Any info on an H&R Model 732?

[KarenTOC]

I was recently given an H&R Model 732 revolver. It was made in 1972 and has been sitting, untouched, in my friend's dresser drawer since she got it new. She wanted it out of the house so she asked me if I'd get rid of it for her. It's a dirty job, but someone has to do it

Anyway, I've managed to dig up a few factoids about this model gun:
- uses .32 S&W or .32 S&W Long, but not .32 H&R Magnum
- notorious for heavy, rough trigger pull
- virtually worthless: in mint condition, maybe $185
- no collector interest in this model at all
- might be in the "Saturday Night Special" class

That's it. That's all I know.

I'm hoping someone can tell me something - anything - about this model. Anecdotal info would be welcome. Fun facts, safety issues, rants or raves. If they're well-made or junkers, etc etc etc. Anything that anyone could add to my meager store of knowledge would be greatly appreciated.

I haven't shot it yet. I was told by a gun shop employee that it looked like it had never been fired. Before I shoot it I want to make sure that 36 years of inactivity haven't permanantly damaged any important parts. I have a knowledgable friend I plan to press into service

 

[Grey54956]

Definitely not in the Saturday Night Special category.

These guns are utilitarian machines.

They're ugly.

They're a little rough.

They're not tack drivers.

That being said, they work and they're tough as nails.

They're not incredibly collectible, probably becasure they have the kind of looks that only a russian tank designer's mother could love.

I'm not going to tell you how to live your life, but I'd be buying some ammo for that little beast. Heck, I think I'd carry it.

 

[MMCSRET]

Very serviceable revolver, will probably last several lifetimes if its cared for. I love the 32 caliber revolvers and have a number of the small frame, double action Colts. I would be very happy to add an H&R to my stable.

 

[KarenTOC]

but I'd be buying some ammo for that little beast

already got some... plan on shooting as soon as I can!

they have the kind of looks that only a russian tank designer's mother could love.

I think it's cute lol

 

[xstuntman]

Caution: Harrington Richardsons are very addictive! I've got 3 and always looking for more. IIRC the 732 uses the same grips that fit on a Smith "L" frame round butt. Mike

 

[yeti]

When H&R was closing up shop, around '86(?), I picked up one of their .32 magnums. Blocky, and kind of homely, in a lovable way. With a trigger that needed both hands and part of a foot, to shoot well. Best $39 I ever spent on a gun. Should have bought 2, it must be worth $50, not that it is for sale at twice that price.

 

[J.R.W.]

Good lord its ugly. If you do carry it, make sure its very well concealed....

 

[noelf2]

I have a 732 also, got it 8 months ago at a pawn shop for 80 bucks. Mine looks like it's been kept under the drivers seat for a decade. Great bore and cylinder, but is a bit rough on the outside (some minor pitting here and there). Locks up tight and shoots quite well. Only difference between mine and yours is my barrel says "32 S&W Long", and yours says "32 S&W". Are you sure yours is ok with 32 S&W Long? Probably is, but you should confirm it before trying longs in it.

I reload 32 S&W Long anyways so mine's a welcome addition to my collection. Another interesting thing to know is that it will shoot 32acp and many a 732 owner shoots that as it's easier to find (at least in those 732s that are chambered for 32 S&W Long) . Of course, experiment at your own risk. The 732 has a solid frame, not like the weaker break-top 32s, so the slightly higher pressures of 32acp don't seem to harm it at all. I wouldn't shoot 32acp in a break top model though.

Oh yeah, I have a companion for my 732. It's a H&R 949 (the 49'r) 22lr. Also a very fine revolver, and that one IS a tack driver! H&R guns are low cost and very good quality, but I wouldn't use a model 732 for a primary carry piece (maybe a backup).

 

[Pistol Toter]

I bought one back in about 1976 or 77 and while, not "PRETTY", it wasn't that bad a looking gun. The plastic stocks cracked and and I made a pair. The action was relatively smooth. The gun was, I could stay well inside a small pie plate of paper plate at 25 to 30 yards just as hard as I could pull the trigger. I would not consider it a optimum self defense caliber but 4 or 5 of the little 98 grain projectiles would not feel very good. I wouldn't want to shot with one!! About 3 or 4 years ago I sold the snub nose for more than I paid for it; wished I still had it.

 

[KarenTOC]

my barrel says "32 S&W Long", and yours says "32 S&W". Are you sure yours is ok with 32 S&W Long? Probably is, but you should confirm it before trying longs in it.

There's a fellow over on TheFirearmsForum who's actually writing a book about H&R. He says all 732s are able to take .32S&W Long, even if marked .32 S&W, but not the .32 h&r magnum. I'm trusting he knows his stuff.

 

[wnycollector]

notorious for heavy, rough trigger pull

I couldnt agree more with this statement when I picked up my NEF R92 (the kissing cousin of an H&R 929 or 905). I popped off the grip panels and squirted the innards with CLP and the grittiness and some of the weight went away. Also after the 2nd 550 brick of federal .22's it had smoothed out even further! The upside is that if you can shoot accurately with an H&R, when you got back to your Long action pre-WWII K frames or P&R N frames shooting DA seems SOOOO much easier

 

[wnycollector]

for anyone looking for a .32 with a little more punch...here is a NEF .32mag

http://www.auctionarms.com/search/displayitem.cfm?itemnum=8949895

 

[dogngun]

Old, but still interesting - H&R revolvers like this one

seem to be immortal. They certainly have a style all their own, but you would be amazed how many of them are out there, still working well after a century or so of neglect. They were working people's defense guns, and they are rugged as a hammer, if not elegant, and I would be very happy to fine one in such good shape.

I hope you shot it, and I hope you kept it - they were designed to be reliable bodyguards and they will always work.
FWIW, they are for the .32 S&W Long or the old S&W, and they listed for $110 new in my 1983 Gun Digest, in blue, in either 2 1/2" or 4" barrel lengths.


mark

 

[shootem_up]

I recently obtained an H&R 732 (32 H&R MAG) but I am uncertain what the correct type of ammo for this revolver should be. I have done some research on the internet and it seems as if .327 Federal Magnum might be an acceptable caliber power. I have even went to a gun show and spoken to someone at a gun shop but they weren't very knowledgeable on the H&R 732. Any suggestion, advice, and or experience would greatly be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[PAPACHUCK]

A gun chambered in 32 H&R can shoot 32S&W, 32S&W Long, and 32 H&R mag only.

It will not chamber .327 Fed Magnum.

 

[shootem_up]

PAPACHUCK Thanks for the info and quick response.