And people wonder why I want a snub nosed .32-20 
A wish for the rebirth of classic pocket revolvers
- Thread starter ArmedOkie
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gotboostvr
Member
I think a properly sized 32 cal 5 shot snub something along an updated I frame smith and wesson would still have a place in the market.
At the time NAA (and, rumor had it, Freedom Arms) was exploring the idea, I wondered why it would not be a simple matter to simply enlarge the very successful .22 Magnum mini-revolver to accept a .32 acp that spaced on the mouth just as the successful Ruger Blackhawk does with 9mm and .45 acp. The revolver in .32 would be significantly larger than the .22 Mag version but would still be quite small.
I am certainly ignorant of many things, so perhaps there are engineering reasons it would not work but small Derringers in .32 acp worked just fine.
I suspect I would buy one just for the novelty if nothing else.
I am certainly ignorant of many things, so perhaps there are engineering reasons it would not work but small Derringers in .32 acp worked just fine.
I suspect I would buy one just for the novelty if nothing else.
.455_Hunter
Member
An Iver Johnson SA/DA or DAO five-shot .32 bicycle gun is WAY smaller than a J-frame. I imagine an NAA style SA gun could be even smaller. Five rounds of hot .32 acp is an excellent BUG, or primary when the utmost concealibility is required.
I wouldn't want a single action spur trigger revolver for carry purposes, but I'd love a small DA revolver. I've heard that part of the problem is making the small internal parts strong enough to hold up over the long term, and that's why so many of the old H&R and IJ revolvers have timing and lockup issues.
Bama Drifter
Member
Not to be the only pessimist, but realistically it is more of a sales and marketing hurdle than engineering problem. Having worked in several gun shops, including the gun counter of BIG HUGE outdoors store, I see little to no demand for a .32 revolver. The few times we stocked anything in .327 Federal Mag it sat for weeks with no interest. Our staff had to really "sell it hard". Honestly the idea is sound, but with ammo availability and lukewarm support from gun shops, I don't see it gaining traction. Perhaps as a Talo Exclusive with primary sales via Budsgunshop, Gallery of Guns, etc. it might work. As it is, the Ruger LCR .22mag is the closest to what you want. Good luck 
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ArmedOkie
Member
The closest thing to what I want is the 1860 NAA 22mag in 3 inch with birds head grips. I'd prefer it in 32.
Th 432 was a nice J frame 32 HR mag. Very light and pocket friendly - 6 shots. True it's normal J frame size. I got a great price when they were discontinued.
There are good loads for it now. The aftermarket price is high now.
The NAA gun was a monster.
There are good loads for it now. The aftermarket price is high now.
The NAA gun was a monster.
It isn't an engineering problem. As you said, it would be relatively easy to design a small revolver in 32 acp. The problem is the business case.
You have to:
- Pay the engineers to do the design work and testing.
- Pay for the tooling to make the parts.
- Pay for the manufacturing space to make the new revolver and store the tooling
- Pay for the actual parts, the smaller the volume the more each part costs.
All of the above is expensive. In order for a manufacturer to invest the capital required to produce a product they have to be very sure that they will make their money back in a reasonable time. Even if product is projected to make money there is still the question of whether the resources are better spent on something else that will make even more money?
I've worked as a design / development engineer for a while now. Every company I've worked for has dozens or even hundreds of products in the pipeline. Products that are forecasted to have high returns get priority.
dickydalton
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TruthTellers
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When I first saw this thread I was against the idea of a .25 ACP mini revolver with my main reason being "what's the point?" It's not like .25 is an easy ammo to find and it's no more powerful than .22 rimfire.
Well, over the weekend I came to a conclusion about rimfire and that with how much trouble some are going through to get it, and not for a good price anymore, I think there actually is merit to a .25 ACP mini revolver like the ones NAA make.
It's centerfire, which not only makes it more reliable, but also makes it reloadable. With small little revolvers like the NAA, they require practice and not having ammo at hand to shoot makes that impossible. Reloadable cartridges and components are easier to get a hold of and allow people to practice.
That's about the only reason I now back this idea. I have had an NAA Black Widow on my mind for a while, but until recently I looked online and saw that .22 Magnum is rarer than .22 LR. Had I the choice between a lifetime supply of .22 Mag and .25 ACP, I'll take the .22 mag because there's actually good defensive ammo made for short barrel revolvers. Since that's not the case, it comes down to .22 LR vs .25 ACP and .22 LR performs poorly in the mini revolvers. While .25 is no powerhouse by any means, having some .25 over no .22 makes a big difference and thus I think this is an idea that actually fills a niche in the market today for those who choose to carry a mini revolver for ultra concealment or as a backup.
Well, over the weekend I came to a conclusion about rimfire and that with how much trouble some are going through to get it, and not for a good price anymore, I think there actually is merit to a .25 ACP mini revolver like the ones NAA make.
It's centerfire, which not only makes it more reliable, but also makes it reloadable. With small little revolvers like the NAA, they require practice and not having ammo at hand to shoot makes that impossible. Reloadable cartridges and components are easier to get a hold of and allow people to practice.
That's about the only reason I now back this idea. I have had an NAA Black Widow on my mind for a while, but until recently I looked online and saw that .22 Magnum is rarer than .22 LR. Had I the choice between a lifetime supply of .22 Mag and .25 ACP, I'll take the .22 mag because there's actually good defensive ammo made for short barrel revolvers. Since that's not the case, it comes down to .22 LR vs .25 ACP and .22 LR performs poorly in the mini revolvers. While .25 is no powerhouse by any means, having some .25 over no .22 makes a big difference and thus I think this is an idea that actually fills a niche in the market today for those who choose to carry a mini revolver for ultra concealment or as a backup.
RevolvingGarbage
Member
There are stil plenty of shooter examples of these revolvers around. You can find the deals of you are patient and lucky. I got this S&W .38 Safety Hammerless, and an I.J. .32s&w Hammerless (1917ish production) for $300 together in a private sale just a couple of weeks ago.
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JFrame
Member
I was only made aware of this a few weeks ago -- but evidently NAA is trying mightily to revamp and reboot their break-top product with a "Ranger II." NAA's online "Soapbox" page states that they are continuing to gut through the production issues that will allow them to come out with the little break-top while also meeting all their other production demands.
http://news.northamericanarms.com/soapbox/march-2016-no-news-to-report-on-ranger-ii/
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dbmjr1
Member
Ruger is now making their LCR in .32 HR mag.
Six shots in a very light platform that will easily fit in most pockets.
A wish come true.
I've got two LCR's, one in 9mm, the other in .38 spl. Both are excellent revolvers. My next one will be in .32 cal.
Six shots in a very light platform that will easily fit in most pockets.
A wish come true.
I've got two LCR's, one in 9mm, the other in .38 spl. Both are excellent revolvers. My next one will be in .32 cal.
I know this is an old thread...
but I couldn't resist. The Taurus Model 73 and 74 (blue steel and Nickel plated revolvers respectively) were built in the 1970's through the early 1980's on tooling bought from S&W. What tooling, you ask? Why, S&W's old "I" frame tooling, of course! (I know, because I own one). I also have a marvelous Nickel plated H&R with a 2 1/2" barrel.
Contrary to popular belief, the lack of the "Magnum" roll mark on the barrel has no bearing on how effective it is (Harry Calahan not withstanding). Anyone that hasn't been born since 1965 that hasn't been caught up in all the "Magnum mania" generated by Hollywood motion picture mill may remember all of the great revolvers that were built prior to World War Two.
There have been wonderful advances in aluminum, titanium and scandium alloys. S&W made some great revolvers of scandium. Even today, Charter Arms manufactures 12 ounce aluminum alloy framed five-shot revolvers in .32 H&R Magnum. These also handle the .32 S&W Long for an easy-shooting pocket revolver. Some things aren't meant to be revived such as the early Ladysmith, whose lock works were so delicate that they tended to break down, even under moderate use.
If you carefully search the Internet, you may be able to "scratch that itch" many have for the 'good old days'. A time when firearms manufacturers still produced refined arms for a more elegant period in our history. The "Magnumitis" infection may be reversed, when men quit confusing bore size with other portions of their anatomy. Many times larger handguns just aren't practical for women, or men to be toting around.
In fact, I was at the LGS yesterday and watched a lady preparing to replace a Bersa .380 that had gone south on her. I just wish she had other options than the .380 she had been perusing. After all, the .380 isn't the "be all, end all" cartridge. They are often a pain to get perking and when hollow points are used, aren't always capable of providing adequate penetration for the velocities they generate.
Other smaller-bore options can be better than larger handguns. In some situations, bigger isn't always better. "The gun that you have with you beats the hell out of the one left back at home in the gun safe".
I have said, time and time again, that the .32 Caliber is not dead... unlike some people's minds.
Good luck in your search.
but I couldn't resist. The Taurus Model 73 and 74 (blue steel and Nickel plated revolvers respectively) were built in the 1970's through the early 1980's on tooling bought from S&W. What tooling, you ask? Why, S&W's old "I" frame tooling, of course! (I know, because I own one). I also have a marvelous Nickel plated H&R with a 2 1/2" barrel.
Contrary to popular belief, the lack of the "Magnum" roll mark on the barrel has no bearing on how effective it is (Harry Calahan not withstanding). Anyone that hasn't been born since 1965 that hasn't been caught up in all the "Magnum mania" generated by Hollywood motion picture mill may remember all of the great revolvers that were built prior to World War Two.
There have been wonderful advances in aluminum, titanium and scandium alloys. S&W made some great revolvers of scandium. Even today, Charter Arms manufactures 12 ounce aluminum alloy framed five-shot revolvers in .32 H&R Magnum. These also handle the .32 S&W Long for an easy-shooting pocket revolver. Some things aren't meant to be revived such as the early Ladysmith, whose lock works were so delicate that they tended to break down, even under moderate use.
If you carefully search the Internet, you may be able to "scratch that itch" many have for the 'good old days'. A time when firearms manufacturers still produced refined arms for a more elegant period in our history. The "Magnumitis" infection may be reversed, when men quit confusing bore size with other portions of their anatomy. Many times larger handguns just aren't practical for women, or men to be toting around.
In fact, I was at the LGS yesterday and watched a lady preparing to replace a Bersa .380 that had gone south on her. I just wish she had other options than the .380 she had been perusing. After all, the .380 isn't the "be all, end all" cartridge. They are often a pain to get perking and when hollow points are used, aren't always capable of providing adequate penetration for the velocities they generate.
Other smaller-bore options can be better than larger handguns. In some situations, bigger isn't always better. "The gun that you have with you beats the hell out of the one left back at home in the gun safe".
I have said, time and time again, that the .32 Caliber is not dead... unlike some people's minds.
Good luck in your search.
i've wanting build my own breaktop sometime.. (not too soon as i already have several projects i need to finish up..) figured i'd start by cutting a j-frame cylinder down lengthwise to be just long enough for a .380 with 9mm moonclips utilizing the s&w ratchet. that would solve all the biggest hurdles. the build a single action breaktop frame around it. fun fun fun.
Tactical Lever
Member
I think the custom Bearcat that was done in .327 Mag was pretty cool. It's got the looks, power and the all important "magnum" designation to sell guns today.
I think Ruger should start making them.
I think Ruger should start making them.
ThomasT
Member
Tacital I haven't heard of that one. But a Bearcat in 32 long would make me happy.
I am sure a small revolver would and like mentioned most likely to non gun enthusiest. I inherited an RG 22 revolver that belonged to my grandmother. It is one of the tiny little 22s. I think its junk but a distant reletive saw it and she fell in love with it. She has it now, apparently on permanent loan. I just hope she doesn't carry the little POS around with her but I suspect that she does.
But to its credit it has never misfired with me and is suprisingly accurate but very hard to shoot. And the bullets even land point forward. A first for RG guns.
My smallish guns are a beretta 25acp, iver jounson TP-22 and S&W 431PD in 32 mag. I do need to get another Kel-Tec 32acp.
If there was a quality 32 caliber revolver made I would probably buy one. But I much prefer the 32 long over the 32 acp round.
I am sure a small revolver would and like mentioned most likely to non gun enthusiest. I inherited an RG 22 revolver that belonged to my grandmother. It is one of the tiny little 22s. I think its junk but a distant reletive saw it and she fell in love with it. She has it now, apparently on permanent loan. I just hope she doesn't carry the little POS around with her but I suspect that she does.
But to its credit it has never misfired with me and is suprisingly accurate but very hard to shoot. And the bullets even land point forward. A first for RG guns.
My smallish guns are a beretta 25acp, iver jounson TP-22 and S&W 431PD in 32 mag. I do need to get another Kel-Tec 32acp.
If there was a quality 32 caliber revolver made I would probably buy one. But I much prefer the 32 long over the 32 acp round.
gotboostvr
Member
I don't shoot anything smaller than a RB K frame with magnas.
I could handle a J frame with oversized stocks, but the grip is the hard part to hide, so I might as well get as much gun for the grip as possible.
But I don't pocket carry. I can't shoot the guns very well at speed due to my large hands. Anything big enough for me to grip well is too big for a pocket.
Although, I did have a 22 SA that rode pretty well open carry in my front pocket LOL.
I could handle a J frame with oversized stocks, but the grip is the hard part to hide, so I might as well get as much gun for the grip as possible.
But I don't pocket carry. I can't shoot the guns very well at speed due to my large hands. Anything big enough for me to grip well is too big for a pocket.
Although, I did have a 22 SA that rode pretty well open carry in my front pocket LOL.
BobWright
Member
The idea of owning and shooting such a revolver is simply the joy of owning such a thing, as well as the pleasure of shooting such a little gun. There are many folks who still shoot for fun, even though we practice against such time as our lives might depend on our shooting ability.
Such fun has brought back such guns as the cap-and-ball Colt and Remingtons, the Smith & Wesson No. 3 in its various forms, and muzzle loading pistols and rifles. My late gunsmith, Ed Mason, won a championship match in Switzerland, shooting flintlock skeet.
I, for one, have always yearned for a modern replica of the spur trigger S&W top breaks, and even lately for a replica of a cartridge conversion of the Colt 1849 Pocket Model.
There's sort of a siren call from these old guns that just look nice when viewed in the hand, and their very mild recoil and noise makes them a lot of fun to shoot on a weekend outing in the country. They don't have to serve any other purpose to justify their existence. Just enough men wanting them resurrected.
And Uberti has that conversion of a Navy Colt, 5" barrel and .38 Special...............................................
Bob Wright
Such fun has brought back such guns as the cap-and-ball Colt and Remingtons, the Smith & Wesson No. 3 in its various forms, and muzzle loading pistols and rifles. My late gunsmith, Ed Mason, won a championship match in Switzerland, shooting flintlock skeet.
I, for one, have always yearned for a modern replica of the spur trigger S&W top breaks, and even lately for a replica of a cartridge conversion of the Colt 1849 Pocket Model.
There's sort of a siren call from these old guns that just look nice when viewed in the hand, and their very mild recoil and noise makes them a lot of fun to shoot on a weekend outing in the country. They don't have to serve any other purpose to justify their existence. Just enough men wanting them resurrected.
And Uberti has that conversion of a Navy Colt, 5" barrel and .38 Special...............................................
Bob Wright
ThomasT
Member
Yep Bob you are right. In Handloader magazine Ross Seyfried wrote an article about the kinder, gentler smith & wessons. These included the 38S&W and the 32 long. His point was the same as yours. You don't always have to shoot a powerful, full blown +p or magnum to have fun.
We have fun shooting 22s. We sometimes forget you can have the same fun with a low powered centerfire gun. And nothing does it better than a revolver.
We have fun shooting 22s. We sometimes forget you can have the same fun with a low powered centerfire gun. And nothing does it better than a revolver.
gotboostvr
Member
I'm all for guns that serve no purpose other than "just cause"
I'm considering coverting a 625 to DAO for more or less the same reason. Cause I think it'll be neat
I'm considering coverting a 625 to DAO for more or less the same reason. Cause I think it'll be neat
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