Restored 1894 Marlin Rifle Ammo question

[Lundman]

First - thank you for making me a new member - I did search for info but didn't seem to find my question answered.. Second - very much a novice when dealing with a old Marlin 32 S&W Long rifle.

I took the old inherited rifle to a gun smith to see what the caliber was and if it was safe to fire - Long story short - 10 months later the gun has a newly relined barrel and a few items fixed. Since they told me the caliber I had a few months and found some ammo that turned out to be fast burning 32 S&W Long ammo. Luckily my friend saw this and told me that ammo was made for a pistol and might damage the newly restored old rifle.

So I need to find slow burning 32 S&W Long ammo and I don't know what powder specifications to look for and any other helpful ammo tips anyone is willing to share.

Thanks you in advance for any insight and knowledge - much appreciated.

 

[leo96150]

The original Marlin 1894 was never chambered in .32 S&W Long. Marlin did recently make the Model 1894CB in .32 H&R Magnum, but it is identifiable by the fact that it loads from the front of the magazine tube like a .22. You probably have an original Model 1894 in .32 WCF, or as it is also known .32-20. Depending on its date of manufacture, it may well be a black powder gun, suitable for black powder loads only.

You need to know much more about this rifle before you attempt to load or fire it. I would start with the gunsmith that did the work on it. He will probably do a chamber cast and then compare the dimensions to a reference guide, such as the SAAMI guide to determine the caliber. You are right that using the wrong ammunition will certainly destroy your fine old family heirloom.

If it is a black powder gun, there are still some sources of BP ammunition, or you can easily load ammo yourself with commercially available black powder or one of the substitutes such as APP, Pyrodex, or 777. Much can be learned about black powder reloading on the internet, or from a local cowboy shooting club if one is near. You should begin by asking questions on the Black Powder section of this forum.

Good luck. I have several antique Winchester rifles that I love shooting with black powder loads.

 

[MEHavey]

.....dealing with a old Marlin 32 S&W Long rifle.

.....original Marlin 1894 was never chambered in .32 S&W Long.

Aaaahh... Houston, we have a problem.
(What the barrel marking say ? )


postscript: What's the serial Number indicate as the year of manufacture?
http://armscollectors.com/sn/marlinlookup.php

 

[Jim Watson]

I think the OP has a Marlin Model 92, originally made for .32 Long Rimfire or .32 Long Colt, interchangeably by use of rimfire or centerfire firing pin.

I think that the gunsmith who relined the barrel and "set a few things right" chambered it for .32 S&W Long because that ammunition and components are more available than .32 Colt and has the advantage of inside lubricated bullets without the hocus pocus of heel bullets or hollow base bullets.

ammo that turned out to be fast burning 32 S&W Long ammo. Luckily my friend saw this and told me that ammo was made for a pistol and might damage the newly restored old rifle.

So I need to find slow burning 32 S&W Long ammo and I don't know what powder specifications to look for

Your friend misinformed you. There is no "fast burning" vs "slow burning" .32 S&W Long factory ammunition. It is all meant for handguns and use in a rifle is just a sideline.
Chamber pressure for .32 S&W Long is the same as for .32 Long Colt. (I had to go to CIP, SAAMI does not even list .32 Long Colt any more.)

A handloader can do a lot of different things with .32 S&W L, and some combinations will be hard on the Marlin, it is not a real strong gun. Factory equivalent loads or a bit under are best.

 

[MEHavey]

I think the OP has a Marlin Model 92,

That would make sense. See:
https://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=608269

https://www.marlinowners.com/threads/32-s-w-long-in-1891-or-1892-marlin.59134/

http://www.marlin-collectors.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=27604

See Also: https://www.castpics.net/subsite2/ByCaliber/The 32 Long Colt Project.pdf

 

[StrawHat]

Ask your gunsmith what he chambered it for and what ammunition he recommends. He is probably your best resource. We are merely folks who have not worked on, handled or even seen your rifle. We are merely guessing based on hardly any information.

Kevin

 

[Slamfire]

I have one 32 S&W Long pistol, Bullseye pistol powder is a winner, in a pistol. Unique did very well with 98 grain bullets, and that is what I would first try in a rifle.

Since this is a rifle mechanism, I would also look at trying Power Pistol. A M1894 is a much stronger mechanism, even with vintage rifles, than a pistol. The case head is better supported, and so pressures can be in the 32 H&R Magnum level. The only real risk I could see, is peening of the breech face. The maximum charge for a 32 H&R magnum is 21,000 psia, can't imagine the rifle locking mechanism not handling that. Interesting article on the 32 H&R magnum.

https://www.handloadermagazine.com/32-h-r-magnum-pet-loads

All of the 32 S&W Long shooters I have met, are using it in Bullseye Pistol Competition, so their loads have to be stable at 50 yards, and they are low recoil, low noise. None of their data would help.

 

[MEHavey]

Slamfire... If this is a `92 as suspected, think of it as a 39A -- with about the same strength (15-ksia max)

 

[Slamfire]

Slamfire... If this is a `92 as suspected, think of it as a 39A -- with about the same strength (15-ksia max)

Hot rodding a M1892 would be a big mistake! OOPS! Just looked at a picture, and this video



That is not the same action as an 1894, my bad!

 

[Lundman]

That is my gun exactly except mine has the hex barrel and long range flip up sites on the front and rear. The serial numbers 334505 does not return any info on the Marlin serial number lookup site.
The barrel has this inscription on the top
Marlin Firearm Co. New Haven CT USA
Pat’s NOV 19 1878 APRIL 2 1890 APRIL 12 1890 MAR.1.1892.

I am meeting with the gunsmith tomorrow as he is bringing in his books and I report what he has to say. Thank you all for the wealth of knowledge shared.

 

[MEHavey]

115 years ago....

 

[Jim Watson]

My 1901 Sears catalog has the 1892. It goes on at some length about how you can shoot .32 rimfire cheaper than centerfire.

 

[Airborne Falcon]

So I consider myself a bit of a Marlin expert, an aficionado at the very least ... most of the guys over at Marlin Owners will give me that I believe. I have a 60 gun safe just for my Marlins with more than a few safe queen collectibles stashed inside.

First, I would strangle a gunsmith who, without my consent, rechambered a model 92 that I owned and entrusted him with for an evaluation. That could easily be a $6-$7k screw-up.

Secondly .... fast burning and slow burning 32? Say what? It is either a 32 Long or a 32 Colt.

Someone above, Harvey I think, used a 39A analogy? I like that.

I would absolutely strangle a gunsmith for rechambering a 1906 92 without my permission.

Go over to the Marlin Owners Forums, tell'em I sent you ... let those guys hash this out with you and be prepared to upload some pics. I'll bet there are 100 guys with your model who are well versed in everything you need to know and, btw, congrats on your hand me down. Someone loved you.

 

[Lundman]

I met with the (Sportsmans) gunsmith and was glad he knew what was he was doing - it was before the work and is chambered after the work in 32 Long - the chamber was cast and the barrel relined to make it capable of shooting 32 S&W Long factory loads - as far as the great information this forum and it's members provided it was priceless. Many thanks to all and I will find the Marlin owners forum and ask about straightening the rear pop-up long range site as it is a little bent from being true and in-line.