Noise level of .32 S&W long revolver

[ShadyGrove]

I have an interest in the .32 S&W long cartridge, but I have never fired a revolver chambered in this cartridge before. I have seen it mentioned often that it has perhaps the mildest report of any centerfire pistol cartridge. I have even heard someone claim that it has a milder report than a .22lr revolver of equal size. I found this a little hard to believe. I know my .38 special can be quite loud even with standard 158 gr LRN, and the .32 S&W long is only a little less powerful in my estimation.

So is it true that the .32 S&W long has a very mild report out of a typical 3 to 4 inch barrel revolver? Less than a 22lr even?

Reason for asking is that my wife likes to come to the range with me, but she dislikes guns with alot of muzzle blast/noise. She usually only likes shooting .22lr, but I figured this might be a good chance for her to try a centerfire cartridge revolver. Also i've always thought the S&W model 31 was a beautiful gun, so this would give me an excuse to buy one.

Any yes, we do both wear hearing protection at all times!

Thanks,

 

[cfullgraf]

How loud are different calibers? | [February Tested]

Contents How loud are different calibers? Different calibers produce varying levels of noise when fired. The noise level depends on factors such as the size of the bullet, the amount of gunpowder used, and the length of the barrel. What is the loudest caliber? The loudest caliber is generally...

thegunzone.com

This has some interesting information on gun noise.

 

[bummer7]

Have you thought about a S&W model 16-4 for your wife?

 

[Bartojc]

I have shot 32 S&W Long out of my Ruger Single Six. I would not say that the report is smaller than .22 but it is very slight. It will depend a little on barrel length, but it will be very mild compared to other center fire cartridges. Recoil is also very manageable.

-Jeff

 

[Dave DeLaurant]

Revolvers are loud -- even otherwise mild .22 CB caps can be pretty noisy when fired from a revolver.

What .32 Longs can offer is tame recoil, muzzle flash and blast.

Getting comfortable, good-quality hearing protection will deal with the noise.

 

[jstert]

32long’s signature is certainly between 22lr and 38sp, and less obnoxious than 22wmr. i have a nicely solid 1922 4” colt police postive chambered in 32long. the new taurus 327 snubbie seems to be a sweet value proposition. the only trick is finding a steady supply of 32long ammo at non-robbery prices.

 

[Tallball]

Like @jstert said, a little louder than a 22, but not much. Not like a 38.

I shot some 32 S&W longs out of a snubby with a friend just a few weeks ago and it was very pleasant.

 

[CajunBass]

Depends on the load too. I've shot some Fiocchi 32 Long, 100 grain wadcutters that were a POP, not the sharp CRACK of a 22. I'd still say the 22 was "quieter" but it's mostly different, or at least it sounds that way to me wearing muffs. On the other hand, I shot some Fiocchi, 97 grain, FMJ at a listed 948 FPS that were noticably louder, and had a bit more recoil. Nothing awful or anything, just noticable when fired right after the wadcutters.

Now, I understand if you move up to the 327 Magnum, you're talking 'bout a whole 'nuther critter. I've been told (but have never fired one myselt...yet) that the 327 Magnum is LOUD. I'll find out this weekend.

Oh, I haven't found 32 S&W Long ammo to be hard to find. A wide variety of it may be, but my LGS usually has some on the shelf, and there are several places online that seem to stock it. It is NOT inexpensive though.

 

[Dave Markowitz]

the only trick is finding a steady supply of 32long ammo at non-robbery prices.

.32 S&W Long is very easy and super cheap to reload for. Even cheaper than .38 Special since the powder charges are so light.

 

[jar]

The noise generated by all of the handgun calibers is still in the harmful range.