Antique Break-Top .32 revolvers - ADVICE for cartridges?

[MuayThaiJJ]

Hi folks,

Looking for some advice regarding suitable ammo. I acquired a few old antique revolvers. Would love to know if I got these models/dates correct:

#1. Harrington & Richardson Arms Company Worcester Mass USA
Pat Oct 4 87, May 14 & Aug 6 89, April 2 95, April 7 1896
(NO CALIBER LISTED) 5-shot so must be .32 S&W
So I am guessing that makes this a H&R PREMER FIRST MODEL SMALL FRAME TOP BREAK (BLACK POWDER) circa 1896


#2. Hopkins & Allen Arms Co.
Safety Police #8031 (Date?)


Is it safe to shoot low pressure .32 S&W rounds? I am thinking of Remington WheelGun .32 S&W 88 GR Lead Round Nose (LRN).
Thanks!

 

[TTv2]

You're correct on the H&R given it has no caliber marking meaning it's a BP era gun, but the length of the cylinder and it being a 5 shot has me thinking it's a .38 S&W, not a .32.

H&A I know little about, however given the bolt notches on the cylinder being more modern and it's overall clean looking appearance, I'm gonna say the H&A is smokeless.

 

[MuayThaiJJ]

You're correct on the H&R given it has no caliber marking meaning it's a BP era gun, but the length of the cylinder and it being a 5 shot has me thinking it's a .38 S&W, not a .32.

H&A I know little about, however given the bolt notches on the cylinder being more modern and it's overall clean looking appearance, I'm gonna say the H&A is smokeless.

Thanks TTv2, you think it's safe to shoot these low power .32 S&W 680fps rounds? These are so weak....the frames on these guns feel strong.

 

[TTv2]

Thanks TTv2, you think it's safe to shoot these low power .32 S&W 680fps rounds? These are so weak....the frames on these guns feel strong.

I'd feel fine shooting factory .32 in the H&A, but the H&R I would stick to bp. If you want a little more power and easier clean up, use Triple 7.

 

[Ed Ames]

If the timing is right, and the action is tight, everything’s going to be alright...hopefully.

Seriously, make sure the gun is actually in safe condition. It’s pretty easy to have problems with these old guns e.g. the chamber sometimes not lining up with the bore either at all or when you shoot da vs sa etc.

But if that’s covered, it should be fine. Any actual commercial .32 S&W ammo I’ve found has been loaded for antiques. Sometimes to the point of squibs.

 

[TTv2]

Any actual commercial .32 S&W ammo I’ve found has been loaded for antiques. Sometimes to the point of squibs.

True and I'd have no issue shooting factory .32 S&W shorties in ANY solid frame .32, but the BP era top breaks are not strong guns at all and if they see enough of that smokeless ammo it will shorten their life significantly.