22 WMR 40gr JHP 1,400 fps
RE = 1.4 ft-lb
KE = 177 ft-lb
The .38 velocity was chrono-ed from my 2" 10, the .32 velocity was reported elsewhere by a 432 owner, and the .22 WMR was a guesstimate from the chrono-ed 1,470 fps from a 4.6" Ruger SS. The 432PD loaded with the GA Arms ammo I listed should be an excellent stopper... should be. The old 'FBI load' , the venerable 158gr +P LHPSWC, IS a good stopper. Still, that .32 is just over half the recoil... neat little round, and, you can plink with cheaper .32 S&WL's, too. Still, the .22 WMR could do some real damage, with proper shot placement, and is the same price as lead .38's for plinking... but, none of these are plinkers!
I still have my eye on a 432PD, the hammerless .32 that, apparently, S&W has recently dropped.
Stainz
PS I have the listed 'FBI load' in my 2" 10.
mountain_cowboy
Member
Those who complain about a lack of inexpensive and effective factory loads must not know about Georgia Arms. They have 85 gr. and 100 gr. hollowpoints that get around 1150 fps out of my SP101. They are also only $12.50/50. I wouldn't call that cheap, but I don't think it's expensive either. You can order from Georgia Arms online with shipping that's not too bad. They also show up at the larger shows in the southeast, like the Raleigh shows here. I always call them a few days before the show to put in my order. They have it bagged up and waiting for me when I get to the show to look around.
The problem with factory loads isn't the brass, it's the bullet. Bullet companies just don't put that much time into designing .32 magnum bullets, because it's a very small market. This plus the comparative lack of testing mean that there's really no way of knowing how well the bullet's going to perform, especially through heavy clothing.
If you compare the Georgia Arms 100 gr JHP to any old 148 gr wadcutter, out of a 14 ounce gun (loaded weight)...
.32 magnum, 100 gr @ 1050 fps
tissue crushed - 16-21 grams
recoil velocity - 18.3 fps
recoil acceleration - 1349 Gs
.38 wadcutter, 148 gr @ 750 fps
tissue crushed - around 15 grams
recoil velocity - 18.7 fps
recoil acceleration - 909 Gs
.38 Speer short barrel, 135 gr @ 860 fps
tissue crushed - about 22-25 grams
recoil velocity - 19.8 fps
recoil acceleration - 1102 Gs
So a .38 snub lets you use either wadcutters, which are practically identical to the upper end .32 mag loads, or more powerful ammo that doesn't recoil too much worse.
If you compare the Georgia Arms 100 gr JHP to any old 148 gr wadcutter, out of a 14 ounce gun (loaded weight)...
.32 magnum, 100 gr @ 1050 fps
tissue crushed - 16-21 grams
recoil velocity - 18.3 fps
recoil acceleration - 1349 Gs
.38 wadcutter, 148 gr @ 750 fps
tissue crushed - around 15 grams
recoil velocity - 18.7 fps
recoil acceleration - 909 Gs
.38 Speer short barrel, 135 gr @ 860 fps
tissue crushed - about 22-25 grams
recoil velocity - 19.8 fps
recoil acceleration - 1102 Gs
So a .38 snub lets you use either wadcutters, which are practically identical to the upper end .32 mag loads, or more powerful ammo that doesn't recoil too much worse.
I like the .32mag and wouldn't feel any less armed with it than a .38spl, and I'd feel better knowing I had an extra round. I own an SP-101 3" in .32mag and while I don't carry it for defense I wouldn't have a problem with it. I can hit with it very well out to 25 yards and the handloads I've put together perform pretty nicely although I won't list them here for obvious reasons. The lack of recoil is a major asset in fast & accurate follow up shots and I can get off two or more in the time you can get off one and get back on target with a .357 on the same platform and I defy you to tell me two hits of hot .32mag don't trump one .357.
In my estimation it's shot placement, quick follow-ups and shooting until the target is no longer a threat. One shot stops are for fools and numbers never tell the whole story.
In my estimation it's shot placement, quick follow-ups and shooting until the target is no longer a threat. One shot stops are for fools and numbers never tell the whole story.
nero45acp
Member
Do I trust it?....
I'm carrying a S&W 432PD right now.
nero
I'm carrying a S&W 432PD right now.
nero
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