Just got S&W 431PD-summer gun.

[timdennis]

I've been thinking about one of these for a year. I don't own anything in .32 and was doing some research on it but wasn't in a big hurry. However it has been discontinued and the prices of the few around have shot up. In addition I read a review on Gunblast that I really enjoyed. It didn't matter if it was the 432PD or 431Pd to me but got this one at 3 bills in 99% condition. I wish there was a bodyguard version.
Some thoughts on it:
The article in Gunblast showed a holster from Bell Charter Oaks called the Co-Pilot. It really looked good and would suit my purpose of using it for a summer travel piece.
The sights are impossible to pick up-black on black. Its either going to get painted,or a front sight put on it or small dot night sight on the front-if its available.
I bought a box of the Federal ammo that looks decent for power but am going to try the Black Hills. The Federal was available at the Gunstore up the street.
The Hogue Bantam grips are OK but I'm thinking about wood boot grips,Spegal,Ahrends or something similar. THe laser grips sound interesting but I've never seen them in real life on a J frame so don't know how they look or feel.
First S&W revolver I've gotten with a lock. It didn't come with a key and even thogh I have no intentions of using it will call S&W to get a key.
Can't think of anything else for now.

 

[mnrivrat]

Congrats !

I was doing the same thing - waiting to save up a bit to get the M431 S&W.

By the time I went to order one they were not only discontinued but the distributers were already dry. (speculaters likely) . The last ones I seen selling on Gunbroker were approaching $500 NIB . $300 is not a bad deal at all.

I ended up with a Taurus M731 in Titanium which is also a discontinued gun. (the Titanium version) Not a bad gun, but would have liked to get the Smith - just not going to pay that premium for one.

My friend has a S&W M432 and put the Crimson laser grips on that one. They look and feel good . He likes them.

I haven't tried the Black Hills ammo - I shoot mostly Aquila .32 S&W longs as they are about 1/2 the price of the magnum ammo. I have the Federal Personal Defense ammo in .32 Mag I use for carry - I have no problem with that and no reason to change.

 

[timdennis]

Yup.Sounds like we're thinking along the same lines. I also looked at the Taurus 731UL as a alternative and Lo and Behold they were no longer available. I just got an e-mail from Buds Gun shop. They have a few 431PD's and are charging $378-a good price but I've already bought this used one.
I'll look into the Aquila rounds you mentioned.
Add to my list of future projects-speedloaders. I have a bunch of J frame speedloaders but they're five shot .38 and won't do.

 

[mnrivrat]

$378 is also not a bad price for a NIB gun .

I did suspect that I would be running across a S&W or two that could be bought reasonable and was going to wait for one to come up. Then a friend of mine showed up one day wanting to sell the Taurus so the rest is history. (he hadn't fired it yet - and had found a S&W 432 )

I bought the Aquila ammo from Natchez . $6.70 a box of 50 rds which ,when shipping for 10 boxes is added ,brings them to the door at a little over $8.00 a box. They shoot fairly clean and work well .