BBroadside
Member
Recently I have become interested in old-fashioned .32-caliber revolvers, especially top-breaks, especially in barrel lengths around 3". It's mostly an esthetic thing; I would use it for fun shooting and a little extra practice with double action. There are so many options I'm trying to refine my choice.
I know there are a lot of brands out there - S&W, Iver Johnson, H&R, Hopkins & Allen, and "US" (which I only heard of scanning gunbroker.com). Did I leave anyone out? Any manufacturer to seek out or avoid?
I gather that they can come in 32 S&W or 32 S&W Long, and that revolvers chambered for the latter also fire the former. One thing I don't know is how common the ammo is (loaded cartridges or components). Which one is easier to shoot these days? (I assume 32 Short and Long Colt are pretty much gone.)
Any reason to prefer a swing-out to a top-break? Does one of them "age better"? Do top-breaks usually/always auto-eject the brass?
I gather that any weapon of such advanced age needs a trip to the gunsmith for a check-up. Question is, is there any way to tell from an ad what sort of costs may be involved? Are buyers commonly spending $200 to make these guys work?
I know there are a lot of brands out there - S&W, Iver Johnson, H&R, Hopkins & Allen, and "US" (which I only heard of scanning gunbroker.com). Did I leave anyone out? Any manufacturer to seek out or avoid?
I gather that they can come in 32 S&W or 32 S&W Long, and that revolvers chambered for the latter also fire the former. One thing I don't know is how common the ammo is (loaded cartridges or components). Which one is easier to shoot these days? (I assume 32 Short and Long Colt are pretty much gone.)
Any reason to prefer a swing-out to a top-break? Does one of them "age better"? Do top-breaks usually/always auto-eject the brass?
I gather that any weapon of such advanced age needs a trip to the gunsmith for a check-up. Question is, is there any way to tell from an ad what sort of costs may be involved? Are buyers commonly spending $200 to make these guys work?