Is there a resurgence of 32 H&R

If feels like it to me. When I started exploring the caliber there was only the two charter arms revolvers chambered in it in current production.

Now there are new offerings by both S&W & Ruger. In addition Taurus is offering multiple models in .327 federal magnum, and Ruger's .327 federal magnum line up is even more diverse and seems to just about all be in production. Hell even Henry did another run of their lever guns in .327 not to long ago, multiple models, but sadly no sidegate update.

No one I know that has shot it dislikes it, and I have had several people I know who were looking for their first gun liked shooting it more than .380, 9mm, and .38 special.

It appears that the only thing that just about anyone dislikes about it is the scarcity of ammo. Not everyone wants to order their ammo online, most people seem to want to just walk into a sporting goods store and buy some off the shelf.
 
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When I bought mine (I am super recoil) sensative the air was thin out there. CA and the 327 LCR were the only game in town. All of a sudden I see a new S&W and LCR popping up as well as the Taurus. I remember not too long ago it was derided as obsolete.
 
DMW1116 said:
If there was a 32/327 target revolver around I’d be on it. 3500 rounds per pound of powder sure sounds good to me. Id have to find a source of HBWC or DEWC but I’m sure there is a source.
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Except for the used S&W and Colt 32 SWL target revolvers, there are few new target 32 SWL guns available these days.

Just for a position point, S&W made about 3000 K-32 and Model 16-0 through 16-3 32SWL K-frame revolvers from the 1930's to around 1980 or so.

Around 1990 when the 32 H&R Magnum was introduced, S&W made the Model 16-4 (32 H&R Mag), but none were "target" revolvers to my knowledge. S&W ceased production of the Model 16-4 somewhere near the year 2000 with a production run of about 8000.

K-32's and Model 16-0 through -3 (32 SWL chambering) command a pretty hefty price on the used market. The Model 16-4 (32 H&R Mag) are more plentiful and the used prices are lower than the 32 SWL versions but still steep.

The Europeans apparently still shoot lots of 32 SWL wadcutters for bullseye competition. Hence, the availability of factory wadcutter target ammunition.
Manhurin makes a 32 SWL target version of their MR-73 revolver (357 Mag) , the MR-32.

Beretta for a while imported Manhurin revolvers to the US. Mostly the MR-73 line but some of the MR-38 (38 Special) and MR-32 target revolvers. But, Beretta seems to have stopped importing the revolvers. They may be available from other domestic suppliers.

The big deterrnt for most US shooters is the price, an MR-32 will set you back a cool
$4100 or so.

Walther still catalogs a semi-auto tarrget pistol chambered in 32SWL but it also is pricey.
 
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Yea I’ve basically resigned myself to a GP100 or some other modern version if I seriously decide to get one. I have to shoot a LOT more than I do now for the cost difference to really matter.

From the standpoint of supply, spreading powder that thin is still appealing though. I was already getting 2600 rounds per pound of Cleanshot in 38 Special.
 
Yes. It started more than a year ago. Maybe more than two years ago. S&W and Ruger have introduced new revolvers chambered .32 H&R. Ammo manufacturers have upped production of .32 H&R, and at least one new load has been introduced by Federal.

I has able to find .32 H&R in-stock, during the Panic-Demic, when most other ammo was sold-out. I had accumulated a 4” Ruger SP101, and two S&W Model 631 snub-guns, during the 2006 to 2016 time frame, having recognized the value of the .32 H&R cartridge, when used in small frame revolvers.
 
To make a “come back” you have to have been there at one time to begin with.

Not sure the .32H&R ever was.

I probably have more .32 cal handguns than any other caliber I currently own. I’m hoping the .32 H&R and .327FM continue to surge in popularity.

BIG shout out to Ruger for doing more than its part in the firearms industry to make that happen and HENRY for putting the first .327FM lever gun out there. I love mine.

Here’s hoping Marlin brings out another Cowboy version in .32 something.

Bought this Taurus .32 H&R about a year ago at a pawn shop. Very clean and low usage unit. Have yet to shoot it. :(

IMG_3161.jpeg
 
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I am a big fan of it. Great plinking and small game round when loaded with wadcutters. Viable self defense round when loaded hot, and one usually gets another round in the cylinder in the same size revolver as a 38SPC.

Likely best for a reloader, but I don't know that as I haven't looked for factory ammo myself since I reload.

If you get into the 327 then you have more power at your disposal if wanted/needed. And, can still shoot the 32mag, 32long, and in some guns 32acp.
 
I believe the Bond Arms Stinger Honey B with a 327 barrel set is probably a true sleeper combination. Especially with 32 HR and 32 S&W loads.

i carry the LCR 327 with Hornady 32 HR critical defense loads.
My daughter has the Charter Arms off duty in 32 HR but prefers the 32 Long loads.
 
The 432 makes an easy lightweight pocket gun for me when dress circumstances suggest that mode. I accept the usual revolver limitations if that's what I find I need carry at that time.
 
DMW1116 said:
If there was a 32/327 target revolver around I’d be on it. 3500 rounds per pound of powder sure sounds good to me. Id have to find a source of HBWC or DEWC but I’m sure there is a source.
Click to expand...

I like these.

www.midwayusa.com

Lapua Competition 32 Cal (314 Diameter) Bullets 98 Grain Wadcutter Box

According to Lapua specifications the accuracy of these bullets must not exceed 30mm for a 10 shot groups at 25 meters, measured from center to center...
www.midwayusa.com www.midwayusa.com

I'm on my second 1K box now.
 
When I got intio 32 caliber revolvers, it was with 32 SWL chambreed guns. I could get some crazy small groups with my S&W Model 30 and 31 fixed sight revolvers. It'd be nice if they had adjustable sights though.

A 32 SWL K-frame became the holy grail but they are difficult to find. Along the way, I bought a S&W Model 16-4 (32 H&R Mag), and three Ruger 327 Fed Mag revolvers (GP100, Single Seven, and SP101).

I shot some factory 32 H&R Mag ammunition in the Model 16-4 and seemed anaemic when compared tio the 327 Fed Mag ammunition fired in the Rugers. I shoot mostly target level ammunition in the 16-4 and I'll admit that I have not done any velocity testing oin the 32 H&R Mag ammunition.

Recently, I bought two S&W Model 432UC 32 H&R Mag j-frame Centennial revolvers. I like the Centennials for pocket carry and the 32 H&R Mag versions give me an extra round versus the 32 caliber versions. The recoil from the 32 cal Model 432UC is not to much more than my Model 642 with 38 Special ammunition.

My 38 Special Centennials are fitted for moon clips. It would be nice if moon clips were available for the 432UC.

I reload. Bullets and brass are available for 32 H&R Mag reloading so i'm covered. I've been able to easily find factory ammunition for my testing and generally shooting which is nice.

I use 32 H&R Mag level ammunition loaded in a 327 Fed Mag case in my SP101 for some critter control around my hobby horse farm. It works better than 22 RF.

I'd like to find a 32 H&R Mag Single Six for this service.
 
I think in terms of snubs, yes, because carry guns are dominating the market and at the snub size and weight the .32 makes tremendous sense. Sure, the .38 is the standard, but that doesn't mean it's superior to .32 and I think much of the push for .38 snubs has been because back in the day anyone who owned handguns owned a .38 or .357 in a larger frame and wanted to use the same ammo in the snub.

Today revolvers are second fiddle to autos like the LCP or P365, but snub revolvers still sell fairly well and for those who are looking to get their first revolver they're not dead set it be .38 or .357, in fact they're probably more inclined to buy if it's a 9mm. Quite a bit of recoil with that option compared to the .32's that can run the gauntlet from .22 levels of recoil to .38 +P in the .327 loads.

But for .32 H&R, the appeal is going to be the lightweight alloy frames and the dislike of the blast .327 is typically associated with. I'm pushing more people to opt for the .32 H&R snub revolvers because they will get the benefit of better velocity with the ammo than if the .32 S&W or H&R ammo was shot in a .327. If you want a long barrel .32 then get the Single Seven or a GP100 and never buy an SP101.
 
cfullgraf said:
When I got intio 32 caliber revolvers, it was with 32 SWL chambreed guns. I could get some crazy small groups with my S&W Model 30 and 31 fixed sight revolvers. It'd be nice if they had adjustable sights though.

A 32 SWL K-frame became the holy grail but they are difficult to find. Along the way, I bought a S&W Model 16-4 (32 H&R Mag), and three Ruger 327 Fed Mag revolvers (GP100, Single Seven, and SP101).

I shot some factory 32 H&R Mag ammunition in the Model 16-4 and seemed anaemic when compared tio the 327 Fed Mag ammunition fired in the Rugers. I shoot mostly target level ammunition in the 16-4 and I'll admit that I have not done any velocity testing oin the 32 H&R Mag ammunition.

Recently, I bought two S&W Model 432UC 32 H&R Mag j-frame Centennial revolvers. I like the Centennials for pocket carry and the 32 H&R Mag versions give me an extra round versus the 32 caliber versions. The recoil from the 32 cal Model 432UC is not to much more than my Model 642 with 38 Special ammunition.

My 38 Special Centennials are fitted for moon clips. It would be nice if moon clips were available for the 432UC.

I reload. Bullets and brass are available for 32 H&R Mag reloading so i'm covered. I've been able to easily find factory ammunition for my testing and generally shooting which is nice.

I use 32 H&R Mag level ammunition loaded in a 327 Fed Mag case in my SP101 for some critter control around my hobby horse farm. It works better than 22 RF.

I'd like to find a 32 H&R Mag Single Six for this service.
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In reference to the highlighted text above, are you saying that the 432/632 UC's have more felt recoil than a 38 Spec 642? That's concerning to me because I hated the 642 that I used to have. It was like holding an angry squirrel in my hand when I shot it.
 
Triggernosis said:
In reference to the highlighted text above, are you saying that the 432/632 UC's have more felt recoil than a 38 Spec 642? That's concerning to me because I hated the 642 that I used to have. It was like holding an angry squirrel in my hand when I shot it.
Click to expand...

Yeah, that doesn't make a lot of sense to me. Unless someone is firing slow factory wadcutter loads in the .38 and full strength .32 H&R in the .32.

My particular C.A. Undercoverette in .32 H&R shooting Black Hills JHPs has never felt objectional when firing. My old Taurus 85UL with .38 Special +P JHP used to be my hardest recoiling gun.
 
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