OK, Tell the Truth! Do You Carry a .32 Revolver for CCW ?

[golden]

Rat gun for 4 legged rats and 2 legged ones as well

REAL GUN,

I would not carry as .32 revolver as the only one I have is a very nice H&R 724 and it is as big and heavy as some of my .380ACP'S, but I used to carry a WALTHER PPK in .32ACP loaded with COR BON Powerball and gave very poor odds to the rats, either 2 legged or 4 legged.

Jim

 

[RealGun]

Rat gun for 4 legged rats and 2 legged ones as well

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

REAL GUN,

I would not carry as .32 revolver as the only one I have is a very nice H&R 724 and it is as big and heavy as some of my .380ACP'S, but I used to carry a WALTHER PPK in .32ACP loaded with COR BON Powerball and gave very poor odds to the rats, either 2 legged or 4 legged.

Jim

That's exactly the unproven and "false" sense of security I mentioned. Such a gun can be worse than none, in that it can enable getting into gun fights for which one is poorly equipped. As an old guy with strong opinions and not shy about sharing them, I think the problem is the wardrobe of the younger shooters. They should dress to conceal a "REAL GUN".

 

[kBob]

I am a young fellow only being in my early 60's yet I remember when I was a teen that many guys I thought to be old as dirt and about the age I am now carried .32 revolvers mostly top breaks (Grand dad only carried inside his cash box and not on his belt and he was modern with a solid frame Colt DA in .32NP).

A few of these guys had actually had call to use one on occasion.....yet there they stood in front of me years later.

Go figure.

Carrying any gun does not make me much more likely to get into a gun fight than not.....I call it a gun fight if the other fellow is the only one with a gun as well and if he has another deadly weapon or friends then I would rather have a top break .32 than strong words for defense.

I suppose in a perfect world we could all be healthy, with good backs, rich enough to afford the latest race/tactical marvel pistol and the rig to conceal it and afford the custom cut clothing to do it well.

If a person feels comfortable with great granny's H&R .32 top break leave them the heck alone!

-kBob

 

[RealGun]

I disagree about not expressing an opinion about what others do. Forums like these serve for mentoring to a great extent and should try dispel the notion of carrying little guns just because the current fashion makes it difficult to conceal anything bigger and more effective for self defense. If feeling gracious and liberal, one should at least not reinforce the idea that little pea shooters should make one feel confidently armed. It is especially troubling when dealing with what a woman, new to shooting, will select.

That said, I think any gun is better than none, but one must understand exactly what their limitations may be. I wouldn't care to be hit with any one of them, but guess I would stand a good chance of staying on my feet.

 

[Old Fuff]

Oh dear! I seen now that I have on too many occasions carried one of the despised "pea shooters." Hereafter I will draw the line at nothing less then a .44 Magnum (preferably in a lightweight snubby), and make the same recommendation to my elderly friends, especially ladies.

I only hesitate because many years ago a friend, who was an officer in the U.K's famous SAS, highly preferred an old Colt .32 Pocket Model pistol for undercover concealed-weapon assignments. He was clearly not inexperienced when it came to shootings as his occupation had resulted in missions all over the world, and over a long period of time.

It is said that the value of an opinion (about anything) should be considered in the light of the holder's knowledge and experience concerning the subject. In this context his views were well worth considering.

Of course they're those that would disagree with him, (and strongly so) but I doubt that many - if any, posting on this thread - could match his experience.

Anyway, for some, "bigger is better" isn't the best answer - and one size doesn't fit all.

 

[420Stainless]

I don't, but only because I haven't stumbled upon one I like yet. Would love to have an S&W I-frame to carry around on occasion. Not enough to go on an internet search, but if my local stores get one in decent condition I'll grab it. Wouldn't feel under gunned. Admittedly it wouldn't be ideal if three suicidal terrorists decided I was their target, but I'll take that risk.

 

[Old Fuff]

If you're willing to consider Taurus they have a smaller frame that close to the S&W I-frame, with a shorter cylinder to match.

Currently they are offering it chambered in .380 ACP (using moon clips); But in the past they made some 6-shot/.32 H&R Magnums.

Colt's Police Positive is also overlooked, but it is the shorter frame model to the Police Positive Special. The handle is bigger, but because of Colt's "V" mainspring it can be substantially shortened and then Agent model grips will fit.

Both of these can be alternatives to S&W I-frame fans.

 

[RealGun]

Oh dear! I seen now that I have on too many occasions carried one of the despised "pea shooters." Hereafter I will draw the line at nothing less then a .44 Magnum (preferably in a lightweight snubby), and make the same recommendation to my elderly friends, especially ladies.

Trying to portray it as an absurdity is not an valid argument. A 38 can and has served well, yet with its well known limitations ad caveats.

Women is a whole other subject, because it is unfortunate that they are offered the option of almost completely avoiding recoil or the practical size and weight of a gun. 38 snubs are where it's at, I think, with it being unwise to carry something smaller.

I like to carry 327 Federal Magnum too but only with the higher performance ammo.

 

[420Stainless]

If you're willing to consider Taurus they have a smaller frame that close to the S&W I-frame, with a shorter cylinder to match.

Currently they are offering it chambered in .380 ACP (using moon clips); But in the past they made some 6-shot/.32 H&R Magnums.

Colt's Police Positive is also overlooked, but it is the shorter frame model to the Police Positive Special. The handle is bigger, but because of Colt's "V" mainspring it can be substantially shortened and then Agent model grips will fit.

Both of these can be alternatives to S&W I-frame fans.

I'm definitely willing to consider Taurus. I've only had experience with two, but I love my ultralight 445, and my wife's all steel 85 has been a fine gun for her over the past decade. I don't think I've ever run across one of the Taurus .32 H&R Mag. I've drooled over some of the old Colts on Gunbroker, and they can be had for a decent price in .32 New Police and .32-20, but just not something I've wanted quite bad enough to deal with the shipping and FFL fees on top of. Thanks for informing me of the alternatives though - I'll continue to keep my eyes peeled.

 

[old fart]

i have a 25 i sometimes keep in my pocket, it's always in my center console of my truck. my everyday carry is a 357 magnum.

 

[gscrasher]

Well bad bad Leroy Brown got a 32 gun in his pocket, that's good enough for me.

On a serious note, I do occasionally carry my SP101 .327 mag. It is a six-shooter.

 

[Gun Master]

You'll want to be careful not to carry that tucked in the front of your pants, with that wicked looking hook on the front sight.

Meant for posting # 62.

 

[heyjoe]

That's exactly the unproven and "false" sense of security I mentioned. Such a gun can be worse than none, in that it can enable getting into gun fights for which one is poorly equipped. As an old guy with strong opinions and not shy about sharing them, I think the problem is the wardrobe of the younger shooters. They should dress to conceal a "REAL GUN".

how can a .32 be worse then none? having a .32 wouldnt encourage me to get into a gunfight no more than a 45 colt would encourage me. it would be a last ditch desperate situation that would get me into a gun fight and i'd better have a gun with me, so explain to me again how nothing is better than a .32.
when someone talks about a .38 or 9mm being marginal, its time to tune them out in my opinion.

 

[Gun Master]

Wicked Front Sight

This one would be a little bit awkward.

See posting # 87. Uncomfortable carry.

Powerful enough in WWII, and now.

 

[Kaeto]

how can a .32 be worse then none? having a .32 wouldnt encourage me to get into a gunfight no more than a 45 colt would encourage me. it would be a last ditch desperate situation that would get me into a gun fight and i'd better have a gun with me, so explain to me again how nothing is better than a .32.
when someone talks about a .38 or 9mm being marginal, its time to tune them out in my opinion.

He's following the fallacy of the one shot stop.

 

[Old Fuff]

I've drooled over some of the old Colts on Gunbroker, and they can be had for a decent price in .32 New Police and .32-20, but just not something I've wanted quite bad enough to deal with the shipping and FFL fees on top of.

Try the used showcase at retail gun shops, pawn shops, and gun shows. I've found decent Police Positives at all 3 sources. Generally people aren't interested in revolvers chambered in .32 Colt New Police (.32 S&W Long) or .38 Colt New Police (.38 S&W).

Ammunition for both is generally hard to find, and expensive when you do. If you hand load your own ammunition the powder charges can be increased because most loading data reflects the possibility of use in a century old top-break. Colt revolvers chambered to use .38 S&W have tight bores and chamber throats, and can be reloaded using regular .358" rather then .361" bullets which is called for in most other guns.

Many years ago I converted a .38 Police Positive into a Fitz Special configuration with a snubbed barrel, bobbed hammer, cut short handle and did away with the front of the trigger guard. It made one heck of a pocket pistol.

But anyway, low demand equals low prices as a rule, and if you find something pay little or no attention to what the seller wants and make a cash offer.

 

[420Stainless]

I always keep looking, but they are rare in this area. My LGS had an old nickel I-Frame for quite a long time, but it had a very deep gouge rusted out of the front corner of the cylinder. I'm not a stickler for cosmetics, but that was just too much. He called me about a very late model one from one of the last years in production (around 1990 in .32 Long), but I was out of town and it was sold before I could look at it.:banghead: I do hand load and would very much enjoy playing with the .32 S&W Long or equivalent when I finally come across a decent one in a pocketable size.

 

[BSA1]

With the excellent choices in ammunition now days I am surprised that six shot J-frame revolvers have not taken off in popularity for concealed carry. One more round than the 5 shot 38 J-Frame , reduced recoil and modern bullet design would make it a worthy conceal carry gun.

Just goes to show how fincky the gun market is.

 

[Old Fuff]

While those that keep up on what's going on are up to date, I suspect that most gun buyers haven't even seen or heard of the .327 Magnum or the older .32 H&R Magnum, and I doubt many retailers made any effort to push them. Then we have the experts that pass the word that better to carry a rock then a .32. :banghead:

So buyers with little or no background information stick to what they think everyone recommends - a .38 Special or .357 Magnum.

On the other side of the coin, Taurus told me they dropped their mid-frame .44's and .45's because they didn't sell.

 

[Pete D.]

.32

I have a Beretta Tomcat and I carry that occasionally.
I have also put this old gun in my pocket for woods walks.
Forehand and Wadsworth Bulldog - .32 S&W:

 

[Johnny_B_Goode]

There was a friendly old gentleman who hung around a barroom I used to frequent. Everyone loved him. He was the grandfather that many of us didn't have. One day he was sitting in the bar alone with the barmaid. Two men walked in and ordered beer. in short order they were talking to the barmaid in a way that just wasn't right. He kindly asked the men to be nice to the young lady. The two men turned their attention on the old man. None of us were there to help him. One of the men struck the old gentleman. He whipped a cheapo 25acp and shot the one that stuck him twice in the belly. Those two men were oh so nice while one of them was loaded in the ambulance. The other one followed the ambulance.

Most shootings happen something pretty close to event I describe. We are citizens. We do not have to charge into a fight. All we need is something to help us escape a dangerous situation. We will not face James Bond type situations where and army of trained killers attack us every 15 minutes. I am not going to risk my life over property or money. Even if I am armed I am just going to hand over the cash. If they want my truck, that is fine, it is insured. Where I draw the line is when a goblin wants to take me with him. There are other situations where I would use my gun. But most of the time I just want to get away all in one piece with none of my blood running on the ground.

 

[RealGun]

On the other side of the coin, Taurus told me they dropped their mid-frame .44's and .45's because they didn't sell.

I think closer examination will show that what sells in calibers is a function of casual fashion and gun owners' willingness to dress to conceal (or not).

 

[Old Fuff]

Maybe yes, and maybe no. But the important point is that Taurus didn't find a viable market. I suspect that S&W hasn't either, and Ruger hasn't even tried.

Personally I like the concept, and one of my favorites is a Taurus .44 Special, model 445.

... gun owners' willingness to dress to conceal (or not).

Very likely that's a factor, but back in the first half of the 20th century when men's fashions were more concealment friendly, (The Colt Company's J. H. FitzGearld sometimes pocket carried a pair of cut-down New Service .45's) smaller .32 and .38 pocket revolvers (many of them top-breaks) far outsold anything larger.

The truth of the matter today is that very few individuals outside of law enforcement are willing to tote a cannon, fashions not withstanding. To a lesser, but substantial degree the same is true of officers and agents when they are off duty, or for a backup - unless the choice is governed by department regulations.

 

[RealGun]

The truth of the matter today is that very few individuals outside of law enforcement are willing to tote a cannon, fashions not withstanding. To a lesser, but substantial degree the same is true of officers and agents when they are off duty, or for a backup - unless the choice is governed by department regulations.

Maybe. I don't think any of us is in a position to really know that as fact. There must be a lot of 3" and 4" paperweights then. On the other hand, I think a full sized 1911 or duty sized, double stack ugly pistol is overhyped as a concealment weapon. They make wonderful open carry guns. I doubt they are all used just for sport.

 

[420Stainless]

I don't think the compact and full size handguns are paperweights. I just think most owners only use them concealed upon their bodies when the conditions naturally allow for a cover garment. Otherwise they are utilized for home/car defense. In the hot and humid environment around here, wearing a long shirt untucked is about the equivalent of wandering around in a vest or with a fanny pack all the time. Many like to carry smaller, more concealable handguns expressly so that they can remain inconspicuously armed. I'm not one to worry about whether anyone may think I'm armed or not, but I am one to put physical comfort near the top of things to enjoy in one's life whether it be a short life or a long life and will take a smaller handgun even with the knowledge that there is a slight chance I may someday run into a situation where a bigger or higher capacity one may have made a difference.